RedDoorz Plus @ Chinatown Binondo

The online photos didn’t match what I found inside. My room looked very old, the hallway was creepy, and there was a strange, unpleasant smell. The linens still had visible dirt and didn’t seem properly washed, so I had trouble sleeping. It also felt like there were bugs around, and I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that someone was watching me.

The room was great, and the shower worked just fine. The building is old and the doors don’t have enough locks, so be mindful during your stay. It’s near lots of restaurants, and for such a cheap place, the location is more than perfect. One of the best.

The location in Binondo makes finding food easy, though the nearby restaurants can have long lines. Go early or have someone queue while you stay at the hotel. There’s a 7/11 nearby if that doesn’t work out. Getting a Grab can be difficult during peak hours. Our standard room was quiet and dark with the lights off, and we slept well. Since the area is busy, ask for a room away from the main road. We requested a quiet room on a higher floor and got one. The staff were friendly and did what they said they would. The bed and towels were clean, and there were no cockroaches. You can choose between the fan and air-conditioning, though the AC was very loud. They provided soap, a toothbrush, shampoo, and a small toothpaste. The shower wasn’t great: the water flow felt harsh on the skin, it was hard to adjust the temperature between very hot and cold, and there was no bidet. Water dispensers were a nice plus, so we didn’t need to buy drinking water. I’d happily book again if I get the chance. For the price, I recommend it, but if you’re a foreigner with high demands for a budget stay, this probably won’t please you.

The staff were polite and helpful, and the location was handy for shops, restaurants, and fruit stands. It’s easy to reach by Grab or tricycle, and Carriedo or D.Jose LRT1 station is a fair walk away. I’d stay here again if I return to Manila. We spent three nights here and it was good overall. The rooms, towels, and linens were clean, and the hot and cold water dispensers in the hallways were a big plus. Our first room had a window and was noisy, so we moved to one without a window. That room was dark and quiet, perfect for catching up on sleep.