Hotel Tricks

The best piece of advice on a stay at Frankfurter Deluxe is to use it as your perfect "transit launchpad." Its proximity to the piers makes this hotel an excellent choice for travelers with early morning ferries bound for Bohol(Tagbilaran), Dumaguete, or Siquijor. Why wake up at 4 AM just to catch a ride from some uptown hotel or beach resort when you can have that extra hour of sleep and still make it on time? A quick coffee and being present minutes before check-in closes-all this hidden hustle connecting stress-free into the islands is actually the hotel's greatest hidden value.

Downtown is safe for dining. Hotel restaurants mostly serve food within the same block as those iconic local fastfood chains and bakeries have their outlets, so why bother sitting in a hotel restaurant? A good hack would be to walk towards City Hall area in the evening where sometimes you can get a "Pungko-Pungko" experience (low bench seating, eating fried foods) street style. Extremely cheap. Authentic. Buy your 'pasalubong' at nearby Shamrock store or from any local vendor around the area; way cheaper compared to airport or mall prices.

Be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are rife in the downtown area specifically around Colon Street and near Carbon Market, so a major life hack is to dress down-leave that expensive watch, and jewelry either in your room safe or luggage. Carry small bills for purchases and keep your phone locked down tight. By looking like a local and staying cognizant you can safely enjoy what an amazing history and hustle the area has.

If you are visiting in January during the Sinulog Festival, then this hotel’s location moves from ‘convenient’ to ‘golden’. Downtown is on or near the route of both the main festival parade and religious processions. You will be right at the heart of all action without having to negotiate road closures! Book well ahead for this period as budget hotels in prime location sell out instantly.