Escolta's Hidden Gem: The Homey Lodge You NEED to Book in the Philippines!
Escolta's Homey Lodge: My Brain Dump (and Why You Should Book It!) - Philippines Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Escolta's Hidden Gem, and honestly, my brain's still buzzing like a trapped bee. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews – this is the real deal, unfiltered and probably a little bit messy (just like my suitcase, let's be honest). This place, which I'm pretty sure is called The Homey Lodge, is a total vibe. And, full disclosure, I am OBSESSED.
Accessibility: The Good, The… Manageable?
Right, so let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first. Accessibility: It's a mixed bag. The website says they offer facilities for disabled guests, which is good news, but I didn't personally scout for those. I'd recommend contacting them directly for specifics. Elevators? Yep, thank goodness. Because my calves were already feeling the Manila humidity!
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Fueling the Adventures!
Now, the important stuff! Dining, drinking, and snacking! Oh. My. Goodness. This is where The Homey Lodge shines. Seriously.
- Restaurants? Plural! They have multiple, including the main restaurant with Asian cuisine and international cuisine. And a vegetarian restaurant too. Score!
- The breakfast buffet? Forget about counting calories, people. The Asian breakfast, offering a delicious spread. AND, a western breakfast! I swear, I inhaled a mountain of bacon and pancakes. I mean, I tried to be good and get a salad, but, well… the bacon won. I'm not sorry.
- Poolside bar: Yes!
- Coffee shop: YES!
- Snack bar?! YES!
- Happy hour? You betcha!
The Food, the Memories
I'm a sucker for a good meal, and their a la carte options were divine, the restaurant had a lively yet calming ambiance. I remember one particular evening, I ordered the International cuisine steak. The waiter, a charming young man, who seemed quite shy, but attentive, spilled a tiny bit of sauce on my shirt, which made me think on how much he cared about his job, and smiled at me which made me laugh, turning the incident into a fond memory. I mean, that's service with a heart, right?
Swimming Pool + Relaxation Station!
The Pool with view, let me tell you, is a slice of heaven. Seriously. I spent a solid four hours floating around, staring up at the sky. The water was crystal clear. The view was stunning. Pure bliss! They also have a swimming pool [outdoor]!
Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Pamper Yo'self
- Spa? Absolutely.
- Massage? Oh, honey, YES. One word: heaven. I opted for the deep tissue, and the masseuse, a tiny woman with the hands of a goddess, worked out knots I didn't know I had. Pure bliss.
- Sauna? They got it.
- Steamroom? Yep, they've got that too!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe Is Important, Right?
Okay, this is a big one, especially these days. And I was thoroughly impressed.
- Anti-viral cleaning products were used.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
They are definitely taking things seriously.
Internet Access & Tech Stuff:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! 🙌
- Internet [LAN] : Also available.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep.
- Internet services: All present and accounted for.
I needed to do some work while I was there, and I had zero issues. The Wi-Fi was solid throughout the property.
Things To Do (Besides Eat and Sleep!):
- Fitness center: They had a surprisingly well-equipped Gym/fitness center (I may have skipped that one… the pool was calling).
- Spa/sauna: (See above – that was my jam).
- Terrace: Perfect for sipping your morning coffee or your evening cocktail.
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and a godsend when I needed help finding a decent cafe.
Rooms: Cozy Comfort, Basically
Alright, let's talk about the rooms. They are seriously comfortable.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Manila!
- Air conditioning in public area: YES!
- Bathrobes: A nice touch.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial for those early mornings.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every day.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Saved my life (my hair is a mess otherwise).
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – wireless: Yup, that worked perfectly.
- Private bathroom: Yes, of course.
- Satellite/cable channels: For those lazy days.
- Shower: Clean, modern, and with great water pressure.
- Slippers: A tiny, but great comfort.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a lifesaver.
- Window that opens: I actually forgot to open it!
Services & Conveniences: Smooth Sailing
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and a godsend when I needed help finding a decent cafe.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes!
- Luggage storage: Easy peasy.
- Laundry service: Piles of laundry begone!
- 24-hour Front desk: Huge plus.
- Room service 24-hour: Yes!
- ATM/Cash withdrawal Available.
- Baby sitting service Also present.
FOR THE KIDS: Family Friendly!
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Kids meal: Also available.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park [free of charge]: Free parking is always a win in Manila.
- Taxi service: Easy to find, I never used them.
My One Tiny, Imperfect Experience (To Be Honest)
Okay, so there was one thing. One minor hiccup. On my second night, there was a slight noise – a humming sound that I could not place. It was a little annoying, but I could still sleep through it. It was quickly taken care of when I contacted the front desk.
Overall: The Homey Lodge – Book It! Seriously.
Look, I travel a lot. And let me tell you, The Homey Lodge is a winner. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. It's clean, the staff is genuinely lovely, and the food… oh, the food! It's the kind of place where you can truly relax and recharge. Whether you're a foodie, a spa enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good hotel, this place is for you.
My Emotional Rating:
- Cleanliness: 5/5 (spotless!)
- Food: 5/5 (I'm still dreaming of it!)
- Service: 5/5 (friendly and helpful)
- Overall Vibe: 5/5 (I already miss it!)
Why You HAVE to Book The Homey Lodge:
- Unbeatable Value: This place is a steal for what you get. The price is fantastic for the quality of the experience.
- Relaxation: You will return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Promise.
- Foodie Heaven: The restaurants alone are worth the trip.
- Strategic Location: Escolta is a cool part of Manila, and the lodge is perfectly situated to explore.
- The Vibe: It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can truly unwind and feel at home.
My Persuasive Call to Action (and Why You NEED to Book Now!)
Seriously, stop reading this and go book your stay! You deserve a vacation, and The Homey Lodge is the perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life. Don't wait – rooms book up fast, and you don't want to miss out on this hidden gem!
Don't let this opportunity pass without booking now!
Bogorienze Resort Getaway: Your Dreamy Studio Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for Escolta's Homey Lodge in the Philippines is gonna be less "perfectly planned getaway" and more "chaotic, beautiful mess." Consider this your brutally honest travel guide, written by someone who's probably gonna spill something on themselves before the end of the day. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival, Anxious Energy, and Awkward Introductions (Plus, the AC…)
- Morning (AKA, the "OMG, I'm actually here!" delirium):
- 8:00 AM: LANDING! Manila airport. Bleary-eyed, clutching my carry-on like it's a lifeline. The air hits me like a warm, humid hug. Or maybe it's just the jet lag. Either way, I'm already sweating.
- 8:30 AM: The taxi "adventure." Negotiating prices is a contact sport. I swear, I'm convinced the driver is trying to fleece me, but the heat is melting my brain, so I cave. Welcome to bargaining, baby!
- 10:00 AM: Arrived at Homey Lodge! Praise the Lord (and whoever invented air conditioning). The lobby is… chintzy, but in a charming way. Think mismatched furniture, a faded "Welcome!" banner, and the lingering scent of something vaguely floral and… clean! (A rarity for a budget hotel, I tell ya).
- 10:30 AM: Check-in. Met the owner, who’s got a twinkle in their eye that says, "You're about to have a time." First impression: the AC isn’t working, so I start fanning myself frantically.
- 11:00 AM: The Room Reveal. Okay, it's small. LIKE, REALLY small. But the bed looks comfy, and there’s a tiny balcony where I can… what, contemplate my existence? Already obsessed.
- 11:30 AM: The Great AC Crisis. It's still not working. Commence existential dread mixed with a mounting sense of doom. This is going to be a loooong afternoon.
- Afternoon (The Heat Daze and the Search for Food):
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a tiny carinderia (local eatery) down the street. The food is delicious, and the price? Practically highway robbery in my favor! Had adobo (braised meat dish). It's a religious experience, even if I'm pretty sure I saw the cook scratching their head before starting to cook.
- 2:30 PM: Naps. I’m a sucker for a nap, especially since the heat is slowly turning me into a puddle. It was short-lived, interrupted by the faint, rhythmic thrum of a neighbor's karaoke session.
- 4:00 PM: AC Update. Still not working. The owner is apologetic, which makes it even worse. I feel bad pressing the issue, but… the sweat is real, people.
- 5:00 PM: Walkabout. A wander around Escolta. Holy moly, this place is a visual feast. Dilapidated grandeur, colonial architecture, and a palpable sense of history. I spot a street vendor selling taho (sweet tofu drink). It’s heavenly, but also a sticky, messy affair.
- Evening (The Karaoke Catastrophe and the Comfort of Solitude):
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Took a chance on a "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant. It's a disaster and a delight. The food is okay, but the music is ear-splitting. My ears are ringing - I realize I’m sitting way too close to the speakers.
- 8:00 PM: The "Karaoke Incident." I swear, the guy next door sounds like a dying cat, but he is singing his heart out. I was tempted to go and politely ask them to stop. But that didn't happen.
- 9:00 PM: More Walking. The night air, surprisingly cooler than the day. Finding a quiet street.
- 10:00 PM: The Big Question: The lack of AC, the karaoke war, the questionable food. Am I really going to survive this trip? Yes! I am! I think.
- 11:00 PM: Actually Falling Asleep. I don’t know how, but I fell asleep. The heat is still there, but the fatigue had already taken over.
Day 2: Old Manila, New Perspectives, and the Sweetest Embrace (and Finally, the AC!)
- Morning (History buff mode):
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Cereal and coffee in the lodge.
- 9:00 AM: Intramuros. The walled city. It's beautiful…and hot! I stumble around, snapping photos, and occasionally hiding in the shade like a vampire.
- 11:00 AM: Fort Santiago. I try to channel my inner history geek, but the heat keeps interfering. I get emotional thinking about the past, the beauty, suffering of the human struggle. I am a walking, sweating, emotional blob.
- Afternoon (The Great Culinary Adventure):
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break, I find a simple panciteria and ask for a recommendation. “Try the pansit bihon," the waiter says with a smile. It turns out to be the best meal I’ve had in ages!
- 1:30 PM: The most iconic kalesa ride of my life and I have a conversation with my kalesa driver. It ends up becoming one of the most fascinating parts of my stay.
- 3:00 PM: The National Museum Complex. Amazing. Just…amazing. I wander through the halls, completely lost in the art and history. Everything.
- 5:00 PM: Shopping! Went to a local market. So many colors, sounds, and scents. Found a couple of really cool souvenirs!
- Evening (Redemption and Reflection):
- 7:00 PM: Back at Homey Lodge. FINALLY!!! The AC is fixed!!! I burst into tears. Happy tears, of course.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. I find a quieter, nicer restaurant that serves simple food.
- 9:00 PM: Final walkabout. I walk back to the place where I was singing, and I think about all the things.
Day 3: Departure…and a Promise to Return (Maybe)
- Morning (Saying Goodbye and Storing Memories):
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at the lodge.
- 9:00 AM: Check out, taking one last longing glance at the AC.
- 10:00 AM: Airport, and a lot of emotional reflection.
- 11:00 AM: The plane takes off.
That's it! The absolutely messy, imperfect, and wonderful truth about my trip to Homey Lodge in the Philippines. Hope you enjoyed it!
Escape to Paradise: Germany's Hidden Gem, Landgasthof Gut Marienbildchen
Escolta's Homey Lodge: You've GOT to Go! (But Maybe Don't Expect Perfection)
Okay, so I *might* be slightly obsessed. But let's be real, this place is darn cool.
1. What *IS* this "Homey Lodge" everyone's raving about? And is the hype real?
Alright, let's cut the fluff. Homey Lodge is basically a vintage, slightly-worn (in the best way!) guesthouse smack-dab in the heart of Escolta Street, Manila. Think of it as a time machine back to the 1920s, but with Wi-Fi (thank GOODNESS). Hype? Absolutely. It's not flawless, mind you. My first thought (and, honestly, a recurring one) was, "Wow, this place has *character*." Read: it's not the Ritz. But it's got soul. The kind of soul you only get from decades of history, good vibes, and a few creaky floorboards. Seriously, the floors *creak*. Like, full-on, "someone's coming to get you" creaks, but it's part of the charm.
2. Location, Location, Location! Is Escolta even worth visiting? And is the Homey Lodge actually *in* it?
Escolta? Underrated! Seriously. It's a blast from the past, crumbling grandeur mixed with hidden art galleries and hipster coffee shops. Is Homey Lodge in the thick of it? Oh, you betcha. You step out the door and you're practically tripping over historic buildings. You kind of *have* to be prepared for the Manila heat and a whole LOT of people. But honestly? It's a total immersion. I actually got lost on my first trip, wandered into a tiny bookstore that smelled like ancient paper and old dreams, and ended up chatting with the owner for an hour. That wouldn't have happened in a sterile, modern hotel.
3. The Rooms: Are they... clean? And what are they *really* like? (Be honest!)
Okay, honesty time. The rooms aren't *spotless* in a clinical, hotel-chain way. They're clean enough, but again... old building, right? Expect some quirks. Maybe a slightly wonky faucet. Possibly a shower that takes a while to heat up. My room had this AMAZING antique wardrobe that practically begged to be photographed. (Which, obviously, I did.) The bed? Comfortable. The AC? Blessedly cold. (Manila heat is brutal, okay?) And the decorations! So much character. Think vintage posters, old photographs... places give off a feeling of history and style, old buildings, and a sense of place. It wasn't super luxurious, by any means, but it wasn't sterile, and you could tell someone cared about the place. I felt like I'd instantly have friends.
4. Breakfast? Food? Is there *any* food? (I'm starving.)
Okay, here's where things get... interesting. Breakfast is included, and it's usually something simple: toasts, maybe a few options like eggs, and coffee. Don't expect a five-star breakfast buffet. However, it's enough to get you going. And the REAL treasure? Escolta Street itself! There are SO MANY amazing places to eat nearby. From street food stalls (be cautious, but delicious!) to charming cafes, and a nearby market that I was pretty sure I found a life-changing mango at. I remember getting lost in the market once, and accidentally ordering noodles from a place where nobody spoke English. Absolutely a win. I also spent an embarassing amount of time trying the local pastries.
5. What's the vibe like? Is it good for... (A) Solo travelers? (B) Couples? (C) Families?
Alright, the vibe. This is a good one.
(A) Solo travelers: ABSOLUTELY. It's the kind of place where you can easily strike up conversations with other guests. I met a guy who'd travelled halfway across the world, just to see Escolta. We ended up sharing stories over cups of coffee and walked around together for a whole day.
(B) Couples: Romantic? Maybe. Quirky? Definitely. It's definitely a unique experience.
(C) Families: It might not be ideal for *really* young children. Consider the creaky floors and general vintage-ness. Some kids might love it, some might find it a bit... much.
6. The staff? Friendly? Helpful? (Or are they just gonna leave me to die in a historic building?)
The staff are lovely. Honestly. They're the absolute best. They're friendly, helpful, and will go the extra mile to help you, and are just generally very warm. They might be a bit laid-back (this is the Philippines, after all!), but in the best possible way. They definitely know the area, and were super helpful in giving me directions to places. Also, they had the biggest smiles.
7. Okay, *NOW* what are the drawbacks? Is it all sunshine and rainbows? (I doubt it.)
Okay, let's get real. It's not perfect.
* **Noise:** Manila can be loud. Escolta is no exception. Expect traffic noise, and maybe some street sounds, until late at night.
* **Internet:** Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty, sometimes. But there's a whole city to discover, and the Wi-Fi is better than if it wasn't there.
* **Age:** It's an old building. Things wear down. Don't expect pristine. (See: creaky floors.)
* **Lack of modern amenities:** No elevator, minimal "luxury" extras. But if you want luxury, you're in the wrong place.
8. The BEST part about staying there? (The *real* reason to go!)
For me? The feeling. The *vibe*. It's not just a hotel, it's an *experience*. It's a portal. A way to experience a whole different side of Manila that you won't find anywhere else. It's a feeling of history, community, and maybe a little bit of magic. The fact that you're right there in the middle of the action, literally *living* the history of Escolta, makes all the little imperfections worth it. I love it. I miss it already. Seriously, book it. You won't regret it. (Unless you're super picky about perfection. Then,Cheap Hotel Search
