Etsu Hotel
This is another one of those heavily damaged hotels since it is just beside the harbour. Etsu Hotel is the former Manhattan Inn now owned by a Japanese company also running the nearby Hotel Canelsa. It had its soft opening last November 2014 so its prices where discounted at Php 730 a night for a single room (Around Php 900++ on regular rates). I checked the room and decided to stay there for a couple of days.
The Room
My room is at the 3rd floor since the 2nd floor is still being heavily renovated. I could still see construction ongoing at that time on the 3rd floor on some rooms but at the moment 17 rooms are available for occupancy. My room was at the back facing the harbour which I thought was nice. My only problem was internet signal was quite weak and they don’t have any wifi yet.
The room itself is quite nice. Big bed, nice wooden furniture, probably used then by Manhattan Inn and running hot water in the shower. Pity is I only have one pillow but I do like that I have a bedside lamp and a working desk too. Cable TV also works but I had to use the CRTV buttons to change channels since there was no remote.
Stay Impressions
Like I said, renovations are still being done on the hotel and if you are bothered by the work which usually happens during the day its best to look for other options but at night I had no problem sleeping here. Location is also a strong point here. Situated along Rizal Avenue, it’s just beside the market and transport terminals and close to SM Savemore and other fastfood establishments. I was even able to use the gym just across. Downside is at the hallway I could sometime smell a faint stench from the sea at the hallway brought about by the breeze but its not that big of a deal as it doesn’t get into the room. The front desk staffs there was also very nice and helpful that time. It would be interesting to see how the hotel would turn out after a few months of work.
Etsu Hotel
Rizal Avenue, Tacloban City
Contact: (053) 321.4165, (053) 325.5900, 09052173026
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.
