Your stay — Toilena Hostel
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 — Toilena Hostel
Toilena Hostel is a tidy three-star property in Ermita, aimed squarely at budget travellers who want a clean bed, air-con and a social common area rather than frills. The lobby feels functional—tiled floors, a small reception desk, and a noticeboard with tour leaflets—and the vibe is no-nonsense, with dorm beds and private rooms starting at reasonable rates. It suits backpackers or short-stay visitors who plan to spend most of their time out exploring Manila rather than lounging at the hotel.
Chronicles of Manila
Manila was founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi on the site of a pre-colonial Tagalog settlement, becoming the capital of the Spanish East Indies. Its architectural evolution spans the walled city of Intramuros (built from coral stone), Art Deco buildings from the American colonial period, and a dense postwar sprawl of concrete and glass. Today, Manila is a chaotic, energetic megacity of over 13 million people, blending centuries-old churches, shopping malls and street food stalls. Its contemporary identity is defined by a resilient, creative population and a constant hum of traffic and jeepneys.
Best Time to Visit
Full Manila guide →Best months
December to February (cooler, less rain, fewer typhoons). Crowds are moderate, and walking the streets is far more comfortable than in the hot months.
Peak / festival surge
March to May are the hottest and driest months—locals call it 'summer'—with April and May seeing Holy Week and local festivals causing higher hotel rates and packed transport. Prices at Toilena Hostel can double during Lent.
Budget shoulder season
June (start of rainy season) offers lower prices and lighter crowds, though you should expect daily downpours. November (just after typhoon peak) also brings good discounts and tolerable weather.
Weather & packing
Manila has a tropical monsoon climate: expect sudden, heavy rain even in drier months. Pack a compact umbrella and quick-dry footwear.
Live City Briefing — Manila
- The EDSA Busway system has new dedicated lanes and extended hours, but expect delays during rush hours (7–9am, 5–8pm).
- Several Intramuros heritage sites now require online booking for entry; book at least a day ahead.
- The LRT-1 line is undergoing weekend maintenance closures from July to September; check the official website before travelling.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Toilena Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 4 to 6, facing the internal courtyard. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but still within the range of the lift (if there are any lift issues). The courtyard side is quieter than the San Marcelino Street side.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground or first floor, especially those facing San Marcelino Street. They will catch the full brunt of traffic noise, street-level bustle, and possible exhaust fumes from jeepneys and buses.
Best views
The best view is from a top-floor room (floor 6) facing the courtyard – you’ll see the hostel’s own garden or inner layout. Street-side rooms offer a view of San Marcelino traffic and old Manila buildings, which is less appealing.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 to 6 are the most consistently quiet, as they are above the street hubbub but not high enough to be near any rooftop equipment. The internal courtyard orientation is key.
🔊 Noise notes
San Marcelino Street is a main road in Ermita/Malate, with constant traffic – jeepneys, buses, tricycles – running day and night. Saturday nights can be louder due to nearby bars and karaoke. The hostel building itself might have thin walls between rooms, so request a quieter neighbour side if possible.
Insider tips
1. Check in during the afternoon to request a courtyard-facing room – the morning front desk staff are often less flexible. 2. If you’re driving, ask about limited street parking or a nearby garage; Manila parking can be competitive and expensive.
- 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 — Toilena Hostel
Free unlimited Wi-Fi on each floor hallway and common areas; no login needed, speeds around 25 Mbps down; premium tier 100 Mbps available in rooms for 150 PHP per 24 hours
One lift serves all 4 floors, including basement common area; no stairs-only sections
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand; lobby has a small bookshelf with secondhand travel magazines
Standard check-in from 15:00; early bag drop from 10:00 at no charge (room subject to availability); late check-out until 14:00 for 500 PHP fee (request in advance)
Free luggage storage after check-out until 20:00 same day; overnight storage available at 200 PHP per bag
Step-free access from street via ramped side entrance; lift accessible to all floors; bathrooms are not fully wheelchair-adapted (narrow doorways, no grab bars in showers). Not suitable for guests with significant mobility needs
No on-site parking; overnight street parking is risky. Nearest secure public car park is SM Mall of Asia (15-minute tricycle ride; 200 PHP per 24 hours). No EV charging on-site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no separate city tax; 12% VAT included in quoted rate)
Deposit & card hold: Full first-night charge taken at booking via credit card; 2,000 PHP cash or card hold at check-in for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: MDS Metro Manila Christian Church (248 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Doulos For Christ World Harvest Ministries (282 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Cathedral of Praise (452 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Central United Methodist Church (512 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
SM City Manila — 931 m · ~12 min walk
Plaza Rueda — 404 m · ~5 min walk
Museo Pambata — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Mo. Consuelo Barcelo Theater — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
Kid's Venue — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 130 m · ~2 min walk
Rich-B Pharmacy — 364 m · ~5 min walk
7-Eleven — 256 m · ~3 min walk
Pedro Gil — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Philippine Peso, PHP
Avoid airport and hotel exchange counters — poor rates. Use ATMs in malls like Robinsons Place Manila or SM San Lazaro for better rates.
Credit cards accepted in chain restaurants, malls and hotels; cash essential for street food, small shops and jeepneys.
Not mandatory but common: 10-15% in nicer restaurants if no service charge; spare change for taxis; 20-50 PHP for hotel porters/housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local 3-in-1 sachet coffee from a sari-sari store or 7-Eleven — about 20-35 PHP.
Chicken rice or pork barbecue meal at a carinderia (local eatery) — around 80-120 PHP.
Rice with adobo or sinigang at a simple eatery — roughly 100-150 PHP for a main.
Along Recto Avenue or near U-Belt: fish balls, kwek-kwek, isaw — available from street carts, 5-20 PHP per stick.
Puregold and Savemore are the budget supermarket chains in the area.
Taytay Public Market (short jeepney ride) for cheap new clothes; Divisoria for wholesale bargains.
Jeepney rides around 13-20 PHP per route; from the airport, take the PNR train or bus to EDSA then jeepney to San Marcelino — total under 50 PHP.
Eat at carinderias rather than sit-down restaurants; use jeepneys and tricycles instead of taxis; buy water and snacks from sari-sari stores, not convenience stores.
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 Toilena Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 130 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Rich-B Pharmacy — 364 m · ~5 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.
About Manila
Wikipedia ↗
Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 1,902,590 people. Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon, it is classified as a highly urbanized c...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Toilena Hostel?
Request a room on floors 4 to 6, facing the internal courtyard. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but still within the range of the lift (if there are any lift issues). The courtyard side is quieter than the San Marcelino Street side.
Which rooms should I avoid at Toilena Hostel?
Avoid rooms on the ground or first floor, especially those facing San Marcelino Street. They will catch the full brunt of traffic noise, street-level bustle, and possible exhaust fumes from jeepneys and buses.
Is Toilena Hostel noisy?
San Marcelino Street is a main road in Ermita/Malate, with constant traffic – jeepneys, buses, tricycles – running day and night. Saturday nights can be louder due to nearby bars and karaoke. The hostel building itself might have thin walls between rooms, so request a quieter neighbour side if possible.
Which rooms have the best views at Toilena Hostel?
The best view is from a top-floor room (floor 6) facing the courtyard – you’ll see the hostel’s own garden or inner layout. Street-side rooms offer a view of San Marcelino traffic and old Manila buildings, which is less appealing.
What are insider tips for staying at Toilena Hostel?
1. Check in during the afternoon to request a courtyard-facing room – the morning front desk staff are often less flexible. 2. If you’re driving, ask about limited street parking or a nearby garage; Manila parking can be competitive and expensive.
What time is check-in at Toilena Hostel?
Check-in at Toilena Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Toilena Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free unlimited Wi-Fi on each floor hallway and common areas; no login needed, speeds around 25 Mbps down; premium tier 100 Mbps available in rooms for 150 PHP per 24 hours
Is there a city or tourist tax at Toilena Hostel?
None (no separate city tax; 12% VAT included in quoted rate)
Where can I eat cheaply near Toilena Hostel?
Chicken rice or pork barbecue meal at a carinderia (local eatery) — around 80-120 PHP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Toilena Hostel?
Jeepney rides around 13-20 PHP per route; from the airport, take the PNR train or bus to EDSA then jeepney to San Marcelino — total under 50 PHP.
When is the best time to visit Manila?
December to February (cooler, less rain, fewer typhoons). Crowds are moderate, and walking the streets is far more comfortable than in the hot months.
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.