Manila's Daitoryo: The BEST Boarding House? (You Won't Believe This!)
Manila's Daitoryo: The BEST Boarding House? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Brutally Honest Review (And Why You Should Absolutely Book)
Okay, so buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drop some serious truth bombs about Manila's Daitoryo: The BEST Boarding House? Seriously, that's what they're calling it. And look, I’ve seen some stuff in my travel life. From dilapidated hostels that smelled vaguely of sadness and regret to ridiculously overpriced "luxury" hotels where the staff seemed actively offended by your presence. But Daitoryo? This place… this place is something else. Let's get messy with it, shall we? Because the truth is never perfectly packaged, just like my stay there.
(Disclaimer: This review is based on… well, my experience. Yours might differ. But hey, that's life, right?)
First Impressions (and Me Being a Hot Mess):
Finding the place wasn’t a breeze. Google Maps… let's just say it had a moment. Ended up in a tiny alley, sweating like a pig in a Manila heatwave, muttering about the lack of decent signage. But! The doorman (yes, a proper doorman!) saved the day. He was friendly, even though I probably looked like I’d wrestled a crocodile and lost. That guy deserves a medal. And a raise.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (Like My Mood Swings):
Okay, so the website says they’re accessible. And they kind of are. There's an elevator, which is HUGE. Huge. Praise the heavens for the elevator. However, navigating the corridors with a wheelchair might be… tricky in some areas. Some doors felt a little narrow. So, while they try, they still have a bit further to go here. I gave a four-star rating for access.
Rooms - My Personal Oasis (and My OCD's New Favorite Playground):
Right, let's talk rooms. My room? Stunning. Seriously. The blackout curtains were a godsend after a long day of battling Manila traffic. The air conditioning? Pure, blissful, ice-cold perfection. And the bed? Oh, the bed. Cloud nine doesn't even begin to cover it. They claim "extra-long beds" and they weren't kidding. I’m tall, and I could finally stretch out without my feet dangling off the edge. The mini-bar was stocked with goodies, the coffee/tea maker was my best friend in the morning. And, (and this is a major win!), Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked. This is a huge win in Manila, trust me. Internet access – wireless? Check! Internet access – LAN? Also check!
- The Imperfection: Okay, I do have to share one tiny criticism. While the room looks clean and well-maintained, I am a stickler for details, and my personal preference would be for the lighting to be a bit more modern. I had to spend some time trying to make the "perfect" lighting setup to read without hurting my eyes at night.
Cleanliness and Safety - Germaphobe Approved (Mostly):
Honestly, I was impressed. The room was impeccably clean. And they go the extra mile with the safety and security features. Daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization between stays, all the hand sanitizer you could shake a stick at – they're taking it seriously. They even provide individually-wrapped food options in the room. Plus, the staff were masking up, and they have professional-grade sanitizing services. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), so this was a massive plus.
- The Imperfection: They offer room sanitization, which is cool, but maybe the option to opt-out would be good.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food! (Except When It’s Not):
Okay, let's be real. Food is EVERYTHING. And Daitoryo? They mostly nail it. The Asian breakfast was amazing. Authentic. Delicious. I ate so much I almost needed a forklift to get me out of the restaurant. They have a restaurant, a coffee shop and a pool-side bar. You can get a buffet in restaurant at breakfast. Their A la carte in restaurant menu is available.
- The Downside: The Western breakfast wasn't up to par. The bacon tasted like it had been cooked a week ago. The coffee in the restaurant? Better stick to the coffee shop. This is a point where they really need to up their game!
- Anecdote: One day I tried the soup in the restaurant - it was amazing. I had never tried this type of soup before, and the taste was so unique.
Services and Conveniences - Basically, They Think of Everything (Except My Laundry, Apparently):
Seriously, they've got everything. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Luggage storage? Check. Cash withdrawal? Check. 24-hour Room service? Hallelujah. The 24-hour front desk were super helpful. They even provide a doctor/nurse on call and offer ironing service.
- The Imperfection: While they offer laundry service, it’s not the fastest. So, if you're in a hurry, plan ahead. Also, the convenience store stocks some basic necessities.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Anyone? (Or Maybe Just a Cocktail by the Pool):
Alright, wellness freaks and relaxation enthusiasts, listen up! Daitoryo has a fitness center. Seriously, it’s a proper gym with the equipment I work out with. You can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, and they have a pool with a view. They also have a Spa/sauna! I went for their massage one day. It was amazing. I totally forgot what day it was, and just relaxed.
- The Imperfection: The sauna was a little small. It was nice, but a bit cozy. And the fitness center could be a little better equipped.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart):
They are family friendly, but didn’t have kids facilities. They offer a babysitting service, so you don't have to worry too much.
Getting Around - Taxi, Anyone?:
They have airport transfer, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site]. And hey, the fact that it has a taxi service and valet parking is a big plus in Manila. No complaints here.
The X-Factor - That "Something Extra":
Okay, this is where Daitoryo really shines. It just feels different. The staff is friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and the amenities are a little better than many other hotels. But there's a certain… vibe. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it's there. It could be for the Couple's room or their Proposal spot.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again? Hell Yes.
Look, Daitoryo isn’t perfect. Nothing is. But it's genuine, it's comfortable and most of all, it offers a great experience at a fair price. I'd recommend this location to anyone and wouldn’t look back.
Here's Why You Should Book Daitoryo NOW (Instead of Later!):
- Unbeatable Value: Seriously, for the price, you get a level of comfort and service that punches way above its weight class.
- Prime Location: Manila's a chaotic city, but Daitoryo is located in a surprisingly convenient location.
- The Little Things: The things that really matter - the super-comfy bed, the reliable Wi-Fi, the 24-hour room service.
- Feeling Cozy: you will feel welcomed and at home.
Book now, before the word gets out and you can't get a room! Tell them I sent you. (Just kidding, they probably won't care, but you should book anyway!)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary ain't your grandma's perfectly planned weekend escape. We're talking Daitoryo Boarding House in Manila – and trust me, it’s going to be a trip. This is less a schedule, more a… well, a living, breathing, slightly chaotic journal of what's probably going to happen. Pray for me.
Daitoryo Boarding House: Manila – Operation "Survive and Thrive (Maybe)"
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome to the Jungle (Literally, My Sleep Schedule is Gone)
- Afternoon (Manila Time, because Time Zones Are Suggestions, Right?): LAND! I'm arriving at Manila airport, which I’m picturing as a humid portal to another dimension. Pray for the luggage to arrive with me. Already feeling the tickle of sweat, a sure sign I’m no longer in my climate-controlled, avocado-toast-eating bubble. Shivers. Finding a reliable taxi and not getting completely ripped off is the first challenge. Wish me luck. I'm also hoping to find some decent coffee; I’d heard the stuff in the Philippines is supposed to be GOOD. This trip hinges on caffeine.
- Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrived (probably late) at Daitoryo Boarding House. "Boarding House" sounds so… British. Probably looks nothing like the photos online, which are, let's be honest, carefully curated. Prepare for the "reality check" of travel. Might be a bustling place in a dodgy area, I heard. Am I nervous? Maybe. More like, I'm bracing myself. The mission now is to find my room and assess the damage (aesthetic damage, mental damage, financial damage – always a gamble). Hopefully, the aircon works. Please, God, let the aircon work.
- Anecdote Teaser: Last time I tried to 'rough it', I ended up sleeping on a lumpy mattress and battling a rogue cockroach the size of my thumb. Learned my lesson. Sort of.
- Evening: Familiarize myself with the boarding house. Scope out the common areas, try to find the Wi-Fi password (vital for survival), and attempt some awkward small talk with other guests. My social battery is low. Hoping I can at least navigate the hallways without looking like a lost puppy.
- Quirky Observation: I suspect the other guests will be a mixed bag of backpackers, digital nomads, and maybe a few souls who’ve been "boarding" for a very long time. I'm secretly hoping for a good story.
- Late Evening: Dinner. Okay, listen. Filipino food is supposed to be amazing. This will be my first REAL taste. Adobo. Sinigang. Lechon. OMG I am drooling just thinking about it. But finding a good, safe place to eat that’s within walking distance without attracting unwanted attention is going to be a Herculean task. Maybe ask for a local recommendation. If I’m brave, I'll try street food. Or I'll just order room service. We'll see. My stomach is the deciding factor here.
- Emotional Reaction: Excitement. Nervousness. The delicious anticipation of something new and exciting. And maybe a little bit of panic. But mostly, the food. Mmmmm, food.
- Night: Attempted to get some shut-eye…but more likely tossed and turned for an hour. The aircon is humming, the street noise is a symphony of chaos, and I'm convinced there's a giant lizard lurking in the shadows (thanks, imagination!). Fighting jet lag is a battle of wills. Probably going to end up staring at the ceiling and contemplating my life choices until 3 a.m.
Day 2: Manila Mayhem – From Temples to Traffic, and the Quest for the Perfect Mango
- Morning (or Whenever I Wake Up…this is where it gets dicey): Breakfast. Assuming there is breakfast. Coffee is a MUST. Otherwise…well, let’s just say it won’t be pretty. Gotta fuel up for the day. Probably regret the lack of sleep.
- Morning/Afternoon: The PLAN: Intramuros. The walled city. Historic sites. Churches. Beautiful architecture. Culture. That's the THEORY. In PRACTICE? It will be hot, crowded, and possibly overwhelming. But I'm determined to experience it. This is the kind of place you need to take your time, and absorb the vibe. Maybe hiring a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) for a tour. Or maybe just wandering around and get lost. Which I likely will.
- Imperfection Alert: I am TERRIBLE at navigating. I will get lost. I will probably ask for directions from a stranger (who might or might not lead me astray). This is just part of the adventure, right?
- Afternoon: Lunch. Intramuros has a ton of restaurants, right? Or will I get trapped in a tourist trap? The eternal travel dilemma. Need to research, but also…I’m starving. Maybe seek out a place with aircon and a decent view. And please, something other than pizza.
- Afternoon/Early Evening: The Traffic. Oh, the traffic. Manila traffic is legendary. Getting across the city will be a test of patience and possibly sanity. Thinking about grabbing a ride-hailing service (Grab - fingers crossed that works). Deep breaths. But the target is the San Sebastian Church. If I don't see that, I failed.
- Emotional Reaction: Apprehension. Traffic always makes me testy. Seriously, I hate wasting time. But also, the sheer chaos of Manila traffic is a unique experience in itself. Gotta embrace the madness.
- Evening: Dinner and…maybe some nightlife? Or am I too exhausted? Maybe a quiet, early night in with some instant noodles and a book. This is a REAL possibility. I'm already feeling the fatigue setting in.
- Rambling Interlude: I'm starting to realize that travel is less about seeing everything and more about… feeling everything. The good, the bad, the sweaty, the sleep-deprived, the slightly overwhelmed… all part of the package. And if I can survive this, maybe I can survive anything.
- Late Night Crash. Or maybe, just maybe, I'll find a rooftop bar and stare at the Manila skyline under the stars, clutching a cold San Miguel beer. The final decision depends on my energy levels, the vibe of the moment, and how much street food I’ve consumed.
Day 3: The Grand Finale (and the airport dash)
- Morning: Quick breakfast, quick packing
- Morning/Early Afternoon Maybe the best thing about the whole thing.
- Anecdote: One time I went to Bangkok, and I spent a week there. That was awesome, I remember how the street food changed my life. I remember how the people were, and how I felt during the whole experience. That's what I want this time, even though the itinerary is a bit more vague.
- Afternoon: Airport time.
- Final Thought: Will I miss Manila? Maybe. But more likely, I'll miss the idea of Manila – the vibrant chaos, the delicious food, the ever-present pulse of life. And I’ll definitely miss the Mangoes…the best mangoes I’ve ever had, I'm sure. Until next time, Manila. Until next time.
Manila's Daitoryo: The BEST Boarding House? (You Won't Believe This!) - FAQs... or, You Know, Ramblings!
Okay, so is it REALLY the BEST? Like, for REAL real?
What's the rent like? Can a broke student even *think* about Daitoryo?
The rooms! What are they like? Tiny claustrophobic boxes?
Sharing a bathroom? The horror! How awful is it, really?
Is there a curfew? Do they control your life?!
Okay, so what about the food? Do they have a kitchen? Please say yes!
The Wi-Fi. Is the Wi-Fi even remotely reliable? This is a deal-breaker!
What about the people? Are the other tenants terrible?
