Party hotel chain in Metro Manila. Victoria Court motel branches offers large rooms with kingsize beds, large mirrors on the walls and ceilings. Some suites feature whirlpools and sauna. It's neither a business hotel nor a family place. It's a hotel you book for a party with friends, for karaoke feasts and other things. Some people say it's an discreet motel geared towards unfaithful husbands who spend time with their girlfriends.

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It's been awhile since I first covered the Clarkton Hotel in Angeles City as my first hotel review. I have been visiting this hotel in the Philippines over and over again and there have been many changes to this establishment. First of all they have constructed a new 4-story annex with 30 spacious studio rooms. The new rooms are bigger than deluxe rooms inside the old building (and they are about twice as expensive). Older rooms were completely renovated in 2009 and 2010. An elevator for the annex was the newest addition in summer 2010. Overall, they do keep Clarkton Hotel in excellent shape. Most other houses show far more tear and wear.

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My daytime schedules for this visit to the capital of the Visayas in the South of the Philippines was very busy. I was looking for a basic tourist hotel. Clean and cheap, but in central location on F. Ramos Street in downtown. A quick online search yielded various solutions and The Diplomat Hotel looked like a good choice. This hotel is very busy and frequented by individual tourists and large groups of travelers from Europe and Asia. For the low pricing there is not much luxury to be expected. It's simple and clean budget accommodation. The hotel is very guest friendly. Wifi internet coupons for 1 to 3 hours are available for a fee from friendly Cebuana receptionists. Considering price and locations, Diplomat Hotel can be called a good Cebu hotel deal.

Basic amenities with empty fridge (bring your own drinks). I booked a single, but received twin beds as the house was overbooked. F. Ramos Street is an excellent location close to Osmena Circle, Mango Square, Robinsons Shopping Mall and Volvo Thunderdome bars. Taxifare with Yellow Taxis from Cebu International airport costs around 350 Piso. When exiting airport arrival area follow signs to 'public taxi' up the stairs. It's a bit hard to find, but metered taxis are much cheaper than other transportation services offered by touts and baggage handlers.

It's been awhile since I stayed at Oxford Suites on Makati's nightstrip around Padre Burgos Street. Oxford Suites Hotel is in a very busy and noisy area, but I guess that's why most people want to stay there in the first place. It is located next to Royal Bellagio and Makati Palace Hotels, Bottoms Up and Billboard. The rooms are comfortable, but show a bit of tear and wear just like all other houses in this area that are in operation for a couple of years longer. Unfortunately, beds are just queen sized, a bit small for two people. Split type aircons keep the room cool.
Some units are rented out as part of a regular hotel operation, others are privaetly owned condominiums advertised by it's owners and agents for much cheaper rates in local print media and over internet advertising portals such as Craigslist.

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