Since I love to travel and I prefer to do things DIY style (Do-It-Yourself), I’ve learned to include “hosteling” in my vocabulary. It started in Guangzhou (Read: First-time in Guangzhou RiverSide Youth Hostel (Jiangpan) where I booked in a youth hostel and found the place favorable and affordable. The one I enjoyed most was in Singapore (Read: First-time in Rucksack Inn) where we made friends as we shared meals with fellow hostellers at the common pantry and exchanged stories with them.
[UPDATE 2023: The establishments has closed and is no longer in operation in this location.]
I tried hosteling in Makati (Read: First-time in MNL Boutique Hostel) just for the heck of it and instantly met newfound friends. We watched television in the common room, we taught each other how to use the tools in the kitchen, and even had a bring-your-own-drink party at the street in front of the hostel.
Imagine my delight when I found out that there’s a new place in Bacolod where travelers can experience the joy of hosteling. What’s nice about hosteling is that you have a comfortable (and affordable) place to stay for the night, while the facilities allow you to interact with other guests.
The Hostelry in Bacolod is your go-to place for this kind of adventure. The murals, made by artist Megumi Miura, are delightful to the eyes. As I entered Roli’s Arcade along La Salle Ave. (it’s the one before the bridge, near the 7-11 convenient store across University of St. La Salle), I was instantly taken by the ambiance.
The colorful world map mural at its 24-hour reception area was reminiscent of other hostels I have stayed with in the past. There were even walls intended for guests to clip their photos there. Watch out for a freedom board/wall where guests can leave their messages or make some doodles on it.
The Hostelry now has 32 rooms with a capacity of 118 guests. If things get better, it may even expand its facilities. Anyway, we were shown the Twin Room and the Matrimonial Room at the ground floor. I like the pastel color accent on the wall and the zen-like interiors. The rooms were quite spacious and airy. There are private bathrooms and toilets for every room that has hot and cold showers.
At the second floor was the common area, with a circular bookshelf and colorful sofas and bean bags for seating. There are common bathroom and toilet areas in this floor, one for males and another for females, but even the Single Shared Rooms and Bunk Bed Rooms have their own toilet and baths inside, which also has hot and cold showers. For these two types of rooms, which are dormitory-type, individual guests can share the room with other guests. The Bunk Bed can accommodate four guests (so if there are four of you, you can have the room all to yourself) while the Single Shared Room can accommodate about six guests. For the latter, there are dividers per bed and individual lockers for privacy and security.
The prices are quite affordable. The Matrimonial Room and the Twin Room cost P999 a night (app. USD 21.72) with additional P200 (USD 4.35) for an extra bed. The prices include towels and soap. Plus, the rooms have air-conditioning system. For the Single Shared Room, it cost P399.00 (app. USD 8.67) per person per night, while the Bunk Bed is P350.00 (app. USD 7.60) per person per night. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Moreover, guests have a choice to eat out or enjoy the sumptuous food being served at Roli’s Café at the ground floor. They are known for their delicious Napoleones desserts. Of course, a must try are the coffee, which are made of local beans, and their fruit shakes. We were treated to an afternoon snack of chicken sandwich, bihon Malabon, pancit molo, chicken mami, and their two variations of the Napoleones – the original and the chocolate coated.
I can already imagine young and not-so-young alike, as well as locals and foreigners, having a wonderful stay at The Hostelry. Well, just like in many hostels, it will not just be a place for you to lay your head for the night, but more of a community where your paths will meet.
The Hostelry and Residences at Roli’s
Roli’s Arcade, La Salle Avenue,
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Contact numbers: +63 34 432 2663|+63 928 987 6003|+63 995 153 2064
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: The Hostelry
I love hostels. Such a great way to connect and meet new people since everyone is in the same situatiom. Such a different vibe to a hotel. This one looks so comfortable and modern too.
I enjoy art very much. If there was a hotel/hostel with them, I’m sure I’ll fall in love with the place.
Since we usually travel as a family, I am not sure that hostelling is for us. However, this hotel looks good enough as a home base since we are usually out anyway during the day.
The hostel looks good and is priced reasonably too. Could be worth a try the next time we are in Bacolod.
I have never been there in Bacolod city. But I would surely try to be in this hostel if I go there. Everything looks perfect for a single guy like me.
Hostels are perfect for people who love to travel but doesn’t want to spend so much on accommodations, especially when you’re going to be out all day anyway and just need a place to sleep in. This is definitely a nice looking one, the beds look comfy!
it almost feel like an artsy fartsy boutique hotel! even the single shared room looks comfortable!
I love the inherent quirkiness and colorfullness of the rooms. The art works and bright accent colors are just perfect.
Hostels are perfect for people who love to travel but doesn’t want to spend so much on accommodations. I have never been there in Bacolod city. But I would surely try to be in this hostel if I go there. Everything looks perfect for a single man
I personally do not fancy hostels but this one looks really good! I would even stay in the single shared room. What a brilliant idea for sharing but individualizing space!
The hosterly has a really lively look. They have also nice rooms and also those looking for just minimum accommodation.
The hostel has really happy colours~ And usually hostels will be affordable, but what’s most important is cleanliness and the distance from the public transport!
This place looks very classy and loved the wall designs. Rooms are quite neat and clean.
The place looks very creative. I would like to stay at such place for sure.
It does feel artsy. I think it looks great, and I’d love to go!
Now this is a must visit place. I am bound for Bacalod today. I just hope that we can visit this place during our stay. If there is enough time, I may drop by here.