Your stay — 8Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Manila.
The Property — 8Hostel
The 8Hostel is a no-frills backpacker spot in Malate, all bare concrete and bright murals, with a rooftop that gives you a serviceable view of the city skyline. The lobby doubles as a common room with mismatched sofas and a noticeboard covered in tour offers; it feels like a functional base for young travellers who plan to be out most of the day. The USP is price and location – you're two blocks from the bay and a short walk to the nightlife of Remedios Circle. It suits budget solo travellers or small groups wanting a clean dorm or basic private room without expecting any charm beyond the street-level buzz.
Chronicles of Manila
Manila was founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, built on the site of a pre-colonial Tagalog settlement. The walled city of Intramuros became the Spanish colonial heart, its churches and fortifications surviving until heavy damage in World War II. Post-war reconstruction was rapid and often chaotic, replacing much of the old European architecture with utilitarian concrete blocks. Today the city is a sprawling, high-density metropolis where centuries-old stone gates sit alongside shopping malls and jeepney-choked avenues. Its cultural identity is a noisy mash-up of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and American influences, best felt in street food markets and the enduring devotion of its fiestas.
Best Time to Visit
Full Manila guide →Best months
December to February – coolest and driest, with temperatures around 25°C and clear skies, plus Christmas decorations everywhere and manageable tourist numbers outside the holiday peak.
Peak / festival surge
March to May – the dry season peaks with intense heat and humidity, plus the Ati-Atihan and Sinulog festivals in January/February push hotel prices higher. Easter Holy Week also sees local travel spikes. Expect dorm beds at 8Hostel to go up 20–30% from the low-season rate.
Budget shoulder season
June and November – early rainy season or post-typhoon lull. You'll find discounted walk-in rates at the hostel, fewer backpackers, and hotel occupancy drops. Afternoon showers are common but often brief.
Weather & packing
Manila has a tropical monsoon climate with a distinct wet season from June to October, so afternoon downpours are almost guaranteed in July. Pack a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket, and bring quick-dry shoes or sandals – the streets flood easily after heavy rain.
Live City Briefing — Manila
- The LRT-1 line extension to Cavite (Baclaran to Sucat) has now partially opened – expect longer waits at the Taft Avenue station but slightly less crowding on the main line.
- Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, has a new pedestrian plaza near Ongpin Street, making it easier to walk between food stalls and temples without dodging traffic.
- Typhoon season is active in July – check the PAGASA forecast daily; if a storm approaches, the hostel's rooftop terrace will close and flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport may face delays.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to 8Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 3-5, facing away from the main road. These mid-floors avoid street-level noise and are still easily accessible by stairs if the lift is busy.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near reception or the lift lobby—they get foot traffic and street noise. Also skip top-floor rooms if the building has a rooftop bar or generator, as these can hum or vibrate at night.
Best views
Rooms facing the inner courtyard or side street offer the best view in a dense city—avoid direct road views. In Manila, a glimpse of skyline or local rooftops is about as good as it gets.
Quietest floors
Floors 3-5 are the quietest. They're above street level but below any mechanical floor or rooftop area.
🔊 Noise notes
Manila traffic is constant—expect honking and engine rumble from the main road, especially on lower floors. The lift shaft can transmit noise, so request a room further from it. Some locations may have nearby karaoke bars or jeepney routes, so pack earplugs.
Insider tips
1. Check in early afternoon to secure a quieter floor—rooms are allocated on a first-come basis. 2. If the hostel offers a fan-only room option, it'll be quieter than one with a noisy air-con unit—ask at reception.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — 8Hostel
Free for all guests. Speed approx 20 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up (suitable for browsing, not video conferencing). Single device login only; re-login required every 24 hours.
No lift. Four-storey walk-up; dorm rooms on 2F–4F (no accessibility lift). Private rooms on 1F have street-level access.
No physical newspapers or digital newsstand. Common area has a shared computer with free internet.
Check-in 14:00–22:00. Bag drop from 12:00 at no charge. Late check-out until 18:00 costs half the nightly rate; after 18:00, full night charged. Arrivals after 22:00 must pre-arrange. Weekend (Fri–Sat) check-in is 14:00–23:00.
Free on day of arrival/ departure for all guests. Long-term (over 24h) not available.
No step-free access. Main entrance has a single step (10 cm). No wheelchair-accessible bathrooms or lifts. Not suitable for guests with mobility needs.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is Greenbelt Car Park 3 (5-min walk, PHP 60/hour, PHP 360 max/overnight). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: One night's room rate as advance deposit via credit card; PHP 1,000 (≈ USD 18) incidental hold on arrival.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: University Baptist Church (244 m · ~3 min walk)
- Place of worship: Telecom Chapel (396 m · ~5 min walk)
- Place of worship: San Roque Chapel (424 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Barangay zone 46 Chapel (456 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Isetann Cinerama Recto — 205 m · ~3 min walk
Victoria Park — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
The Padilla Art Gallery — 619 m · ~8 min walk
Auditorium — 283 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 152 m · ~2 min walk
Generic Pharmacy — 30 m · ~1 min walk
7-Eleven — 40 m · ~1 min walk
RCJ Bus Line - Sampaloc Terminal — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Philippine Peso, PHP
Most travellers use ATMs for the best rates; avoid currency exchange at the airport or tourist bureaux where rates are poor. Banks like BPI and BDO have reliable ATMs across Manila.
Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted in malls, hotels and sit-down restaurants; smaller eateries, markets and jeepneys are cash-only. Contactless and mobile pay (GCash, Maya) are common but need a local account.
Not mandatory but appreciated: 10% at mid-range restaurants (often already added for groups), round up taxi fares, and give PHP 20-50 to hotel porters or housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant 3-in-1 coffee sachets from local convenience stores cost about PHP 15-20; brewed coffee from a carinderia or nearby bakery is around PHP 25-40.
Rice-and-ulams (viand) combo from a carinderia or turo-turo; expect around PHP 70-100 for a scoop of rice and one meat dish.
A main course at a budget-friendly restaurant or food court stall (like crispy pata, adobo or sinigang) runs PHP 120-200.
Look for street cart clusters near MRT stations, universities and public markets (e.g., along Taft Avenue or near LRT-1). Common items: fish balls, isaw, kwek-kwek, PHP 5-20 each.
Puregold and SM Hypermarket are common budget supermarket chains in Manila; Savemore and Puregold Junior for smaller neighbourhood branches.
Division Market (Divisoria) or bargain stalls in malls like SM City Manila or 168 Mall; basic T-shirts and jeans from PHP 150-300.
Jeepney (PHP 13-16 per ride) or LRT/MRT train (PHP 20-30 per ride). From the airport: take the jeepney to Taft Avenue then transfer, or use a shared shuttle (PHP 150-250). Avoid taxis unless metered or via Grab app.
Eat at carinderias (local eateries) for huge savings over mall food courts. Use jeepneys and LRT-1 instead of taxis or ride-hailing. Bargain at public markets and tiangges, especially in Divisoria.
Emergency Contacts
ManilaIn Manila, Philippines, dial 117 for police and ambulance services, 114 for fire department. For tourist assistance, contact the Philippine National Police Tourist Police Division at +63-2-524-1728. The main emergency hotline is also accessible through 911 in some areas.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Manila, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at 8Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 152 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Generic Pharmacy — 30 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) → Manila City / Rizal Park area
💡 Budget-friendly option. NAIA Express goes to Pasay City. Transfer needed to reach The Manila Hotel. Good for light luggage travelers only.
Rizal Park vicinity → Intramuros / Local attractions
💡 Iconic Manila experience for short local trips within Intramuros. Picturesque but slow. Perfect for tourists exploring historic districts near The Manila Hotel.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) → The Manila Hotel, Rizal Park
💡 Use official taxi stands or Grab app to avoid overcharging. NAIA to Intramuros is relatively straightforward. Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
Airport (NAIA) to Intramuros District → The Manila Hotel, Rizal Park
💡 Most economical local transit option. Requires walking to/from stations and transfers. Use beep card for seamless travel. Not ideal for heavy luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at 8Hostel?
Request a room on floors 3-5, facing away from the main road. These mid-floors avoid street-level noise and are still easily accessible by stairs if the lift is busy.
Which rooms should I avoid at 8Hostel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near reception or the lift lobby—they get foot traffic and street noise. Also skip top-floor rooms if the building has a rooftop bar or generator, as these can hum or vibrate at night.
Is 8Hostel noisy?
Manila traffic is constant—expect honking and engine rumble from the main road, especially on lower floors. The lift shaft can transmit noise, so request a room further from it. Some locations may have nearby karaoke bars or jeepney routes, so pack earplugs.
Which rooms have the best views at 8Hostel?
Rooms facing the inner courtyard or side street offer the best view in a dense city—avoid direct road views. In Manila, a glimpse of skyline or local rooftops is about as good as it gets.
What are insider tips for staying at 8Hostel?
1. Check in early afternoon to secure a quieter floor—rooms are allocated on a first-come basis. 2. If the hostel offers a fan-only room option, it'll be quieter than one with a noisy air-con unit—ask at reception.
What time is check-in at 8Hostel?
Check-in at 8Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does 8Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests. Speed approx 20 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up (suitable for browsing, not video conferencing). Single device login only; re-login required every 24 hours.
Is there a city or tourist tax at 8Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near 8Hostel?
Rice-and-ulams (viand) combo from a carinderia or turo-turo; expect around PHP 70-100 for a scoop of rice and one meat dish.
What is the cheapest way to get around from 8Hostel?
Jeepney (PHP 13-16 per ride) or LRT/MRT train (PHP 20-30 per ride). From the airport: take the jeepney to Taft Avenue then transfer, or use a shared shuttle (PHP 150-250). Avoid taxis unless metered or via Grab app.
When is the best time to visit Manila?
December to February – coolest and driest, with temperatures around 25°C and clear skies, plus Christmas decorations everywhere and manageable tourist numbers outside the holiday peak.
Top Attractions in Manila
💡 Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. Photography without flash is allowed in most galleries. Prepare for security checks – no large bags or food inside.
💡 Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. The free nightly light-and-sound show at the Rizal Monument starts at 7pm on weekends.
💡 Rent a bamboo bike (P150/hour) from the Intramuros Visitors Centre. Sundays are car-free on Calle Real, making it much safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
💡 Go on a guided walking tour by 'Binondo Food Crawl' (P600–800) to navigate safely and sample the best dumplings, hopia, and noodle soups. Avoid weekends when it's impossibly crowded.
💡 The church itself is free to enter for prayer or quiet contemplation. The museum costs P200 (about $4) – worth it for the well-curated collection. Go mid-morning when the stained-glass windows catch the light.