Inspiring Story
A weary traveler stepped off the midnight bus from Manila, looking for nothing more than a quiet place to escape the noise of the city. Guided by the soft glow of streetlights in the heart of Bolinao town center, they discovered a hidden haven at Los Ecijanos Inn. This pocket friendly refuge turned an exhausting journey into an unforgettable exploration of towering lighthouses, golden beaches, and refreshing waterfalls, reminding them that the best adventures always begin with a simple, comfortable place to rest your head.
Holiday Getaways
This budget friendly inn is best for families, couples, and group backpackers seeking convenient holiday getaways near local dining options, historical sites, and transportation hubs. It serves as an excellent central base for travelers who want to maximize their days exploring Bolinao without spending a fortune on luxury accommodations.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Highly accessible location in the town center, spacious air conditioned family rooms, fast complimentary wireless internet, free secure parking space, and approachable 24 hour front desk staff.
Cons: Located a 40 minute drive away from Patar Beach, unpredictable water pressure, lack of an in house restaurant or breakfast service, and no mini refrigerator provided in standard rooms.
In-Depth Spotlights
Room rates at this RedDoorz property offer remarkable value, typically starting around 900 to 1200 Philippine Pesos per night depending on the room type and season. In comparison with beachfront luxury properties like Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort or Villa Soledad Beach Resort which can cost upwards of 3000 to 5000 Pesos per night, Los Ecijanos Inn provides a far more economical alternative. While you trade instant ocean views for a town center setting, you save significantly on accommodation expenses, making it an ideal choice for practical travelers who prefer spending their budget on experiences rather than premium amenities.
Customer Reviews
Overall Rating: 8.0 / 10
- Service: 8.4 / 10
- Facilities: 7.3 / 10
- Value for money: 8.2 / 10
- Cleanliness: 8.3 / 10
- Location: 8.4 / 10
Solving the Travelers Problem
Many visitors heading to Bolinao face the dilemma of choosing between expensive beachside resorts or isolated homestays far from basic necessities. Los Ecijanos Inn solves this problem by offering an affordable, highly connected alternative right in the town center. Staying here means you are walking distance from ATMs, pharmacies, local eateries, and the main bus terminal, removing the stress of finding food late at night or getting stranded without transport options.
Travel Guides and Tips
Safety & Scams: Always arrange tricycle tours through the hotel front desk or verified tourism booths to avoid inflated transport rates. Agree on a fixed price before boarding any local vehicle.
Packing Guides: Pack strong insect repellent for evening walks, lightweight breathable clothing for the tropical humidity, a reliable power bank, and a sturdy waterproof bag to protect your electronics during island hops and waterfall treks.
Transportation Tips
If you are coming from Manila, take a direct Victory Liner or Five Star bus bound for Bolinao, which drops passengers off in the town center just a short tricycle ride away from the inn. For travelers flying into Luzon, the closest major gateway is Clark International Airport. From there, you can ride a bus to Alaminos City and transfer to a local bus or van heading directly to Bolinao.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at the inn, check into your room, and take a 7 minute walk to visit the historic Saint James the Great Parish Church. Enjoy dinner at a nearby local cafe.
Day 2: Rent a tricycle for a full day tour covering the breathtaking Bolinao Falls 1 and 2, exploring the cool waters of Enchanted Cave, taking photos at Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, and catching a stunning sunset at Patar Beach.
Day 3: Buy local souvenirs and sticky rice treats in the town center before catching your afternoon bus back home.
Local Food and Local Attractions
Do not miss out on trying Binungey, a unique local delicacy made of sticky rice cooked inside bamboo tubes over open charcoal. For main meals, try fresh grilled seafood and authentic pinakbet at nearby local diners like Badak Resto or Bolinao2london Cafe. Top surrounding attractions include the crystal clear natural pools inside Enchanted Cave, the historic Spanish era Saint James Church, the scenic Balingasay River, and the white sands of Patar Beach.
Events & Festivals
Plan your visit around April or May to witness the lively Bolinao Mangunguna Festival, a vibrant annual celebration honoring the town’s rich fishing culture, featuring colorful street dancing, coastal cooking competitions, and lively local night markets.
Things to Know and Trivia
The historic Saint James the Great Parish Church was built by Augustinian friars in 1609 using black coral stones. Local restaurants and convenience stores in the municipality close relatively early, with many establishments winding down operations by 7 PM, so it is highly recommended to secure your dinner and evening snacks ahead of time.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Does RedDoorz @ Los Ecijanos Inn Pangasinan have an electric car charging station? Yes, the property features an on site electric vehicle charging station alongside its free self parking facilities.
- Is there an in house restaurant available at the inn? No, there is no food service on site, but multiple local restaurants are located within an easy 5 to 10 minute walk.
- How far is the hotel from the famous Patar Beach? The property is located in the town center, which is approximately a 40 to 50 minute drive away from Patar Beach.
- Are pets allowed inside the guest rooms? No, the hotel maintains a strict policy that does not allow pets on the premises.
- Does the property feature a swimming pool for guests? The inn features a small swimming pool area, though availability may vary due to periodic maintenance and renovations.
- Are there hot water showers available in the bathrooms? Standard rooms generally feature cold water showers, which is refreshing in the tropical heat but good to note for morning bathers.
- Is early check-in allowed at Los Ecijanos Inn? Early check in is subject to room availability and may require an additional fee determined by the front desk.
- Can the hotel staff help arrange local tricycle tours? Yes, the approachable 24 hour front desk staff can assist in connecting guests with trusted local drivers for sightseeing tours.
- Is smoking permitted inside the rooms or balconies? The hotel is a completely smoke free zone to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for all staying guests.
- What is the closest airport to this Bolinao property? The nearest major commercial airport is Clark International Airport, located roughly a 4 to 5 hour drive away.
