Metro Manila Dormitories as Hotel or AirBnB Alternatives for Long-Term Accommodations
What I Learned About Dormitories for Travelers in the Philippines
I used to stay in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Campus Hostel. Unfortunately, they were not available during my early 2024 trip. That made me think: are there other campus accommodations open to travelers? My search led me to dormitories open to professionals and college graduates studying for their professional licensure exams. I have three criteria:
it should be near a major transportation system like MRT and LRT
it should offer a solo room
it should be cheaper than a hotel but offer amenities
Three Options
My search led me to three options: two in Sta. Mesa, Manila and one in Mandaluyong.
Urban Pad, is a few blocks away from the MRT Shaw Station. They charge 14,400 pesos or $257.04 a month for a solo room. It has a private shower/toilet and air conditioner. WiFi is available only at the common area. Urban Pad is great at answering inquiries through email.
Luxor Residences is a few steps away from LRT Pureza Station. I had a hard time finding their email but somebody answered their phone through Viber. I forgot how much their monthly rate was but it was cheaper than Urban Pad. Unfortunately, they do not have any available room for me.
Dormtel has two locations: one in Recto and another in Sta. Mesa. I contacted them through Facebook Messages and email and got no response. I finally reached someone through Viber and they told me there might be an opening on February but I have to call back a week before to confirm. A solo room costs 11,000 pesos or $196.36 a month. It is near LRT V. Mapa station and just steps away from SM Centerpoint as shown below. It has free WiFi in all rooms. I chose Dormtel and I was given the room pictured below.
Dormtel has minimal amenities. There is a phone where I can call the receptionist if my mail or food arrived. I can also request somebody to clean my room. There is supposedly a security guard 24/7 but I didn’t see one all the time. Maybe he is somewhere nearby.
Pros and Cons of Dormitories
Dorms are cheaper than hotels and there is a sense of community in the common halls. However, there are some disadvantages:
you provide your own pillows, beddings and toiletries; they only provide a bed with a mattress.
you give a one-month deposit as a security and it will be refunded after a month
cleaning services are optional or for a fee in some dorms
I gladly overlooked all those disadvantages in exchange for the convenience of being near a big mall and LRT station. And even if it is a dormitory, there is no curfew; you can arrive anytime you want.
If you Google Dormtel, Sulit Dormitel also appears. Read my other post so you will not be confused about both. Dormtel is the blue and yellow building in between SM Centerpoint and Hotel Sogo. I found out that Sogo supposedly owns Dormtel. Next, I’ll share my experience with Microtel Baguio and Victory Liner’s sleeper bus.