Alicia Hotel: A Good Budget Hotel in Legazpi City

Budget Hotels in Legazpi City

When I was told that the rental of the private van that would take me from Gubat, Sorsogon to Legazpi City at 4:00 a.m. in the morning would cost 2,500, I immediately considered spending a night at a good, but inexpensive, hotel in Albay’s capital.  I asked relatives and friends who are frequent visitors in Legazpi City if they know any cheap hotel in the place which could pass off for a three-star hotel, and all of them consistently gave me these three – Vista Al Mayon, Alicia Hotel, and Pepperland.

The ride from Sorgoson City to Legazpi City took an hour and a half.  I was a bit worried then of the predicament that I was in.  It’s already 8:30 p.m. and the rain started to taunt me into spending a night at the first inn that my eyes would chance upon.  However, I was determined in spending a relaxing evening in Legazpi at a good budget hotel.

As luck would have it, the van that I took passes by Washington Drive where many airport hotels can be found.  The first one that I checked was Vista Al Mayon.  I nearly missed it because I was expecting it to be big.  It turned out that it was just a pensionne house.  They do have a pool, though, and the reception area is clean and cozy.  Their single room costs P2,000.00 which quite met my budget.  They also have free Wi-Fi and a computer unit for rent.  I was about to book a room already, thinking that Alicia and Pepperland Hotel might have similar rates considering that they’re also located in the same area as Vista Al Mayon.  However, I found out that my credit card would be of no use since they only accept cash.

Alicia Hotel along Washington Drive

I then hailed a tricycle en route to Alicia Hotel.  Much to my surprise (and dismay), the ride took just about a minute as the place was just a few stone-throws away from Vista Al Mayon.  The tricycle driver must have thought that I was extremely lazy.

Alicia Hotel's Lobby

Upon glancing at the well-decorated lobby of Alicia Hotel, I immediately told myself that their room rates are probably at least P500 more expensive than that in Vista Al Mayon as the former looks bigger and better than the latter.  To my surprise, though, Alicia Hotel’s single room cost P1,950 only.   They also have free breakfast and a free shuttle service, amenities which Vista Al Mayon do not offer.  Wi-Fi is also free, but they don’t have computer units that could be used or are for rent.  The fact that this Legazpi City budget hotel also accepts credit cards made my decision as to which hotel to book very easy.

I was lead to the room by a very accommodating bell boy who assured me that there are many tricycles and jeepneys that pass by the Alicia Hotel’s vicinity in case I would want to go around Legazpi’s night spots.  Upon entering my room, I was delighted to see a single bed that could easily accommodate two persons.  In other words, it was bigger than I thought.  The room was cozy and well-lighted.  Visual entertainment was in the form of a standard 14-inch TV set.  It’s small by today’s standards, but the reception of the cable channels was commendable.

Alicia Hotel's Bedroom (Single)

The bathroom met my demands as far as cleanliness is concerned.  Size is another matter, though.  It was difficult to move around considering that everything inside it was closely placed to each other.  But it wasn’t much of a bother for me as long as everything is tidy.  The fact that the shower’s hot-and-cold feature was working already made up for its misgivings as to its size.

 

  

For a hotel that can be considered as cheap or relatively inexpensive, it’s surprising to know that Alicia Hotel has a pool.  It’s not that big, but still very inviting nonetheless.  A mini garden near the pool also provides guests a spot in this Legazpi hotel where they can enjoy the breeze while sipping a hot cup or coffee or going through one of the dailies that can be borrowed from the front desk.

Alicia Hotel, Legazpi's Swimming Pool

I wasn’t about to let the evening pass without going around the city.  Thus, despite the rains, I hailed a tricycle and went to Embarcadero, Legazpi’s newest attraction by the sea.  The ride took only around 10 minutes, but cost me P50.00.  Many of the stores were already closed when I arrived at the place around 9:30 p.m.  However, the security guard told me that the place is generally open until the wee hours of the morning, especially the restaurants. 

Late evening stroll at Legazpi City's Embarcadero

Bedtime came in early (for my standards) for me as the bed and the comforter easily made my body go into rest mode.  My 5:00 a.m. wake up call came promptly, and I was on my way to the airport by 6:00 a.m. for Cebu Pacific’s first flight to Manila.  I did not avail of the free airport shuttle as the other guests that were supposed to take the same were not yet ready.  The security guard easily hailed a tricycle for me.  To my surprise, the ride took only about 2 minutes!  I would have walked my way to the airport had I known that it was just around the corner of Alicia Hotel.

Alicia Hotel is very near the Legazpi City Airport

Considering the price, I would give Alicia Hotel a score of 8/10.  It’s definitely one of the best cheap/budget hotels in Legazpi City that is located near the airport.