RedDoorz St. Paul: Cebu's BEST Hostel? (Lapu-Lapu Hidden Gem!)
RedDoorz St. Paul: Cebu's BEST Hostel? (Lapu-Lapu Hidden Gem!) - A Review That's Honestly All Over the Place
Alright, let's get real, folks. Finding the perfect budget accommodation in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, can feel like searching for a mythical beast. You're wading through reviews, squinting at grainy photos, and praying you don't end up in a cockroach-infested nightmare. So, when I stumbled upon RedDoorz St. Paul, I was cautiously optimistic. Did it live up to the "BEST Hostel" hype? Well, buckle up, because this review is gonna be as wild as a Cebuano jeepney ride.
First Impressions: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the "Wait, What?"
Finding RedDoorz St. Paul wasn't a total breeze. Accessibility, specifically, is a bit of a puzzle. There's no mention of dedicated wheelchair access in the initial descriptions, which, frankly, is a bummer. I’m not personally in need of it, but I always try to consider this area for others. This place is trying to be a Lapu-Lapu Hidden Gem, but can you imagine how many gems are actually hidden because they're just not accessible? I really hope they're working on this.
The location itself is decent, not smack-dab in the middle of tourist chaos (which is a huge win). It's a quiet pocket, perfect for escaping the heat and the constant buzz. The exterior? Okay, it's not the most eye-catching thing. Think… functional. But hey, we're here for comfort, right? (More on that later.)
The Room: My Mini-Castle, or… a Slightly Cramped Cell?
I opted for a non-smoking room (thank goodness!), and inside, it was… adequate. Cleanliness was definitely a strong point. Everything felt fresh, which is a massive relief. The Aircon? Worked like a champ, essential in Cebu’s climate. Blackout curtains? Yes! š Sleep quality is everything, and you can get it here.
Room perks? Let’s run down the list:
- The "Extras": Complimentary tea and free bottled water. Small things that make a difference.
- **The “Meh”: ** The size. Okay, it's a budget hostel. I wasn’t expecting a suite. But it was compact. Very compact. I'm six foot tall, and my legs were very familiar with the end of the bed.
- The "What?" The alarm clock. I love an alarm clock. Old-school. But I have no idea how to work it. I never figured it out.
Seriously though – the bed was comfy. The shower wasn’t a dribble. And the internet? (More on that in a sec.)
Internet Access: Praying to the Wi-Fi Gods!
Right, let's talk internet, because let's face it, in this day and age, it's practically oxygen. And RedDoorz St. Paul claims "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and “Internet access – wireless”. Okay, cool. But here’s where it gets dicey.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yes, it's there, and it was…okay. Not lightning-fast, perfect for basic browsing and some social media.
- Wi-Fi In-Room: It was hit or miss. Sometimes blazing, sometimes like trying to stream a YouTube video on a dial-up modem. This needs some serious improvements.
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't even try it. I'm a millennial. I don't even own an ethernet cable.
Bottom line? Don't rely on it for crucial video calls. Pack a backup data plan.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Mostly)
Okay, let's be real. I wasn't expecting Michelin star quality. But a decent breakfast is a MUST. Here's what I found:
- Breakfast Service and Asian Breakfast: They have it! Simple, satisfying. I’d classify it as more "Asian-inspired" than authentic, but the rice was fluffy, the eggs were cooked, and the coffee was hot. A solid start to the day.
- Restaurants & Coffee Shop: The options seem limited to the hostel's facilities. Maybe room to add more options?
- Happy Hour? I was working pretty hard, so I missed it, but the concept is great. A bar on site.
The Perks: Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and Maybe Get Eaten by a Mosquito)
Alright, this is where RedDoorz St. Paul really started to shine.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Fantastic! The pool with a view was a highlight. Great for cooling off after a day of exploring. Seriously, the heat in Cebu is no joke.
- Spa/Sauna: Yeah, they have a spa! Seriously awesome.
- Massage: I didn't get one, but I saw people going in and out, looking supremely relaxed. Might be worth it.
- Fitness Center: I did see some equipment in the Gym/Fitness area, but the Gym/Fitness area was closed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Does It Feel Safe? (Spoiler: Mostly Yes!)
This is SUPER important and RedDoorz St. Paul gets a big thumbs up here.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Check. They are paying attention to hygiene.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. They clearly understand the value of these little bottles.
- Smoke alarms: Yes.
- CCTV: All over.
- Security [24-hour]: Always, which is fantastic and super reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful staff, always willing to assist.
- Laundry Service: They got it!
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were spotless.
- Luggage storage: Always useful.
- Elevator: Another win.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
While I didn't see many families, the services are there:
- Babysitting service, if needed.
- Kids meal.
My Quirky Observations & Real-Life Anecdotes That Make This Review…Well, Me
- The "Smell of Clean": Seriously, the place smelled clean. Like, a clean, breezy scent. Not the overpowering chemical stuff. That's a win in my book.
- The Staff: The staff was genuinely friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond.
- The Breakfast Buffet Glitch: One morning, the buffet ran out of eggs. Disaster, right? But the staff, bless their hearts, scrambled (pun intended!) and fixed it in record time.
- The Mosquito Game: Okay, Cebu is a mosquito haven. Bring repellent. No matter what. There's no getting around it.
The Verdict: Should You Book RedDoorz St. Paul?
Okay, the truth? YES, with a few caveats.
Here’s the Bottom Line (and Why I’m Giving It a Solid Recommendation):
- Pros: Cleanliness. Friendly staff. The pool. The price. Safe. Overall, a solid, comfortable place to stay.
- Cons: Spotty Wi-Fi. Limited Accessibility. Compact rooms.
- Overall Score: 4 out of 5 Stars.
My Personal Recommendation: If you're looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable, clean, and safe base in Lapu-Lapu City, RedDoorz St. Paul is a great choice. Don't come expecting luxury, but you'll get a good night's sleep, a refreshing dip in the pool, and a friendly welcome. Just bring your own mosquito repellent and maybe a backup data plan.
But wait, there's more! A Compelling Offer to Get You to Book:
Tired of Tourist Traps? Discover the Hidden Gem of Lapu-Lapu!
Book your stay at RedDoorz St. Paul: Cebu's BEST Hostel? (Lapu-Lapu Hidden Gem!) today. But here’s the kicker:
- Special Offer! Book directly through our website (or other booking platform – they're all linked!) and get a free welcome drink at the pool bar! (That's a cold beer or a refreshing juice, on us!)
- Limited Time Offer! This deal won't last forever! So, don't delay, book your escape to paradise now!
- Guaranteed Cleanliness & Safety! We're going the extra mile to ensure your stay is both comfortable and secure.
Why Choose RedDoorz St. Paul?
- Unbeatable Value: Experience comfort and convenience without breaking the bank.
- Relax & Recharge: Enjoy our inviting pool and other features, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
- Safe & Secure: Rest easy knowing we prioritize your well-being with top-notch security and cleanliness measures.
- Friendly Faces: Our
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect vacation. This is real travel, the kind where you probably lose your charger, cry a little from the heat, and discover you're hopelessly bad at bartering. This is MY RedDoorz @ St. Paul Village LapuLapu Cebu, Philippines, experience. Let’s see if I survive…and if my sanity does too.
Day 1: Arrival – Anticipation (and Extreme Humidity!)
- 10:00 AM: Landed in Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Oh sweet merciful air conditioning! Stepped out, and BAM! Face-slapped with Cebu's humidity. It's like being wrapped in a warm, damp blanket of…well, sweat. Taxi hunt commenced. I swear, the drivers here have a sixth sense for spotting the most vulnerable tourists. After a frantic negotiation (and a healthy dose of flailing arms), finally secured a ride to RedDoorz.
- 11:30 AM: Check-in at RedDoorz. Honestly, the lobby isn't winning any design awards, but it's clean, right? The Wi-Fi password is the secret handshake of the moment. Stashed my luggage in the tiny, but functional, room. First impressions: air con working! Praise the gods!
- 12:30 PM: Food! Starving! Found a carinderia (local eatery) nearby. Ordered lechon (roasted pig) – Cebu is famous for it, people! First bite – pure, unadulterated bliss. Crunchy skin, juicy meat, explosions of porky goodness. Okay, maybe I needed a double order. Regretting nothing. The tiny, slightly shady, open-air setting just adds to the charm, right? Right.
- 1:30 PM: Back at the hostel, attempted to nap. Fail. Jet lag is a beast, and the siren song of exploring something different, is strong. The urge to immediately explore Lapu-Lapu City, and see where the story is the strongest, and which location is the best.
- 3:00 PM: Armed with questionable navigational skills and a map that’s mostly scribbles, Attempted to see the Shrine dedicated to Lapu-Lapu. The traffic was a horror show. Like, seriously, I think a herd of water buffalo could navigate faster. Swallowed my annoyance and started looking for a jeepney (local public transport). Got on the wrong one. Ended up…somewhere. Met some lovely locals who gave me directions (after I'd sweated through my shirt). Found the shrine. It was…nice. A bit underwhelming, to be honest. But hey, history, right?
- 5:00 PM: Wandered around the market (after getting hopelessly lost again). The smells! The sounds! The sheer chaos! Found some ridiculously cheap sunglasses (pretty sure they'll break within a week) and considered buying a mango. Then decided to try to find some Buko Juice.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner! Found an amazing local place near the hostel. Ordered kinilaw (ceviche) – fresh fish marinated in vinegar and local spices. It tastes like sunshine and a little bit like…a dare because it's raw fish, you know? But delicious!
- 8:00 PM: Crashed. Gloriously, utterly crashed. Tomorrow, I’ll be a proper tourist, promise.
Day 2: Islands, Fish, and Existential Dread (Maybe?!)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. Okay, maybe I haven't fully adjusted to the time change. Decided to skip breakfast at the hostel and find some local eateries to make up for that.
- 8:00 AM: Tried to organize a day trip to the nearby islands (Mactan Island is known for its islands). A guy at the hostel set me up with a boat and snorkel gear (I hope the equipment is not from the 1980s). The idea was awesome. Actual execution? Let's just say I nearly capsized on the way out to the islands. Turns out, my sea legs are more like sea wobbles.
- 10:00 AM: Snorkeling time! The water in the Marine Sanctuary was unbelievably clear. Fish of every color imaginable drifted past me. I swear, I saw a Nemo! (Probably not, but it felt like it). I nearly choked when a rogue wave decided I was a tasty snack. So much for grace under pressure.
- 12:00 PM: Packed lunch on the beach! Ate my sandwich watching the ocean. I realized just how beautiful and peaceful the island really is. Seriously considered quitting my job and becoming a hermit. The peace was divine, it was like someone has pressed a "pause" button on the world.
- 1:00 PM: Decided to try to capture the perfect photo of the ocean, tried to walk and fell! Luckily no harm!
- 3:00 PM: Back at RedDoorz. Exhausted, sunburnt, and slightly smelling of saltwater (which is a decent smell, actually).
- 4:00 PM: The idea of doing more, anything, was exhausting even more… So, decided to do nothing, just relax.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a restaurant that has some great seafood options along the shoreline. Ate some more food… which was delicious!
- 8:00 PM: Collapsed onto my bed, and fell asleep.
Day 3: Culture (Maybe), Shopping (Definitely), and Departures
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hostel. Surprisingly decent! The coffee was…well, it was coffee. The eggs were cooked, kinda.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to brave the chaotic world of the city. Hopped on a jeepney (successfully this time!) and made my way to the Magellan's Cross and Basilica del Santo NiƱo. Massive crowds. Loud music. Street vendors hawking everything under the sun. It was sensory overload. But… the Basilica was beautiful. Serene, even, amidst the chaos. Felt a flicker of something like awe.
- 11:00 AM: Shopping! Went to a decent mall. Bought some souvenirs. Bargained shamelessly for a t-shirt I probably didn't need (and I'm pretty sure the seller still made a profit).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a decent cafe. I am not sure whether to go full tourist or not.
- 2:00 PM: Decided to go back to the hostel, and organize my luggage. Packing is the absolute worst part of travelling, right?
- 3:00 PM: Went to the market for what I missed. I want to get some more food. I need the food.
- 5:00 PM: My flight wasn't until later. Sat in the airport, people-watching, and reminiscing about the trip. I'm exhausted and happy. I am sure I will be back.
- 7:00 PM: Goodbye, Cebu! Until next time.
In conclusion: This trip, the hostels, and everything, wasn’t perfect. It was messy, unpredictable, and at times, hilariously chaotic. I sweated a lot. I nearly drowned. I ate way too much lechon. But I survived. And honestly? In the end, it was perfect. It was real. And I wouldn’t trade it for a perfectly curated Instagram feed for all the world. Now, time to go home and sleep for a week. Or maybe just plan the next adventure…
Escape to Brewster: Your Dream Cape Cod Getaway Awaits!
RedDoorz St. Paul: Cebu's BEST Hostel? (Lapu-Lapu Hidden Gem!) - The Unfiltered Truth!
Okay, is this place *really* a hidden gem? Or just another budget blooper?
Alright, let's cut the crap. "Hidden gem" gets thrown around like confetti these days. But honestly? RedDoorz St. Paul, in Lapu-Lapu City? Yeah, it *kinda* is. Don't go expecting the Ritz. Think… a slightly less-sketchy backpacker haven. My first thought stepping inside? "Huh. Clean-ish." See, I’ve stayed in some *real* dives. This wasn’t one of them. It's got that lived-in, slightly-faded charm. Like your favorite worn-out band t-shirt. Plus, the location. Oh man, the location! More on that later...
What's the vibe like? Is it all about the party, or can I actually, you know, *sleep*?
Okay, this is crucial. I crave sleep. Like, a *lot*. I'm not a party animal. Seriously, I once fell asleep *during* a fireworks display. So I need a quiet room. And, thankfully, it was pretty chill. It seems to be a mix. Some folks are there to explore, some to chill, and yeah, a few definitely seemed ready to party. But the staff? They were surprisingly good about noise levels. They actually *do* care about you getting some shut-eye. Which, let's be honest, is half the battle in a hostel. I remember one night, some guys were being a little loud. The staff swooped in, "Guys, please! The other guests are sleeping." Awesome.
The Location! Tell me about the location already! Why is it considered a hidden gem?
Okay, fine. The location. This is where St. Paul shines, BIG TIME. It’s in Lapu-Lapu City, which is practically *on* Mactan Island, close to the airport. Super convenient for early morning flights. BUT, here's the real gold: it's a short, cheap tricycle ride from some *amazing* beaches. Like, white sand, turquoise water, postcard-worthy beaches. Most importantly, it's slightly *away* from the immediate tourist bustle. I absolutely loved it! You get the best of both worlds – easy access to the airport *and* a slice of paradise. The gem aspect is it's a more localized experience without the expensive resorts around the beaches.
The Rooms! What's the deal with the rooms? Shared dorms? Private rooms? Do I need to bring earplugs and a hazmat suit?
Alright, the rooms. They offer both shared dorms (budget-friendly!) and private rooms. I opted for the private room. Because, again, sleep is paramount. The private room was… basic. Think clean bed, small bathroom, and AC that actually *worked*. (Important, trust me.) It wasn't fancy, but it was comfortable. The dorms seemed to be the standard hostel fare – bunk beds, lockers, a bit cramped. I definitely overheard someone snoring like a chainsaw in the dorms. So, yeah, maybe pack the earplugs. Hazmat suit? Probably not necessary. Unless you're *really* prone to paranoia. Just go with a healthy dose of caution.
What about the staff? Are they helpful or just "clocking in"?
Okay, here’s the thing with the staff. They were… *good*. Not annoyingly over-the-top friendly (thank god), but genuinely helpful. I remember, I had a massive panic attack because I lost my passport. I was a hot mess. They helped me find a local police station to make the report, and even gave me reassurance. They gave me a map, helped me order food. They even had a small area for laundry. If you get a chance, tip them! The staff really made the experience bearable.
Breakfast...tell me about the breakfast! Did it include any life changing meals?
Breakfast. Alright, here's the deal. It wasn’t a five-star buffet, but it wasn't terrible. Expect a mix of Filipino staples like rice, eggs, sometimes some sort of meat (often a processed sausage, I'm not going to lie.) And, for the price I paid, I wasn't complaining. There was coffee (essential!), and maybe some toast. Don't expect any life-altering culinary experiences here, but it fills the hole and gets you going for the day. The important thing is, it was included in the price. So, win!
Any Quirks or Annoyances? Be honest!
Okay, the not-so-perfect bits. The Wi-Fi was… spotty. Like, I'd get a great connection, then *poof* gone. It's a hostel, so expect that. Also, my room's aircon was a bit noisy. A minor complaint, but it mattered to me! Some of the common areas could use a bit more tidying. And you might encounter a few overly enthusiastic travelers, eager to share their entire life story at 6 AM.
Overall, would you recommend RedDoorz St. Paul? Give me the final verdict!
Look, if you're looking for luxury, this ain't it. But for budget travelers, backpackers, or anyone who values a good location and a decent night's sleep (within reason), I'd say YES. It's not perfect, but that imperfection is part of its charm. It's clean, it's safe, the staff are friendly, and the location is pure gold. Would I stay there again? Honestly, yes. I'd go again. And knowing me, that's a pretty fantastic recommendation! Just bring the earplugs, and don't expect too much. And you'll have a blast.
