Travel Jams

on Friday, July 24, 2015

Clean, chic, comfortable, and convenient -- that pretty much summarizes Travelers Pod in Cagayan de Oro City.

Located at G/F Gateway Tower Building within Limketkai Complex, Travelers Pod really is an ideal place to stay in for a short stopover or a quick exploration of the City of Golden Friendship. It has an overall contemporary design, with a simple yet sophisticated appeal to it. It's comfortable, clean, and well-maintained.

With a unique pricing scheme (a pay-for-use concept), it can accommodate travelers' budget and schedules -- whether it be for a quick shuteye or an overnight visit.

Location

Travelers Pod is located at the ground floor (right behind the escalators) of the Gateway Tower Building within Limketkai Complex, the orange-colored building along the National Highway (CM Recto Ave) across M.U.S.T University formerly known as Don Mariano School. See map below.

Map of Travelers Pod. Image grabbed from their website.

It's just a few steps away from a drugstore / convenience store (Rose Pharmacy) and a fast food that's very familiar to Filipinos (Jollibee), both open 24 hours. Banks are within walking distance as well. Limketkai Mall, Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Luxe Hotel are a stone's throw away.

Getting There

By Taxi: If you are coming from the airport, pier or the bus terminals, you could simply take a cab/taxi and ask the driver to bring you to the Gateway Tower Building within Limketkai Complex. Travelers Pod is located on the ground floor, right behind the escalators.

By Jeepney: If you want to be more adventurous and take a short tour around the city, you could also take a jeepney ride, with routes such as B3 Bulua, C2 Patag, R1-R2 Lapasan, RBC Multicab. Just ask the driver / conductor to drop you off in front of Gateway Tower building.

Own Vehicle: If you're "roadtripping" and bringing your own ride, you can park right outside the building for free. There are security guards around, so your vehicle will be safe and secure.

Staff

The staff are well-trained . They all looked neat, attentive, and accommodating. They were warm, and quick to respond to the customers' needs.

Quick selfie with Ms. Ana as she gave us a tour of the different rooms. Photo from Alex.

Rooms

We stayed in a Premium Pod, which is fully air-conditioned with private toilet and bathroom. It is good for 3 persons, priced at Php 2,000 for an overnight stay (plus Php 350/head for an extra bed). Room amenities include hot and cold shower, cable TV, and telephone. The room is clean and comfortable. There are cabinets and drawers for your things, plus table and chairs for eating or if you need to get some work done. Wi-Fi connection is available in the lobby/coffee shop as well as in the rooms.

Rooms / pods: (1) Premier Pod; (2) Private T&B; (3) Bathrobe included
in Standard Pod (for common bathroom use, nice touch!), (4) Standard Pod;
(5) Single Pods, showing curtain partition; (6) Common bathroom

Pod/Room Rates and Other Services

One unique feature of Travelers Pod is its pay-for-use concept. You only pay for what you need/use. If you need a place for a quick shuteye, you can just pay for a couple of hours. If you just need to take a quick shower to freshen up, you just pay for the use of hot & cold shower facility, towel and toiletries. And judging by the range of services offered, you'll know that they have kept the needs of the travelers in mind.

Room / services rates

Breakfast

Unlike the traditional hotels or inns, room rates at Travelers Pod do not include complimentary breakfast. This could be because there's Jollibee a few steps away and a plethora of dining options within the area. However, if you want to eat in their coffee shop or in the comfort of your room, breakfast is available at Php 150 per head, catered by Figaro Coffee.

Value for Money

The pods and rooms are reasonably priced, with the tariff rate ranging from Php 400 for (for overnight use of single-bed room, common bathroom) to Php 2,000 (for premium pod, good for 3 persons). Hourly rates are also available, Php 150 for single pod; Php 250 for standard pod.

Pros

Conveniently located right at the heart of the city, within close proximity to everything you may need -- dining, shopping, banking, and transportation.

Rooms are clean, well-maintained and complete with basic amenities.

Shared toilets and bathrooms are clean and spacious.

Service is awesome. Staff are courteous, warm, and friendly.

Equipped with 24-hour security.

Flexible room rates (hourly or nightly).

Pay-for-use concept; you just need to pay for the services you need.

Wi-fi!

Cons

Single pods are in the hallways, separated only by curtains. If you like more privacy, you may opt for the room option, which is a little pricier.

Being within the mall, it can get a little noisy until closing time.

Room acoustics and noise control can be improved. Some walls are not thick enough to provide adequate soundproofing. They have set up rules and reminders for the guests to keep noise at a minimal level, but you cannot always be assured that guests and mall-goers will be quiet.

Bottom Line & Overall Rating

★★★★☆
If you are looking for a basic accommodation, and location and convenience weigh more in decision-making rather than luxury, then Travelers Pod is a perfect choice for you. If you are a very light sleeper, inform the staff and ask for a room / spot with minimal foot traffic and possible disturbances.