Uncover Bacolod's Hidden Gem: North Tourist Inn Awaits!
Uncovering Bacolod's Hidden Gem: North Tourist Inn - Where "Meh" Meets Delight (Sometimes)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. We're diving headfirst into North Tourist Inn, a place that claims to be a hidden gem in Bacolod. Honestly, after my stay, I'm still trying to figure out if it's a shiny pearl or a slightly tarnished trinket. Prepare for a messy, unfiltered, and probably too-long review.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of North Tourist Inn in Bacolod! Discover what makes it a hidden gem (and what definitely doesn't). We cover accessibility, amenities, food, safety, and my personal, slightly chaotic, experience. Read before you book!
Let's Get This Party Started: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Alright
First impressions? Hmm. The exterior? Functional. Not ugly, not beautiful. Just…there. Finding it was easy enough. Accessibility? That's where things get interesting.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Okay, so the website says accessible. And there's an elevator. That's a good start. But then… the ramps… well, let's just say they might be a bit of a challenge for some. You’ll need a dedicated navigator.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: The rooms appear to be a decent size, and I think I saw some grab bars…but I didn’t actually test them. So take that with a grain of salt.
- Accessibility – The Verdict: Mostly there. Not perfect. Bring your patience (and maybe your own backup navigation skills).
The On-Site Buzz: Restaurants, Lounges, and… Hope?
- Restaurants: They have restaurants. Mostly standard fare. And the breakfast buffet? We'll get to that (spoiler alert: it has its ups and downs).
- Poolside Bar: Ah, the pool. That's the promise of vacation, yes? The bar? It exists (mostly). But sometimes, finding a staff member to actually serve you is like winning the lottery.
- Lounges: Honestly, I didn't see much in the way of actual lounges. It’s more like… seating areas scattered about. Doesn't really inspire lounging.
Internet: The Digital Lifeline
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: Praise be! Essential for me, and thankfully, the Wi-Fi was…mostly…reliable. A few dropouts here and there (particularly during peak times), but generally acceptable for basic browsing and, you know, checking emails at 2 am because you can't sleep.
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't use it. Probably exists, but who needs LAN when you’ve got… mostly reliable WiFi?
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Same story as the rooms. Spotty but functional.
Let’s Talk About "Things to Do" (Or Not):
- Swimming Pool: Okay, the pool is actually pretty decent. It’s a good size and has a view of… well, something. The filtration might be in question, though. I'm not a professional, and I think the water looked okay.
- Spa: They have a spa. Allegedly. I didn't brave it. My travel companion, however, decided to indulge in the spa, and it was an experience. Here's their account: "The massage was mediocre, and the ambiance was…clinical? I wouldn't rush back." So, proceed with caution.
- Fitness Center: I saw a fitness center. It wasn't exactly state-of-the-art. Think… a treadmill that looked like it had seen better decades, and a few weights that looked like they might have been used in the gym 20 years ago. (Okay, maybe I’m being a bit harsh. But I prefer a gym that doesn't actively scare me.)
- Sauna, Steamroom: I didn't see either. Assume they were either non-existent, or even better, hidden from sight.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Foot Bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Spa/sauna: My companion reported: "A mixed bag. Some okay, some… not so much. Proceed with lowered expectations."
Cleanliness and Safety: Does it Feel… Safe?
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services: It felt clean enough. Not sparkling, but okay, the anti-viral stuff I’m sure was used somewhere.
- Hand sanitizer, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: They seemed to have the basics covered, so that's a plus.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Soundproof rooms: I felt reasonably safe, and the security presence was visible but never intrusive.
- Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Good on them for hygiene.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Probably. I hope so.
Let's Eat! (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking): The Breakfast Blues
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Alright, buckle in. This is where things get… interesting. The buffet? Hit or miss. Some days, the pancakes were divine. Fluffy, golden, perfect. Other days? They were…something else. I'm not sure what. Maybe they ran out of pancake mix and improvised with cement? The coffee? Weak. The fruits? Mostly fresh. The service? Well, sometimes there wasn’t any. I had to hunt someone to refill my coffee multiple times.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: There are options available, more or less. Depending on your preferences, you might find something you love. Or you might find that the soup tastes vaguely medicinal. It's all part of the fun, right?
- Bar, Bottle of water, Happy hour, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar: Pretty standard offerings. Prices aren't outrageous. Convenient if you're too lazy to leave your room (and sometimes, I am).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes! Air conditioning is a necessity if you're visiting Bacolod.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out: All standard, nothing outstanding, but things are there.
- Convenience store: Yes, a lifesaver for midnight snack cravings.
- Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events: All present and accounted for.
- Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: They offer a LOT of services, which is good, but I didn’t use most of them, so I can’t vouch for their quality.
That Room though: The Details Within
- **Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-organized itinerary. This is real life, Bacolod-style, North Tourist Inn edition. Prepare for a rollercoaster of sugar, smiles, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by too much kansi.
Day 1: Arrival, Pandesal, and the Existential Dread of Solo Travel (or, "Where's the freaking WiFi?")
- Morning (ish): Touchdown in Bacolod! Finally. Those cramped airplane seats are the true definition of a crime against humanity. I'm pretty sure my legs are permanently molded into a right angle after that flight. First order of business: finding the blessed North Tourist Inn. Google Maps? Bless its little algorithm-loving heart, it was leading me on a merry chase. Finally, after a sweaty ten-minute trudge through a veritable oven (Bacolod heat is no joke!), I stumble in. The lobby is… well, it's functional. And thankfully, the aircon is working. Thank God.
- Early Afternoon: The room! Ah, the room. It's… a room. Clean-ish. (Okay, the sheets might have a faint smell of… previous occupants? Let's not dwell.) The real crisis begins: WiFi. Is it working? No. Of course not. Panic sets in. How am I supposed to survive without Instagram? (Kidding… mostly.) After a frantic call to reception and a few existential sighs, I get the password. Success! Now, to post a photo of that awful room and brag about being in Bacolod.
- Late Afternoon: FUEL UP! I'm starving. Time for pandesal and coffee. I'm not one to overthink simple things. I walk some meters to a local bakery. The pandesal is glorious. Crispy outside, pillowy inside. It's the reason I travel, seriously. I'm trying to be all "local immersion," but all I can think about is getting back to that pandesal. I wander back to the hotel, munching.
- Evening: Attempt to find a decent restaurant for dinner. It’s a small victory! I actually ended up at a place called “Immaculada Restaurant”. It’s packed because of the price. I had a decent kansi. It wasn’t the best kansi I've ever had, (I'm not sure such a thing exists, but still), and the service was a bit…slow. But hey, I'm alive, fed, and back in the air-conditioned embrace of my room.
Day 2: The Ruins, the Church, and (Another) Existential Crisis
- Morning: Rise and… more pandesal, of course. I realize I’m basically fueled entirely by bread. I head to The Ruins. Okay, wow. This place is genuinely stunning. It's ruined, yes, but in a gorgeous, melancholic way. It made me think. I'm standing here, looking at these crumbling walls, and it's just… a bit lonely. I take a lot of pictures. I mean, I have to. It’s basically obligatory tourist activity. It’s all worth it. Really.
- Midday: San Sebastian Cathedral. (Or, "the church with the pigeons"). Another gorgeous building. The stained glass is breathtaking, and the sheer history swirling around me. It made me realized how long I've been single. It makes me think of my ex. But the pigeons are everywhere! They're like feathered ninjas, swooping in for crumbs. It's a charming, chaotic distraction, I guess.
- Afternoon: Seriously, kansi again. I may have a problem. I'm starting to feel like a kansi connoisseur. Finding a new place to eat, I found one. This one was a bit better, and I'm not lying, it was the best. I think. Maybe. Everything is just a blur of flavors at this points.
- Evening: Back at the North Tourist Inn. It's a bit like a time capsule. I watch a movie, which is a terrible decision. I'm pretty sure I've lost all motivation to do anything productive.
Day 3: Leaving Bacolod (with a Bag Full of Regret)
- Morning: Packing. Ugh. The worst part of any trip. Did I buy enough pasalubong? Too much? I probably should have bought more piaya. One last pandesal breakfast. I'm already missing it.
- Midday: Check out. The staff at the North Tourist Inn were fine, I guess. No horror stories, no heartwarming tales of generosity. Just functional. Which is, honestly, perfectly okay. I'm ready to leave. Wait, I forgot to say goodbye to pandesal.
- Afternoon: Airport. Goodbye Bacolod! I'll be back someday. I hope. Maybe.
- Evening: On the plane. Reflecting. Bacolod was… an experience. A messy, bread-fueled, and mildly existential one. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Or maybe I would. Depends on the WiFi situation next time. And the kansi. Oh, the kansi…
Uncover Bacolod's Hidden Gem: North Tourist Inn Awaits! (Or Does It?) - FAQ, With a Little Bit of Me
Okay, spill the beans! What *IS* North Tourist Inn, and why should I, like, care?
Alright, alright! So, North Tourist Inn. Picture this: you're in Bacolod. You've eaten way too much Chicken Inasal (bless!), you're reeling from the heat, and you need a place to crash that doesn't require selling a vital organ. The Inn is... well, it's a place. Okay, maybe that’s not the best sales pitch. It's definitely not the Ritz. Think more "comfortable budget traveler" than "luxury escape." BUT and it’s a big but – it’s got character. And hey, sometimes character trumps fancy. More on that later… I was looking for a place to stay when I got there.
What are the room situations like? Are we talking cockroach buffet or… relatively functional?
Okay, REAL talk time. The rooms… they’re a mixed bag. My first room? A bit…tired. Like, "lived-in" bordering on slightly-abandoned. But the *sheets*! Clean as a whistle, and that's a huge win in my book, especially when you're a little bit paranoid about anything that can bite or sting. I may have had to squish a tiny ant or two near the window (hello, tropics!), but I've seen worse! (And by "worse," I mean a hostel in Bangkok that shall remain nameless, which was basically a biohazard zone. I still have nightmares.) The second room, though? Much better! Brighter, even. The AC worked, thankfully, because Bacolod is HOT, and the TV got some channels, even though the only thing I watched was reruns of some old show in Tagalog. The point is, it depends. Ask for a room that's been recently renovated if you have those options! That's my suggestion. I wish I had a camera in my pocket back then to take photos!
Is the location good? I need to get my Inasal fix, like, constantly.
Location, location, location! This is where North Tourist Inn *actually* shines. It's pretty darn central. You’re not *right* in the heart of the action, but you're close enough. Taxis are plentiful (and cheap!), or you could take a tricycle if you're feeling adventurous (and brave, those things are little death traps). There's a famous chicken inasal place a short ride away. And there are some local eateries within walking distance. Honestly, being able to just stumble out and stuff my face with chicken was a massive perk. I think I gained five pounds on that trip, all from glorious, smoky, delicious chicken. Worth it. Every. Freaking. Bite.
What about the "amenities"? Is there a pool to cool off in, or am I doomed to swelter?
Okay, let's be real. Don't expect a water park. There’s no pool. This isn’t a resort. It's a no-frills kind of place. There's Wi-Fi, which, let’s be honest, is a basic human right these days. Sometimes it works great, sometimes… it's like watching paint dry. I nearly screamed when I couldn't get a video call in to my friends! But honestly, if you're going to Bacolod and glued to your phone, you're missing the point. Go eat some chicken! Go explore! But there’s AC, as mentioned, and that's crucial. That's the winning point among many other things!
The staff: are they friendly? Do they actually speak English? Asking for a friend… (It's me.)
YES! The staff are generally lovely. Filipino hospitality is legendary, and North Tourist Inn doesn't disappoint. They’re super helpful and did their best, considering I sometimes struggle with Filipino and they sometimes struggle with my mangled English. They’re accommodating, and they always greet you with a genuine smile. I remember one particular instance... I was trying to figure out how to get to a specific market, and the front desk guy spent a good ten minutes drawing me a map. Bless him! It was a little messy, but I got there! That's the kind of service that makes a trip memorable.
Okay, the kicker: The PRICE. Is it actually affordable? Because, you know, budget traveler over here!
Absolutely! That's one of the biggest selling points. The Inn is *definitely* budget-friendly. You’re not going to break the bank staying there. I vaguely recall paying something like… Well, it was cheap enough that I could eat mountains of chicken inasal every single day! It's a great value for the location and the basics you get. You might find cheaper places, sure, but you'll probably miss out on the convenience and the general… *vibe*. Which is, let's be honest, a bit chaotic good. But in a good way! Plus, you can always use the extra cash to buy more chicken! (Did I say "chicken" too much? Sorry, not sorry.)
Tell me a story. What's your *craziest* North Tourist Inn experience? Hit me with the juicy details!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This is gonna be a doozy. So, one night, I'm there, totally exhausted after a day of exploring, and I'm about to pass out from the heat and the sugar rush from a *leche flan* I had for dessert (amazing, by the way). Suddenly, BOOM! The power goes out. No biggie, right? Happens. But then… the siren. This ear-splitting, godawful *siren* starts blaring. I swear it was right outside my window! I jump out of my bed and I was panicking! I am scrambling for my phone to call the front desk (no phone in the room). The halls are dark, and I'm running on pure adrenaline. Turns out, it was just a fire alarm test at the nearby fire station, or so they said. But in the middle of the night, it was like a scene from a disaster movie! I swear, I almost had a heart attack. The staff were great, though. They apologized profusely. They offered me a glass of water. They brought me some candles (romantic, right?). And even though it was terrifying at the time, now it’s just a funny memory. That's the thing about North Tourist Inn – it's not perfect, but it's got stories. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Would you stay there again? Honestly?
Honestly? Yes. For a budget trip, you can't beat it! I value the location, the staff, and the affordability. Plus, it's got a certain… charm. A slightly chaotic, wonderfully imperfect charm. If you're expecting a luxury experience, stay somewhereBook Hotels Now
