Hotel Sogo

Part of the Hotel Sogo chain, which has locations across the country, this motel-style property is a simple, budget option that draws travelers looking for a cheap place to stay for a night. It’s hard to miss this bright red and yellow building, typical of the chain. Certainly a bit dated, it could use a fresh coat of paint. Its logo – a face half-hidden behind a fan – is prominently displayed on its facade and meant to indicate the property’s Japanese theme.
Interiors, too, are a bit dated, but common spaces are clean. The lobby is a plain and simple, functional space with wooden wall paneling and some Japanese-inspired touches here and there, like prints on the walls and a figure of a geisha by the entrance. Wooden cubicle-like seating, complete with built-in headphones and chargers, is convenient and offers a dose of privacy when waiting in the lobby. The hotel’s casual eatery – more cafe than restaurant -- adjoins the lobby. Furnished with small round tables and chairs, it’s a simple space that overlooks the parking lot outside.
Travelers here are on a budget and just passing through, many arriving by car as parking is free and the hotel is right off a busy highway. The property also gets a lot of travelers seeking proximity to the nearby airport. Hourly rates are available, which can make it feel a bit like a “love motel.” There are lots of other hotels in the area, so travelers might want to shop around.

The hotel is located in Pasay City right off the EDSA, a busy highway. The area is dotted with several other hotels, as well as some shops and dining options. It’s just north of the airport, which can be reached in 10 to 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. This area is situated right by Bay City, a shopping and business district home to the Mall of Asia as well as the SMX Convention Center, both around a 10-minute drive away. Historic sights such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, and Fort Santiago are a 15-minute drive away in normal driving conditions, but can take a lot longer to reach depending on traffic. It’s a five-minute walk to bus stops on the EDSA and nine minutes to the EDSA train station.

The Japanese theme of the property is perhaps most visible in the rooms, where cherry blossom prints and other such touches offer a pop of color to mostly beige or brown hues. The rooms have lofty category names like Regency and Deluxe, but they’re all basic and bland, plus some lack windows. Decor is generic, consisting of tiled floors and simple wooden furnishings like small desks and tables with chairs.
Amenities are limited, but all rooms have small wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, telephones, air-conditioning, safes, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi, though guests report problems with the Wi-Fi and ACs. There are no mini-fridges or tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are small (some can be quite tiny) and plain, equipped with shower/tub combos or wet room-style showers without curtains. Toiletries are not provided. Note that cigarette smells can be an issue in rooms.

There’s not too much at this budget property in terms of features. A simple, casual restaurant off the lobby serves Filipino and international fare for breakfast and throughout the day. Room service is also available for a fee. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property (though it can be problematic) and free parking in the hotel’s garage of parking lot. Souvenirs are available for purchase in the lobby.