More than a year after Typhoon Yolanda struck Tacloban City, the city looks like it is still going back on its feet. Standing up is a slow process though as until now many establishments are still undergoing renovations. I wasn’t expecting much on some of the old established hotels here but the disaster could also mean a fresh start for them. I stayed at two more Tacloban stay within the city Primrose Hotel and Etsu Hotel aside from the one in the fringes Z Pad Residences. Here’s my take on these two city hotels.
Primrose Hotel
I didn’t have any reservations when I came in Tacloban City. While I have my list of preferred lodgings I found out that most of them are booked already when I came. I also came in a time when there was a scheduled power outage. Lugging in my bags in the street of Tacloban city, my tired feet brought me to doorsteps of Primrose Hotel. I checked their rates which were acceptable at Php 1100 for a single room with aircon or Php 800 for a fan room. They have electricity from a generator which was a good sign since most of the lodging I checked didn’t have one. I took the aircon one after checking out the room.
The Single Bed
As expected, renovations are undergoing within the building especially on the lower floor where flooding may have gone through. I was at the 4th floor and there are no elevators so this could be a downside to some. For me I didn’t mind the stairs though. The room has a good size with ample space to move around. I like that there’s a closer and a desk again. Bathroom is large with hot water. Bed is also big but linens and towels are on the thin side. The whole room is quite clean and there was running electricity as well. Cable TV works fine and aircondition is cooling properly.
There is no Wifi in the room, only at the lobby. Good thing mobile internet signal from my room is quite strong. But what I do like is that they have water dispenser on every floor. It’s always a plus for me if there are water stations available on a hotel.
Stay Impressions
Primrose Hotel was an okay stay. My rooms was clean and comfortable but I do have to do quite a stair climb to get there. Staff were okay but a little impersonal but they do assist on the luggage. Many hotels in Tacloban has this pay-per-day-stay policy and Primrose Hotel is one of them. I do have to give big points on the location. It is at the heart of the city where most of the important location are just a walk away – the banks, market, transport terminal and eateries. Would I stay here again? Probably.
Primrose Hotel
Corner Salazar and Zamora Streets, Tacloban City
Contact: (053) 321.2248, 0915.341.3890
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
