E-MO Dormitory — Hotel in Cebu City

Since its like a province in the city, a province-like accommodation as well should be expected. ||The place is a dorm in an elementary school-like setting. There are kids and koreans around the area since according to one of the caretaker, its their camp season.||I checked in at around 630pm. The gate is hardly noticeable by the cab drivers. Inside the gate, the guard pointed an alley heading to the place. Its more or less 100 meters away. Finally, I saw a well-lit area which looks like an elementary school. After check in i was led to my room on the third floor. No elevator of course. The staff were so friendly and accommodating though. I booked a dorm type room which I thought could be a relief since Id be sleeping with other guests. Unfortunately, the staff told me that no one is checking in the room except me! I immediately requested to move to another room but I was able to transfer only on the following day because no single room was available. ||To cut my story short, I was scared and regretful that I booked in advance. I consumed my payment which is one day shorter than the original stay. That was a chance for me to cut my stay finally. ||Suddenly, on my third day, I extended my stay because I fell in love with the sound of the gecko at night and the chirping of the birds in the morning. The site from my room is refreshing especially the greenfield where korean children play football. Beside the green lawn is a gym where koreans and filipinos play basketball at night. Being in a camp site surrounded with these friendly people is like going back to my girl scout days. ||I stayed and finally left saturday morning feeling refreshed!||Very rural though, si lower down your expectation to better appreciate the place.||Thanks to the people of E-mo! Stay happy...

The bed was comfy and the room was clean and it's near some excellent (but expensive) restaurants, but in all other aspects this "hostel" fell short. The entrance to the complex is hidden below the road overpass (not obvious on Google maps) which was tricky to explain to the taxi driver who didn't recognise the name of the business. Once inside we pulled up to a darkened building and I was greeted by a very young security guard (only his "Security" emblazoned tshirt gave away his status). I was uncomfortable as it was already very dark at 6pm, I was alone and there was no one else around. He signed me in and led me down a darkened alley and I started to consider my getaway plan. Thankfully he showed me to a lit building where, eventually, someone else arrived to check me in. The dorm seems to be part of a language school, but no one spoke enough English to confirm this. There was only one other person in the dorm and she wasn't interested in conversation. The shower was old and sprayed everywhere and the toilet had no loo roll. I was uncomfortable walking by the dark, busy road (with no pavement) but had no option in order to get anywhere for dinner. By 7:30AM loud music started blaring from next door and someone was shouting over a tannoy. Also, breakfast is terrible which was the killer for me. 109PHP for over sugared instant coffee and your standard Filipino breakfast fare. So grateful I was only here...

The bed was comfy and the room was clean and it's near some excellent (but expensive) restaurants, but in all other aspects this "hostel" fell short. The entrance to the complex is hidden below the road overpass (not obvious on Google maps) which was tricky to explain to the taxi driver who didn't recognise the name of the business. Once inside we pulled up to a darkened building and I was greeted by a very young security guard (only his "Security" emblazoned tshirt gave away his status). I was uncomfortable as it was already very dark at 6pm, I was alone and there was no one else around. He signed me in and led me down a darkened alley and I started to consider my getaway plan. Thankfully he showed me to a lit building where, eventually, someone else arrived to check me in. The dorm seems to be part of a language school, but no one spoke enough English to confirm this. There was only one other person in the dorm and she wasn't interested in conversation. The shower was old and sprayed everywhere and the toilet had no loo roll. I was uncomfortable walking by the dark, busy road (with no pavement) but had no option in order to get anywhere for dinner. By 7:30AM loud music started blaring from next door and someone was shouting over a tannoy. Also, breakfast is terrible which was the killer for me. 109PHP for over-sugared instant coffee and below par Filipino breakfast fare. I'm so grateful I was only here...