
Choosing a place to stay in a city as dense as Manila often feels like a trade-off between price and accessibility. If you are a traveler looking to avoid the hefty price tags of Makati or BGC but still want to be minutes away from the city’s pulse, OYO 797 Brickwood Suites solves the ultimate problem: finding a clean, safe, and modern “home base” that doesn’t require a 2-hour commute to reach the main transit lines.
Travel Guide and Essential Tips
Located at 1820 Oroquieta St., Santa Cruz, this hotel is nestled in a bustling residential and commercial district. It’s away from the “tourist bubbles,” giving you a more authentic Manila experience while keeping you connected to everything.
Cash is King: While some OYO platforms allow card booking, always carry enough Philippine Pesos. Many local shops and even some check-in counters in this area may prefer or only accept cash.
Security: The hotel offers 24-hour reception and secure parking. Always keep your room door locked and use the provided storage for valuables.
Connectivity: While free WiFi is available in public areas, signal strength in rooms can vary. If you’re a digital nomad, grab a local SIM card (Globe or Smart) at the airport for a backup 5G connection.
Nearby Attractions
You are perfectly positioned to explore “Old Manila” and the modern shopping hubs:
SM City San Lazaro (3-minute walk): A massive mall for all your grocery, dining, and retail needs.
Dangwa Flower Market: The most famous flower market in the Philippines. It’s most vibrant at night or in the very early morning.
University of Santo Tomas (UST): A 10-minute walk takes you to the oldest university in Asia, famous for its historic architecture.
Binondo (Chinatown): A short 10-minute ride away. Go here for the world’s oldest Chinatown and legendary food crawls.
Intramuros: About 15–20 minutes by car/commute. Explore the Spanish-era walled city and Fort Santiago.
Transportation Tips
Getting around from Santa Cruz is surprisingly easy thanks to the hotel’s proximity to the LRT:
LRT-1 (Tayuman Station): Just a 2-minute walk away. This line connects you directly to Intramuros (Central Station), Rizal Park (United Nations Station), and the Pasay bus terminals.
Jeepneys: Catch any “Monumento” or “Baclaran” jeepney along Rizal Avenue for a cheap, local way to travel.
Grab/Taxi: Always use the Grab app for fixed pricing. While there is free on-site parking, Manila traffic is notorious—only drive if you absolutely must.
Who Is This Hotel Best For?
Budget Travelers & Students: Ideal for those visiting the “University Belt” for exams or tours.
Business Travelers: Perfect for those with meetings in the Santa Cruz or Binondo areas who need a reliable, no-frills place to sleep.
Shopaholics: If you plan on hitting SM San Lazaro or Divisoria Market (just 3km away), this is a great central hub.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Location: 150m from Tayuman LRT Station. | Acoustics: The neighborhood is lively; light sleepers may hear street noise. |
| Cleanliness: Consistently rated high for modern, tidy rooms. | Amenities: No elevator (4 floors total) and no pool or gym. |
| Value: Often half the price of mid-range hotels with similar quality. | Limited Parking: While free, slots are limited and first-come, first-served. |
Pricing Observations and Comparison
OYO 797 Brickwood Suites typically ranges from ₱700 to ₱1,200 per night depending on the season and room type (Standard Twin vs. Triple).
Vs. RedDoorz Nearby: Similar pricing, but Brickwood often wins on the “modern feel” of the bathroom fixtures.
Vs. Mid-Range Hotels (e.g., Winford Resort): You’ll save roughly ₱3,000+ per night here, making it better for those who only plan to use the hotel for sleeping.
Local Food and Tourism Tips
Don’t just eat at the mall! Step out and try:
Chades Tapsilog: A local favorite for a hearty Filipino breakfast.
Shanghai Fried Siopao: Famous nearby snack for those on the go.
Street Food Crawl: Try the Kwek-kwek (orange battered quail eggs) or Siomai from the vendors near the LRT station.
Pro-tip: Visit the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) nearby to see one of the most culturally significant religious sites in the country.
First Person Review
“I stayed here for three nights while visiting the University Belt. Honestly, for the price, I was expecting something much more ‘basic,’ but the room was surprisingly clean and the air conditioning was ice-cold—a lifesaver in Manila heat. Being a 2-minute walk from the Tayuman LRT station meant I could skip the heavy traffic and get to Intramuros in 15 minutes. The staff was super polite, and even though there was no breakfast provided, Jollibee and SM San Lazaro were right there. If you don’t mind a few flights of stairs, it’s easily the best value in Santa Cruz.”
