Travel Jams

on Thursday, September 8, 2016

Rich Manor Pension House is a budget-friendly accommodation option located right at the heart of Cagayan de Oro City. We recently checked in for an overnight stay here last month. We chose this hotel because of affordability and proximity to malls and other key city destinations. Here's my full review of Rich Manor:

rich manor pension house cagayan de oro city

LOCATION

Conveniently located along Corrales Avenue, it is a stone's throw away from Ayala Centrio Mall and Gaisano City Mall. It is also close to Northern Mindanao Medical Center and Xavier University as well. It is within walking distance to many restaurants, including Boy Zugba and Big Flat Bread.

ROOM

We stayed in an air-conditioned matrimonial standard room (rate: Php 699; ~14.83 USD) on the 3rd floor. It is clean and the decor is consistent with the hotel's theme. Personally though, I find the headboard a bit too tacky.

Overall, I think the rooms could use a design update to give it a fresh look. There is no wardrobe / closet for clothes. There's a cable TV mounted on the wall. Linen appears clean, although the blanket is surprisingly thin. Mirror in the bathroom is quite aged with white spots. Bathroom has a weird musty odor, which could be of cleaning agent not completely washed off.

TOILETRIES

They offer limited basic toiletries (toilet paper, soap, shampoo). We had to call reception to request for towel and rug for the bathroom. In fairness, the towel was freshly pressed when they delivered it to the room.

STAFF

Generally courteous, although I had to call reception 4 times before they picked up.

PRICE

Room rates are cheap in Rich Manor. If price is your primary basis for choosing a hotel, considering its strategic location, this hotel is quite a deal.

WiFi

There is slow WiFi connection in room.

Important Note

This hotel has no elevator. TIP for visitors, ask for rooms within the first two floors for your convenience.

Pros:

Convenient location; within 10-min walk to Centrio Mall; easy access to school (Xavier University) and hospital
affordable
accepts credit card payments (Visa and Mastercard)
with hot and cold shower
generally quiet, although it is close to a busy street
provides basic amenities
offers pickup for airport shuttle

Cons:

Slow WiFi connection in rooms
No food in cafe when we ordered lunch.
Poor service
Musty odor in bathroom
No elevator

More TripAdvisor reviews on Rich Manor Pension House here.

BOTTOM LINE:

If location and affordability are your key bases for choosing a hotel, Rich Manor Pension House is your best bet. However, you must lower your expectation. As they say, you get what you pay for. :)