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Where to Stay in Iloilo

Where to Stay in Iloilo

Iloilo Western Visayas, Philippines Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full spectrum of lodging options from hostels to luxury hotels

  • Hostels:

    These budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, communal spaces. The Pod Hostel and Ong Bun Pension House. For more options, explore Hostelworld.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses:

    These basic rooms with private bathrooms, without extensive amenities. Consider places like Circle Inn or Go Hotels Iloilo. Find deals on Booking.com.

  • Mid-range Hotels:

    Comfortable rooms with air-conditioning and amenities, like pools, restaurants, and gyms. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, and Seda Atria. Check Agoda for availability.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts:

    High-end services, extensive facilities, premium dining options, and large rooms. Marriott Hotel Iloilo and Injap Tower Hotel. Explore IHG Hotels for premium stays.

Unique local accommodation types

  • Pension Houses:

    Similar to guesthouses, these are often family-run, basic to mid-range accommodations.

  • Resorts:

    Typically on nearby islands like Guimaras, resorts beachfront or nature-integrated stays.

  • Vacation rentals and apartment options:

    Platforms like Airbnb and Agoda Homes list vacation rentals and apartments. These more space and kitchen facilities, suitable for families or longer stays. Most in current areas like Iloilo Business Park. For rentals, visit Vrbo.

  • Homestay and community-based tourism opportunities:

    Less common directly in Iloilo City. Find them in rural or island settings, like Guimaras or the Gigantes Islands, usually through local tour operators. Explore TrustedHousesitters for unique exchanges.

Neighborhood Guide

Iloilo City various areas, each a different character, advantages, and proximity to attractions.

City Proper

Pros
  • Central location
  • Close to heritage sites like Calle Real, city markets, and ferry ports
Cons
  • Can be crowded and noisy
  • Accommodations might be older

Mandurriao

Pros
  • Modern amenities, wide sidewalks, new hotels
  • Good dining and shopping options, and nightlife
Cons
  • Less historical charm
  • Can be pricier

Jaro and Molo

Pros
  • Quieter than City Proper, rich in history and architecture
  • Good for cultural exploration
Cons
  • Fewer nightlife options
  • Slightly farther from the primary commercial centers

Neighborhood Choices

City Proper:

Immerses you in history but can be busy.

Mandurriao, Jaro, and Molo:

Mandurriao modern comforts and entertainment but historical ambiance. Jaro and Molo a quieter, historical residential feel, ideal for those seeking cultural depth.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking recommended for better rates and availability, especially during peak times of year and festivals.

Best Practices

  • High Season (December-May): Booking especially for popular hotels and during festivals like Dinagyang during January. Book three to six months in advance.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: Booking recommended for better rates and availability, but closer to travel date, one to two months prior.
  • Trusted Platforms: International platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Airbnb are reliable. Some hotels have direct booking.
  • Cancellation: Deposit and cancellation terms are not the same. Always verify before confirming. Most platforms free cancellation.

Seasonal Insights

  • Seasonal price fluctuations: Prices significantly higher during Dinagyang Festival (January) and peak holidays. Generally, prices higher during the dry season.
  • Walk-in rates: Might be negotiable in smaller guesthouses/pension houses, during low season. Major hotels typically fixed rates. Online booking often better deals.
  • Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Vrbo specialize in vacation rental properties for extended stays.
  • Unique Stays: For pet-friendly or long-term house-sitting options, consider TrustedHousesitters.

Affiliate Partners for Accommodation

Trusted Booking Sites:
  • Booking.com - Global platform with diverse options.
  • Agoda - Strong in Asia, good for hotels and rentals.
  • Hostelworld - Best for budget-friendly hostels.
  • IHG Hotels - For premium and luxury brand experiences.
Specialized Stays:
  • Vrbo - Vacation rentals, ideal for families or groups.
  • TrustedHousesitters - Unique house and pet sitting exchanges for longer visits.

Visitor Information

Noise levels:

City Proper: High noise levels, bustling. Mandurriao: Varies, can be lively (Smallville at night). Jaro/Molo: Generally quieter, residential ambiance.

Character & Safety:

City Proper: Historic, commercial. Mandurriao: Modern, upscale, very safe. Jaro/Molo: Residential, historical, generally safe. Basic vigilance advised in all areas at night.

Proximity to Attractions:

City Proper: Heritage sites, markets, ferries. Mandurriao: Malls, entertainment. Jaro/Molo: Historical churches, ancestral homes.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks for different budget levels and traveler types in Iloilo.

Budget-Friendly

Good for:

Solo travelers, backpackers, and those on a tight budget.

  • The Pod Hostel
  • Ong Bun Pension House
  • Go Hotels Iloilo
  • Hostelworld for more hostel options.
Considerations:

May shared facilities, fewer amenities.

  • Limited privacy
  • Basic services
  • Can be noisy
  • No luxury perks

Family-Friendly

Hotels with pools, spacious rooms:

Ideal for families looking for comfort and recreation.

  • Courtyard by Marriott
  • Richmonde Hotel
  • Seda Atria
  • Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Considerations:

Can be pricier, may advance booking for larger rooms.

  • Higher cost
  • Well-liked choices book fast
  • Limited availability for big families
  • Some amenities may cost extra

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels:

    Social interaction and budget-friendly. The Pod Hostel.

  • Budget Guesthouses:

    Privacy and affordability. Ong Bun Pension House.

  • Hotels:

    In safe, well-located areas like Mandurriao or City Proper.

  • Online Booking:

    Utilize Booking.com or Agoda for individual deals.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Airbnb or Vrbo options for more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Serviced Apartments:

    Often found in Iloilo Business Park, good for extended stays.

  • House/Pet Sitting:

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique long-term stays.

  • Hotel Extended Stays:

    Some places like IHG Hotels may special rates for longer durations.

Local Insight

Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

While most heritage homes are museums or private residences, some smaller pension houses a glimpse into older Ilonggo architecture. Larger hotels are generally modern.

  • Explore City Proper for heritage buildings.
  • Consider Agoda for unique boutique hotel finds.
  • Look for local guesthouses with traditional design.
  • Check with local tourism offices for heritage tours.
Featured Luxury Stays

For those seeking top-tier comfort and services.

  • Marriott Hotel Iloilo: Luxury option, high-end services.
  • Injap Tower Hotel: Often good value for its class, modern facilities.
  • Consider booking via Booking.com for loyalty perks.
  • Read recent reviews on Agoda to compare.

Accommodation Types Summary

Hostels & Budget Stays

Perfect for budget travelers and those looking to stretch their budget. communal spaces, basic amenities. Explore via Hostelworld.

Hotels & Resorts

A wide spectrum from mid-range comfort to high-end experiences. Options available through Booking.com and Agoda, including brands like IHG Hotels.

Vacation Rentals & Homestays

Great for families or longer stays, more space and kitchen access. Check Vrbo or TrustedHousesitters for one-of-a-kind discoveries.