Iloilo City is enjoying a boom in all respects, and if you haven’t got any plans to visit, you definitely should consider making them now. And, if you do, here’s a tip on where to stay: GT Hotel on De Leon Street.
With friends who took excellent care of me during this trip
Why I like it
Value for money
Get a room for two for as low as PHP1,400++ (Check for availability and various room types here. )
GT Hotel Iloilo is in the same league as popular chain GO Hotels, with rates in the same ballpark. The big plus is that GT Hotel has a free breakfast buffet. An even bigger plus is their great coffee (which isn’t always easy to find).
You probably won’t be staying much in your room, but even if you do, you won’t find yourself lacking for comfort. I booked a standard room, but I was upgraded to a Family Room – grateful traveler here!
So, I got a sitting room, 2 TVs, a kitchenette, and an airy waiting are right outside the room.
Food
GT Hotel’s kitchen surpassed my expectations. One doesn’t really expect much from hotel fare, but I didn’t feel like going out the first night so I ordered ribs and mashed potatoes. Boy, was it good! And the price isn’t bad.
Even more of a pleasant surprise are their cakes. I had one bite of Chocolate Nirvana, and they got me. Then there’s the Creamy Leche Flan Cake…no words. Did I mention the coffee?
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- Chocolate Nirvana
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- Creamy Leche Flan
Location
GT Hotel is right smack in the middle of the city, less than 5 minutes’ walk from Robinson’s Place. There’s a church right next to it, if you are so inclined. It’s about 15 minutes to the Parola Wharf – where you can catch a boat to Guimaras Island. It’s 30-40 minutes to the airport. Jeepneys, tricycles, and cabs pass by practically 24 hours.
From the hotel, you can take a jeep or cab to go around the city to visit old houses, churches, markets, museums, and all the food places that Iloilo has to offer.
Downsides
Wi-Fi. There’s Wi-Fi and it can be fast, but not in my room (412). Good thing was that LTE (Globe) made up for it. In fact, I noticed that Globe was pretty fast in most parts of the city – faster than in my living room in Makati.
No frills – there’s no pool, no gym, etc. But it’s understandable at this price range.
Bottomline
I used to stay at Hotel 21/Smallville 21 whenever I went to Iloilo, but I’ve found my new home in this beautiful city. GT Hotel Iloilo comes highly recommended.
Disclosure: Booking.com link is an affiliate link. This hotel is managed by a friend, which doesn’t color the nature of this review.
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