Kabayan Hotel

For the same affordable price, there are other hotels near SM Mall of Asia where it’s easier to walk around comfortably. This hotel is okay for a quick overnight, but the neighborhood felt run-down and unpleasant, and I didn’t feel safe walking there, especially at night. Even the short walk to the supermarket, about 150m away for water, felt dangerous. Our taxi driver called the area a slum. We could also hear dogs barking from our room at night. Given the location, I think there are more convenient nearby options that feel more reassuring for the same budget.

I ordered Bistek Tagalog, and it tasted like the kind of comfort food a lola makes when she knows exactly how much soy sauce and calamansi to use. The familiar Filipino touches are all over this place, from the design to the details. It really feels like a provincial home, with that quiet sense of cultural pride. Our Superior room was around 25 sqm, give or take, and felt organized instead of cramped. The bathroom has no separate bidet, but there’s a built-in washer that does the job. I also loved the complimentary rubber slippers, the beach-style kind you could wear to the palengke or the shore, not flimsy paper hotel ones. The interiors have that upgraded, comfortable version of your favorite tita’s house feel.

Coming home to the Philippines as an OFW felt especially welcoming at Kabayan Hotel. We had booked a standard room, then were given a complimentary upgrade to a superior room. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel appreciated. The staff were courteous, respectful, and always ready to help with a smile. Their kindness felt sincere and made the homecoming more meaningful. Thanks to everyone at Kabayan Hotel for going the extra mile. We’ll definitely return, and I’d recommend it to fellow OFWs and other travelers looking for comfort, value, and warm service.

I hesitated after reading some negative comments, but decided to try Kabayan Hotel because people said it was close to the airport. They were right: it’s about 15-20 minutes by Grab or taxi. Watsons is right beside it, with Jollibee, Domino's Pizza, and Chowking a 2-3 minute walk away, and SM MoA is also nearby. I stayed in the Suite room, which had a spacious bathroom. I can recommend this hotel.