Escolta's Homey Lodge

The owner and staff were rude and unprofessional, and we felt unwelcome as paying guests. There was barely any customer service, and every interaction was unpleasant. The place itself was dirty and poorly maintained, which made us uncomfortable from the start. I wouldn't recommend Casa Escolta for a comfortable stay. Management needs to improve both the property's cleanliness and how guests are treated.

If you want modern luxury and the kind of comfort you expect from a hotel, this probably isn't the place for you. We enjoyed it because we wanted to stay in a historic home with a bit of Calle Crisologo's heritage in it. It's lovely that they opened this old building for guests, and you can see its age in the details. We were there for two nights, right in the middle of Calle Crisologo, so the famous street is just outside. The floors squeak, so walk lightly and lift your feet out of consideration for other guests. The window in the shared restroom may need fixing, too. I hope visitors look after the house and don't smoke inside, since the smoke leaves yellow marks on the walls. It's more than just a house, it's a piece of history.

They were so helpful about our vehicle and later arranged a tricycle to take us to the boardwalk. Everyone was friendly, and the location is fantastic. The staff also recommended cafe Evelyn, and we'd come back for their service, its proximity, and the souvenir shops. Salamat Po! Our booking was for a four-bed room, but we were first put in a three-bed room. Since there were three of us, I didn't think much of it. About an hour later, staff knocked to say we'd been given the wrong room and moved us to the bigger one upstairs. The toilet in the first room wouldn't flush either of the two times we used it. When we got back that evening, they reminded us not to put tissue in the toilet, apparently thinking we'd clogged it. We hadn't, and we already don't put tissue in the toilet. The upstairs room had outlets across the room from the bed, which is inconvenient when you're trying to work. There was toilet paper in the first room but none upstairs. The blankets are very thin and you only get one per bed, so bring your own if, like us, you keep the room cold and want to bundle up.

The rooms were roomy, comfortable, and well kept, with a nice sense of elegance. The lodge is set in a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial building, and its architecture and surroundings made it feel like stepping back in time. I had a relaxing, wonderful stay and would recommend it to anyone after something distinctive with a touch of history.