Tag: Urban Travellers Hotel

  • Urban Travellers Hotel, Manila, Philippines

    Urban Travellers Hotel, Manila, Philippines

    Imagine waking up to a golden sunrise over the Manila skyline, the cool breeze hitting your face as you step onto an open-air lounge high above the city’s electric energy. You’ve just spent a night in a crisp, comfortable bed after a day of seamless city exploration—without having drained your wallet. This is the Urban Travellers Hotel experience: your effortless basecamp in the heart of Pasay.

    Why Urban Travellers Hotel is Your Perfect Manila Basecamp

    Forget the stress of navigating a new city. Whether you’re here for a quick layover, a business trip, or a spontaneous weekend getaway, this hotel turns the chaos of Manila into a smooth, manageable, and highly rewarding experience.

    The Benefits You’ll Actually Feel

    • Stress-Free Connectivity: With reliable Wi-Fi and a location steps away from major transport hubs (LRT-1/MRT Taft), you’re never “lost.” You are perfectly positioned to zip across the city in minutes.
    • Instagram-Worthy Sunsets: The 8th-floor open-air lounge is your secret weapon. Capture the stunning city lights or the vibrant Manila sunset with a cold drink in hand—the ultimate vibe check.
    • Budget-Savvy Comfort: You get the essentials of a full-service hotel—clean, spacious rooms, a relaxing rooftop pool, and friendly staff—at a price that leaves you with more money for shopping at Mall of Asia or food-tripping in Binondo.
    • Convenience at Your Doorstep: Hungry at 2 AM? Surrounded by 24-hour fast food, local convenience stores, and the authentic pulse of Pasay’s street culture, you will never go hungry.

    The Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

    Who is this hotel for?

    • The Smart Budget Traveler: Those who prioritize location and utility over luxury frills.
    • The Layover Pro: Perfect for those needing a clean, safe spot near the airport (NAIA is only 15–20 minutes away).
    • The City Explorer: Travelers who want to use the train to avoid Manila’s legendary traffic.

    Pros & Cons

    ProsCons
    Top-tier location for public transport access.The hotel is well-loved and shows some age.
    Rooftop pool with city views.Minor maintenance quirks (like slower drains) are occasionally reported.
    Incredible staff known for being helpful and polite.Street noise can be present due to the vibrant location.

    Local Guide: Must-Visit & Transport Tips

    Nearby Attractions

    • SM Mall of Asia (MOA): A massive destination for shopping, dining, and the famous MOA Eye.
    • Manila Ocean Park: A world-class aquarium just a short ride away.
    • Intramuros: Step back in time to the Walled City; it’s a must-see for history buffs.
    • Manila Baywalk: Experience the iconic sunset for free.

    Transportation Secrets

    • Grab App: Download Grab immediately. It is the gold standard for safe, fixed-price transit in Manila.
    • The Train (LRT-1/MRT): Use this to avoid rush-hour gridlock. Tip: Avoid the “Rush Hour” (7 AM–9 AM and 5 PM–7 PM) if you have heavy luggage.
    • Street Travel: For short distances, E-tricycles are convenient, but always ask the price before you hop in.

    3-Day “Manila Pulse” Itinerary

    • Day 1: The Modern Pulse. Check-in, grab a local coffee, and head to SM Mall of Asia. End the day with a swim at the hotel’s rooftop pool.
    • Day 2: Historic Heart. Take the LRT-1 to Central Station. Walk through Intramuros, visit the Manila Cathedral, and explore Fort Santiago.
    • Day 3: Culinary Discovery. Head to Binondo (the world’s oldest Chinatown) for a food crawl. Return for a relaxing evening at the hotel lounge.

    FOMO Check: Don’t Miss Out!

    Manila is hosting several major events this June, including the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) from June 10-14. If you aren’t booked, you’ll be missing out on the city’s best culinary showcases! Book early to secure your spot at the center of the action.

    Social Proof: “Whenever we need a place with a bathtub or somewhere convenient before or after a flight, this is our go-to. The staff are consistently professional, and the location is unbeatable for the price.” — Verified Guest, 2026

    Decision Maker: If you want a hotel that prioritizes location, access, and value over marble floors and fancy curtains, Urban Travellers Hotel is the clear winner for your Manila stay.

    Klook.com
  • Urban Travellers Hotel, Manila, Philippines

    Urban Travellers Hotel, Manila, Philippines

    Choosing a hotel in the chaotic, high-energy district of Pasay can be overwhelming. The Urban Travellers Hotel (formerly known as Shogun Suite) positions itself as a strategic solution for those who prioritize logistics over luxury. Situated right at the Pasay Rotonda, it solves the “Manila traffic problem” by placing you at the crossroads of the city’s major artery systems.


    Decision-Making: Why Choose Urban Travellers?

    If you are weighing your options in Pasay, here is how this hotel solves common traveler pain points:

    • The “Early Flight” Dilemma: Located just 15–20 minutes from NAIA (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4), it serves as a reliable pitstop for layovers or crack-of-dawn departures.

    • The Transit Headache: Being a 2-minute walk from the Taft Avenue MRT and EDSA LRT-1 stations means you can bypass the gridlock and reach Makati, Ermita, or Quezon City via train.

    • The Budget Gap: It fills the void between cramped “pod” hotels and the high-priced resorts of Entertainment City, offering full-sized rooms and a pool at a fraction of the cost.


    Traveler’s Guide & Expert Tips

    1. Arrival Strategy: If arriving via Grab or Taxi, tell the driver “Pasay Rotonda, Zamora Street.” The entrance is in a narrow side street (iskinita). If the traffic is at a standstill on EDSA, have them drop you at the MRT Taft station and walk the remaining 200 meters.

    2. Room Selection: Request a room on a higher floor. Being near the Rotonda means the sound of jeepney horns and sirens is constant; higher floors provide a much-needed buffer.

    3. Breakfast Hack: The included breakfast is typically a plated Filipino meal (Longganisa, Tapa, or Bangus). If you need more variety, there is a Jollibee and KFC right around the corner that operate 24/7.

    4. Airport Shuttle: The hotel offers a shuttle for a fee (approx. ₱700), but a GrabCar is often cheaper (₱200–₱400 depending on the time of day). Only use the hotel shuttle if you have excessive luggage or are traveling in a large group.


    Nearby Attractions

    • SM Mall of Asia (MOA): A 10-minute ride away. Perfect for shopping, dining by the bay, or visiting the IKEA flagship store.

    • Baclaran Church: One of the most visited shrines in the country, accessible via a short jeepney ride or a 15-minute walk.

    • Star City & CCP Complex: Nearby for those interested in amusement parks or Filipino performing arts.

    • Entertainment City: Reach Solaire, City of Dreams, and Okada within 15 minutes for world-class casinos and fine dining.


    Transportation Tips

    • MRT/LRT: Use the Taft Avenue/EDSA interchange. It is the most efficient way to reach Intramuros (via LRT Central Station) or Makati (via MRT Ayala Station).

    • Jeepneys: Directly outside, you can catch jeepneys headed to Baclaran, MOA, or Divisoria.

    • Airport Loop Bus: There is a dedicated airport bus that passes nearby, but for convenience, Grab remains the gold standard for tourists.


    Best For…

    • Layovers & Transit: Perfect for those needing a bed for 12 hours between flights.

    • Budget Families: The Family Rooms are surprisingly spacious and affordable compared to nearby “condo-tels.”

    • Practical Tourists: Those who plan to spend 90% of their day exploring and only need a functional, air-conditioned base.


    Pros & Cons

    ProsCons
    Prime Location: Unbeatable access to MRT/LRT.Street Noise: Soundproofing is minimal; light sleepers beware.
    Rooftop Pool: A rare find at this price point with decent city views.Aging Interior: The decor and elevators feel dated/vintage.
    Spacious Rooms: Larger than most modern budget hotels.Tight Entrance: The side street can feel congested and narrow.

    Pricing Observations & Comparison

    As of mid-2026, Urban Travellers typically ranges from ₱1,300 to ₱2,200 per night.

    • VS. Kabayan Hotel: Kabayan is the “premium” neighbor. You’ll pay ₱500–₱800 more there for slightly better service and updated rooms.

    • VS. Hotel Sogo/Stone House: Urban Travellers is a significant step up in terms of safety and facilities (pool, sit-down restaurant) for only a few hundred pesos more.

    • VS. SM MOA Hotels (Tryp/Microtel): You will save nearly 50% by staying here instead of directly at the Mall of Asia complex.


    Local Food & Tourism Tips

    • Street Food Alley: The area around the hotel is a hub for authentic street food. Try the “isaw” or “balut” near the station if you’re adventurous.

    • Pasay Public Market: For a truly local experience, walk to the nearby market to see the “catch of the day” and local produce.

    • Manila Bay Sunset: Don’t miss the sunset at the MOA Seaside Boulevard. It’s free and arguably the best view in the city.


    First-Person Review

    “I stayed here for a quick 2-night transit. Is it a 5-star resort? No. But for ₱1,500, I got a massive bed, cold AC, and a rooftop pool where I could watch the Manila skyline with a San Miguel beer. The staff were incredibly polite and helped me hail a Grab at 4:00 AM. If you can handle a bit of city noise and want to save your money for shopping at MOA, this is a solid choice.”