Cebu's Hidden Gem: La Fela Pension House - Unbeatable Rates!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into La Fela Pension House in Cebu – a place they boldly claim has "Unbeatable Rates!" We'll see about that, won't we? This is not your polished, corporate review. This is me, warts and all, spilling the (probably lukewarm) tea.
First, ACCESSIBILITY. Let's be real, I'm relatively spry, but I always appreciate a hotel that tries. So, the details… it's a bit mum on the wheelchair front from what I can gather, which already gives us a head-scratcher. Needs more clarity. Same goes for the accessibility of the on-site restaurants/lounges. Hopefully, there are ramps and whatnot. Can't find a real answer to this, it's a BIG question mark.
INTERNET – Ah, the Lifeblood of Modern Existence! They tout Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and that's HUGE. I mean, seriously. No one wants to be disconnected from Instagram, right? Internet access (LAN), too. Old school, but good for some folks. Internet services – hopefully they're not archaic and actually work. It’s mentioned in their perks that they have Wi-Fi in public areas. Great.
THINGS TO DO, WAYS TO RELAX – The All-Important "Me Time" Stuff. Okay, this is where things get interesting. The spa, sauna, steam room and massage are supposedly available on-site. This is where my inner queen starts to squeal – I am a massive sucker for a good rub-down, and the thought of a pool with a view is very tempting. I need to unwind. If I'm reviewing, I'm experiencing, baby! I’m picturing myself, sipping on a cocktail, wrapped in one of those fluffy robes, and thinking about nothing. (Well, maybe thinking about what I'm going to order for dinner.) As for a fitness center – hey, at least there's an option to work off those cocktails! They also mention foot baths, gym/fitness, Body scrub and Body wrap – I have no idea what half of those things are, but they sound luxurious!!
CLEANLINESS AND SAFETY – Vital in Today's World. Alright, let's get serious for a sec. I NEED to know about the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification. Does that mean the rooms are sanitized? And Room sanitization opt-out available?? Genius! Also glad they got Professional-grade sanitizing services. They also seem to have the necessary medical assistance, like Doctor/nurse on call, and a First aid kit. They also have Smoke alarms. I am looking for Fire extinguisher and Safety/security feature.
DINING, DRINKING, AND SNACKING – Because We're Humans, Not Robots! Restaurants and Coffee shops are a good thing. Bar and Poolside bar? Yes, please! Room service [24-hour] is a major plus. Breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast are also something I love. I really value Coffee/tea in restaurant. Bottle of water. Ah, the little things. Hopefully, they also have a Vegetarian restaurant and a good Western cuisine in restaurant.
SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES – The Perks We Secretly Crave. Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator sound amazing. Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange available? Top-notch. Concierge – always helpful. Invoice provided (for those expense reports!), Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Ironing service are all great perks. I LOVE an Indoor venue for special events or an Outdoor venue for special events. The big question is the Car park [free of charge] since I am driving.
FOR THE KIDS – Because, Well, Sometimes They Tag Along. Babysitting service is there, along with Family/child friendly and Kids meal.
ACCESS – The Stuff You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until You Do). The CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour]. The Hotel chain.
GETTING AROUND – Navigating the Chaos. Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge]… and Taxi service. I am pretty stoked about the free car park.
AVAILABLE IN ALL ROOMS – The Nitty-Gritty, Baby! Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, and the big one: Blackout curtains (bless them!). Coffee/tea maker is a must. Daily housekeeping is also amazing. Internet access – wireless is everything. Mini bar. Private bathroom. Refrigerator. Shower. Toiletries. Wake-up service. Wi-Fi [free] and Window that opens.
NOW, FOR THE MESSY, HONEST, AND UNQUESTIONABLY HUMAN EXPERIENCE…
This hotel, La Fela Pension, is a mess of contradictions. It's like they threw every possible amenity at the wall and hoped something would stick. "Unbeatable Rates!" is the headline, and I am intrigued. I really am. Let's forget the fancy stuff – the spa might be a disappointment, the "pool with a view" might be a kiddie pool. I really want to know: can I get a decent coffee in the morning? Can I actually relax? Do I have to worry about sketchy internet connections?
I have to say my reaction to the whole thing goes in the direction of wanting to go and checking the truth for myself. I'm picturing myself: I arrive, utterly knackered from whatever adventures I've been on. The check-in is hopefully smooth (yes, Contactless check-in/out!). I go to the room. Is the Air conditioning actually working? Does it smell clean? Is there a good, solid Desk to work (curse my ever-present need to work!). I could use a long, hot shower and the Bathrobes might make me feel relaxed.
Then, I’d beeline for the Poolside bar (if there is one) or the Bar and order a cocktail. My shoulders are bunched up from the journey, and I realize I'm starving. Hopefully, the Room service is quick and the food is edible! In the morning, I’m hoping for a proper Asian breakfast (maybe the Buffet in restaurant) – I'll report back on the quality.
THE OFFER – Because, Why Not?
Here's the deal:
Book La Fela Pension House Now, Mention this Review, and Get a FREE Upgrade (Subject to Availability!).
Okay, it's not a super-official offer, but hey, if you've read this far, you deserve a little something. And I'll send you a postcard, if you go and I get to see if this hidden gem is real. Just tell them, "The messy reviewer with the honest opinion sent me!"
Here's why you should risk it:
- Unbeatable Rates: They claim it, let's find out together!
- Potential Spa Bliss: Maybe, just maybe, that Spa and Massage will blow your socks off.
- Free Wi-Fi: Crucial for staying connected, even if you are on a vacation in Cebu.
- The Mystery: The unknown is exciting, isn’t it?!
Don't Expect Perfection, Expect an Adventure!
Golden Bay, Naxos: Greece's Hidden Paradise? (Jaw-Dropping Photos!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to witness a trip to La Fela Pension House in Cebu, Philippines, through the unfiltered, slightly-chaotic lens of yours truly. Prepare for the itinerary to morph into a rambling journal entry, a chaotic blend of "OMG I love this!" and "Why did I think this was a good idea?" Sound good? Let's dive in…
La Fela Pension House – Cebu: My Unplanned Island Hop and Existential Crisis (probably)
(Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and the Quest for Adobo)
- 07:00 AM: Wake up in my own bed, regretting all life choices leading up to this point. "Why Cebu?" I muttered to myself, probably because it was cheap on a whim. Quickly pack my suitcase, and rush to the airport to catch my flight with the same nervous energy as a cat chasing a laser pointer.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (OMG, the humidity hits you like a wet, clingy hug!) and try to contain my excitement. Pick up the pre-booked airport transfer – thank god for the pre-booking, 'cause the traffic is already a beast, and my navigational skills are… questionable.
- 11:30 AM: Arrive at La Fela. The place looks charming, in a "rustic charm with a hint of 'we're on a budget'" kind of way. The staff? Sweet. They're genuinely welcoming.
- 12:30 PM: Settle into my "Standard Double Room" (a polite term for "small room with a view of… another building"). The air conditioner sounds like a dying walrus, but hey, it blows cold air. I'll take it. Start taking photos of everything. From the bed to the wall and everything in between.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! The hunger pangs are real, and the scent of something delicious drifts from the local eatery. I try to order Adobo (my Filipino food obsession) but they're out. Devastated. Settle for something called "Chicken Inasal". It's okay, but I need Adobo. The world needs Adobo.
- 2:00 PM: The afternoon heat forces me to hide in my room, looking out the window. I start trying to plan my "adventure" in Cebu, but after a quick search online I was lost.
- 4:00 PM: Another attempt to escape the room with minimal planning. I am still lost, but this time I am outside.
- 5:00 PM: Head to the rooftop of La Fela Pension House to watch the sunset. The view is okay - I love sunsets!- and a couple of street dogs are getting along, and I get reminded that the world is sometimes a beautiful, chill place. Sighs contentedly.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! I hunt for Adobo again, but it's still not in stock. The restaurant owner is very apologetic, and offers me a free mango shake. I decide to forgive them, as I'm pretty sure I could drink mango shakes for the rest of my life.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the room. Catching up on some writing. I am exhausted but happy!
- 9:00 PM: Try to sleep, but the walrus-esque air conditioner puts up a valiant fight. I win… eventually.
(Day 2: Basilica, Magellan's Cross, and the Great Cebu City Exploration…or at least a bit of it!)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up and discover there's no hot water. I am not happy. I like hot showers! I also desperately need my morning coffee, which I find I can't make due to a lack of coffee and equipment. The day is not off to a good start.
- 8:00 AM: I finally get some of that morning coffee, it's instant and tastes awful.
- 9:00 AM: I embark on my tour of Cebu City. The taxi ride is an experience in itself, the driver somehow manages to navigate a chaotic dance of motorcycles, jeepneys, and stray dogs. It's thrilling, in a "I might not make it out alive" kind of way.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The sheer size and history of this place is amazing. I walk into the church, and I am quiet. I am not a religious person but I find myself feeling peaceful here, and I am suddenly glad I woke up, although the air conditioner is still in my mind.
- 10:30 AM: Magellan's Cross next! It's housed in a tiny chapel, and the intricate ceiling painting is something to behold. The crowds of tourists are a little overwhelming, but I manage to snag a photo without getting elbowed.
- 11:30 AM: I try to find some souvenirs at the local market nearby. I get swarmed by friendly, persistent vendors. I buy some cheap trinkets (what else?) and then I am suddenly extremely hot and overwhelmed. Must escape.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break! I find a local restaurant. They don't have Adobo again. I ask for some local recommendations, and they bring me some food with a special sauce. I love it!
- 2:00 PM: Feeling a little braver, I try to eat a local snack.
- 3:00 PM: Go again to my room to read the book, which I realize is not in the same pace as the world outside.
- 4:00 PM: Go to a local coffee shop and drink many lattes while writing.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! …Still no Adobo, but I'm starting to accept my fate. I get some delicious Seafood. Huzzah!
- 8:00 PM: Back to the pension house. The AC still struggles, but I don't care.
(Day 3: Island Hopping and the Great Sea Adventure! (Or, the Day I Almost Fell Out of a Boat)
- 7:00 AM: Up and at 'em! Today, I have a boat trip and a feeling of both happiness and terror!
- 8:00 AM: Find and catch a ride to a nearby port where I climb on the boat. The "boat trip" is not as big as I expected. The tour guide is so friendly and gives us a briefing as we start to sail. So excited!
- 9:00 AM: We arrive to the first stop, and I am astonished. This is the paradise I never knew I wanted!
- 10:00 AM: The snorkeling is incredible! The water is crystal clear, and the fish are all around. The sun is shining brightly, and I can't stop laughing. The best!
- 11:00 AM: Another stop, and lunch on the beach! The food is so so good! Laugh with everyone, and watch the waves crash on the sand.
- 1:00 PM: One particular moment stands out. I'm on the boat, and a wave hits us at the perfect angle. The boat tilts precariously, and for a split second, I genuinely think, "Well, this is how I go." I grip the side, close my eyes, and wait for the plunge. But then, poof! We're upright again, and everyone is laughing.
- 2:00 PM: We back to the port, and all I feel is the sun on my skin. It was worth it, and I would live here forever.
- 4:00 PM: Back at La Fela. I take a long, hot shower (the hot water is magically working today!) and I feel like a new person.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, finally. I sit outside and try to find a way to spend the night here. I feel so good.
(Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Return…for that DANG ADOBO!))
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of… the walrus-air conditioner. It's oddly comforting now. Reality sets in: it's time to leave.
- 8:00 AM: I check out - a little bittersweet. The staff are just as lovely, and this little pension house has grown on me. It's simple, yes, but it's clean, safe, and friendly. It has character.
- 9:00 AM: One last attempt to hunt down that elusive Adobo. The search remains fruitless. I leave with a broken heart and a rumbling stomach.
- 10:00 AM: Airport transfer. Traffic is even worse this time. Why?
- 12:00 PM: Back at the airport, I start to go through my photos.
- **01:0
La Fela Pension House: Your Cebu Budget Oasis – Or Is It? (An Unofficial FAQ)
Okay, Lay It On Me: Is La Fela Really as Cheap as Everyone Says? Like, *REALLY* Cheap?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the price is probably the first thing that’ll knock your socks off. Yes, it's *ridiculously* affordable. "Unbeatable rates" they (and everyone online) proclaim, and honestly? They ain’t wrong. I stayed there last month, and I swear, I spent more on a single *taxi ride* than on a night’s sleep. It's tempting to think there's a catch, right? Like, "Oh, the bed is a concrete slab" or "The walls are made of hopes and dreams." Not quite. Though, the dreams part… maybe. More on that later.
But seriously, expect to pay practically peanuts. It’s perfect if you’re backpacking, on a shoestring, or just, you know, not wanting to drain your travel fund before you’ve even *seen* the Osmeña Peak. Think: ridiculously cheap. Start there. And adjust your expectations accordingly. Which leads us to the next…
So, The Rooms... Tell Me About The Rooms. Are they… livable?
Okay, let's be honest. This is where things get… *interesting*. "Livable" is definitely the operative word. Don’t expect the Ritz. We’re talking more… *functional*. My room? It was clean-ish. Had a bed, a fan (thank the heavens!), and a surprisingly effective mosquito net. Blessedly, *no* cockroaches. Big win! I mean, look, it’s not Instagram-worthy. The paint was peeling in places, the bathroom was… well, let's just say it had character. Think: tiles from the 70s, and a shower head that seemed to have a personal vendetta against me (mostly spraying me with a forceful stream, not unlike a slightly peeved garden hose). But hey! It worked. It did the job!
Also, I heard a guy talking next door. Through the walls. Thin walls. VERY thin walls. So, if you value your privacy, pack some earplugs. *Seriously*. And maybe a white noise machine (my phone worked in a pinch).
But here's the thing: you're paying for the *location* and the *price*. Not a luxurious spa experience. Embrace the grit. Embrace the imperfections. You're in Cebu! Explore! Sleep is secondary. (… Until it's 3 AM, and your neighbor's snoring is setting off a tremor in the very foundations of the building…).
The Location… Is it Convenient? What's Nearby?
Location, location, location! This is where La Fela truly shines. It's right in the heart of… well, it's in a busy part of Cebu City. Prepare for traffic. Prepare for noise. But! It's also super close to *everything*. Smells that fill the air is something you'll get accustomed to pretty quickly. The *really* good thing is… it is close to a 7-Eleven. My god, a 7-Eleven. That alone is worth the price of admission (and they have beer!).
You're within easy reach of the main transport hubs, malls, and some decent (and cheap!) eateries. You can easily hop on a jeepney and get to the touristy spots without breaking the bank. Honestly, the location is a major selling point. You'll save so much money on transport, you'll be able to afford an extra halo-halo or two (which, by the way, you *absolutely* should).
I took a tricycle one day to see Magellan's Cross and that's it! The whole day was pretty easy. (Aside from the insane heat, but hey, you're in the Philippines!)
What About the Staff? Are They…Friendly?
The staff were… okay. Friendly enough! But, like a lot of places in the Philippines, their English wasn't always super strong. But they were *helpful*. I needed an extra towel because I kept accidentally spilling water on myself (don't ask!), and they got it to me pronto. They also arranged a taxi for me when I was leaving (which, again, was cheaper than I expected). They're not going to be your best friends, but they'll get the job done.
I did catch the lady at the front desk singing along to the radio one morning, and she had a *great* voice. That was a highlight, honestly. It gave the whole place a little spark of life.
Is There Wi-Fi? Because, You Know, Social Media… and, You Know, Work…
Yes, *technically* there's Wi-Fi. BUT. Let's just say the connection is… *optimistic*. I managed to send a few emails, but forget about streaming Netflix. Forget about uploading those stunning photos of you posing with a lechon (seriously, send them!). The Wi-Fi situation is a good excuse to truly disconnect. Embrace it! Read a book! Talk to the locals! (They're lovely, and way more interesting than your Instagram feed).
My advice? Get a local SIM card with data. You’ll thank me later. Or even better… embrace the digital detox.
Food, Glorious Food! Is There Food at the Pension House?
I only saw breakfast once, and it was. well, it was *there*. It wasn't winning any culinary awards. Think: pre-packaged bread, instant coffee, and... something that resembled scrambled eggs. The coffee was strong, which was a plus. But seriously, the surrounding area is a food paradise! Do *not* eat at the pension house. Venture out! Street food is *amazing* and, again, incredibly cheap. Try the *puso* (rice cooked in woven coconut leaves). So. Good.
Honestly? I ate at a little *carinderia* (a local eatery) down the street. Best meal I had in Cebu! Authentic, cheap, and friendly. Ditch the pension house food and explore the city’s culinary delights! Consider this a *mandatory* instruction. Or you'll miss out!
Okay, Be Honest. Should I Stay There? What's the Verdict?
Here's the deal: La Fela isn’t perfect. It's rough around the edges. It's not luxurious. But it's cheap, the location is fantastic, and it gets the job done. If you're on a tight budget, don't mind a bit of "rustic charm," and value location above all else, then *absolutely* stay there. Embrace the adventure! It’s a genuine experience. Just pack earplugs. And maybe a good book. And a sense of humorThe Stay Journey
