The allure of traveling comes not just from discovering new scenic spots or eating new food, it also stems from staying at new places. However, choosing the latter can also become a source of stress particularly when planning a trip for people who have different needs and priorities. Such was the challenge during my recent trip to Davao together with my friends and our favorite baby. Since our vacation lasted for five days, I had the chance to stay at more than one hotel, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. On this list of where to stay in Davao are accommodation options ranked according to how they’d figure in a traveler’s budget.
1. Super Budget Accommodations: Little Pink Houses Bed and Breakfast
Before my friends even considered joining me on this trip, I had already booked a double room at Little Pink Houses Bed and Breakfast, a budget hotel that seemed to be really close to most of the famous tourist spots in Davao City. I was aiming for basic: a place to store my luggage, crash at night after I’ve gotten too tired from the day’s adventures, and also somewhere whose proximity to must-visit places would not leave me commute-weary. All these I got for P998 a night (later on to be split into two) with a couple of breakfast meals thrown in.
Marilyn Monroe is there to welcome you to your room.
Pretty basic toilet setup… but be warned that unpleasant smells tend to come from here… even the mirror has an attitude.
Breakfast Option 1
Breakfast Option 2
Breakfast Option 3
Breakfast Option 4
17 Jacinto Extension,
Dona Vicenta Village,
Poblacion, Davao City,
Philippines
2. Budget Accommodations: Bahay Ni Tuding Inn & Resto
On our last night in Davao, we stayed at the very popular Bahay ni Tuding Inn & Resto. We opted for a rent-a-car while we were in Davao City so we were quite worried about where to park since Bahay ni Tuding is accessible only via a sedan-wide alley. Still, we were surprised to find plenty of other vehicles (including vans!) parked there. What’s more surprising was that Bahay ni Tuding, which looked like a simple residence from the outside, actually housed a lot of rooms. And these rooms were quite impressive, given their very cheap price.
The room was pretty spacious…
…even with a couple of these added.
Kitchenette with microwave, perfect for sterilizing implements for baby.
The hallway was decorated with one-of-a-kind artworks.
Must be a great chill out area. Not much of a view though.
Comes with juice and fruits. Do not be shy and ask for a refill if you must.
Bahay ni Tuding Inn & Resto
160 San Pedro Street,
Poblacion, Davao City,
Philippines 8000
3. Not-at-all-budget Accommodations: Pearl Farm Beach Resort
In my very detailed post on the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, I recounted our staycation at this very posh resort in Samal Island. As a summary, let me just say that if you stay at this resort, it would do you well to maximize every minute of it.
P.S. Don’t miss out on the pain au chocolat!
The iconic Samal Suites of Pearl Farm Beach Resort Davao.
Pearl Farm from the Parola Bar.
Passing gray clouds make everything gloomy.
Common Area or the Sala of the Balay.
The king-size bed was two single beds pushed together.
The bathroom has a toilet and separate shower area.
Toiletries for everyone. I like the lotion.
I just loved their pain au chocolat!
Fruits. Fruits. Fruits. They just disappear too fast!
Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal,
Kaputian District – Samal Island, Davao City,
Philippines 8119
March 11-15, 2016
***Photos were taken using iPhone 6 and GoPro Hero 4
