La Anclar

I once came across a book intended for tourists and travellers in France. The book title says, “France (Charming Small Hotels Guide).” The material is a Hotels Directory type with specific listings of small and at the same time charming hotels in all parts of the country.

I began to wonder if they have such kind of book listing small hotels in the Philippines. I think it would be very helpful and useful for the travelers and tourists who are looking for alternative accommodation offered by larger hotels. A small hotel is supposed to offer a kind of “personalized touch” to their customers — something that would make them want to come back some other time; and something that is not present in overly commercialized big, chain hotel outlets.

Well, I could not find a version of that book targeting small hotels in the Philippines.

This article takes its inspiration from that book. But we’re going to be very specific here listing only those hotels in Davao City.
Here is our hand-picked list of Charming Small Hotels in Davao.

1. Humberto’s Hotel

The name of this small hotel was derived from first name of the owner, Mr Humberto Santos. Since it first started operating in 1997, the hotel has always positioned its business as “Charming Small Hotel” in Davao. And I think, they deserve in carrying that tag-line. That’s the reason why it is on top of our list.

Humberto’s Hotel Highlights:

Location: Palma Gil Street, right in downtown Davao
Number of Guest Rooms: 20
Amenities / Facilities : coffee shop, laundry service, restaurant, safety deposit boxes.
Hotel Service : Laundry, salon, room service, massage

Click here to book a reservation at Humberto’s Hotel.

2. Home Crest Residences

Home Crest Residences in Davao, Philippines This Zen-inspired hotel is among the newest additions to the growing number of small hotels. The location of the hotel itself is already very advantageous to travelers. It is a walking distance to the SM City Davao, in Ecoland Subdivsion.

Home Crest Residences Hotel Highlights:

Location: Tulip Drive, Ecoland Subdivision, Davao City
Number of Guestrooms: 28
Amenities and Facilities: Coffee shop and bar, Digital TV, electronic door-locks, CCTV Camera, power generator
Hotel Services: Reception and Concierge Service, Airport Transfer (charges apply), Guided Tours, Room Service, Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Massage

Click here for online booking information and other details of Home Crest Residences.

3. Las Casitas de Angela

Las Casitas Hotel in Davao, Philippines
This hotel has a convenient location right along the Rizal Street. Commercial establishments like bank, restaurants, department stores, convenience outlets, and government offices are just close by the hotel.

Las Casitas de Angela Hotel Highlights:

Location: Rizal Street
Guestrooms: 37
Amenities /Facilities: In-room facilities (complimentary bottled water, bathtub, desk), coffe shop, restaurant, function room
Hotel Service: room service, massage, hotel-airport pickup service

Click here for online booking information and other details of Las Casitas Hotel.

You may also want to check out, Las Casitas II, which has an apartelle setup and perfect for those who are looking for a longer term (3 months or so) accommodation.

4. La Anclar Hometel

Located right at the downtown area, this small hotel was established by the mom-and-pop team, Mr. Pedro Anino and his wife Ester. “Comfort comes first,” is the resounding mantra for the operators of this small hotel.

La Anclar Hotel Highlights:

Location: Bonifacio Street
Number of Guest Rooms: 22
Facilities and Amenities: WiFi Common areas, Breakfast To Go, In-room: Wifi, Phone, TV, Airconditioning
Hotel Service: Airport Shuttle, 24 Hour Room Service, Massage, Beauty Salon/Manicure, Wake Up Call

Click here to book at La Anclar Hometel.

5. Viajeros Economy Inn

The term “viajero” is derived from Spanish, which translates to traveller in English. Viajeros Inn has successfully branded itself as a hotel of choice for transients, backpackers, and city traveller looking for cheap accommodation without compromising the service.
The hotel is very close to the Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City. The terminal is the central point for all land-based travellers going to the neighboring provincial places.

Viajeros Economy Inn Highlights:

Location: Juna Sudivision, Matina, Davao City (very close to the Ecoland Transport Terminal)

Number of guestrooms: 23

Amenities / Facilities: car park, family room

Hotel Service: 24-hour room service, airport-hotel transfer service, etc

Click here for online booking and other hotel reviews by other guests.

Other Hotel Options in Davao

There are many other small hotels in Davao, but the ones mentioned above top our list in terms of charm factor.

If you are looking for more hotels in Davao, you may want to click the link below and you will be redirected to the page HotelsCombined.com where you can view their 80 plus (and growing) list of hotels in Davao, including the big names like the Marco Polo Hotel and the Waterfront Insular Hotel.

The nice thing about that website is that you can read reviews from other users. They also have an online booking facility so you can reserve a room right away especially in times when travellers and tourists are coming to Davao for some special events.

The South’s most extravagant and celebrated festivity is here again and once more Davao City will unravel the very reasons why it is considered a land of bountiful harvest and melting pot of people of diverse backgrounds.

The streets will once again show the colors, the sights, the sounds and the experience of Kadayawan sa Dabaw. This week-long annual festival speaks of the beauty of the Dabawenyo culture that made name throughout the globe and earned the admiration of millions.

From exquisite ethnic crafts, exciting destinations, beauty and glamour of the waling-waling and the majestic Philippine eagle — these and more is what Davao offers to local and foreign tourists and visitors who would take the time and have a glimpse of this cultural haven.

What To Expect In Kadayawan 2009

17th August. This yearâ€™s celebration of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw has the same texture and appeal that made the former celebrations a thing to keep on coming back to for many tourists. On the opening day August 17, the celebration will feature Davaoâ€™s best fashion designers and creations at the Gaisano Mall in “Moda Mindanaw“.

18th August will as ever be exciting with an exhibit of Indigenous Peopleâ€™s photos to be shown in Hulagway sa Kaliwatan at the Museo Dabawenyo with the festival’s grand opening at the People’s Park during the afternoon followed by the Indigenous Peopleâ€™s Festival Opening themed “Lumadnong Kasaulogan” at night.

19th August. A thorough peek into the lives of the tribes will compose the whole day of August 19 with an exhibit of their crafts and traditions at Rizal Park that will last until the 24th, while beauty and brains continue to battle at the Search for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan during the evening to be held at the CAP Auditorium in Anda Street.

20th to 21 August. The World Music Competition will be staged August 20 at the NCCC Mall of Davao in Matina. SM City Davao will be the host venue for the World Dance Competition which will be staged the following day.

22nd August. The traditional Davao River Festival will be held on August 22 after which fashion designers will again set ramps on fire with Moda Minadawâ€™s Fashion Night in the evening at the Venue or music lovers may find the Evening Tugtogan at Rizal and Peopleâ€™s Parks more interesting.

23rd August. The popular Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan or the Street Dancing Competition will take place August 23. “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan” has been flocked by people because of display of Davao’s rich culture depicted in colorful costumes and feisty music in which performers turned the highway to a dance floor despite the heat of the midday sun or haste of falling rains.

24th August. Beautiful and colorful floats will parade the street on the 24th with the Floral Float Parade and Competition dubbed as “Pamulak sa Kadalanan“. The festivity will be concluded with Mayor Rodrig Duterte’s free concert treat for the people.

Suggested Davao Hotels

In preparation for this momentous event, hotels, inns and suites have prepared the best for every visitor and are more than willing and ready to give you the care like you have never been far from home.

The Marco Polo Hotel. You may try the most luxurious hotel in Davao, The Marco Polo Davao â€” with its world class hotel service, amenities and facilities that is sure to give you the best of staying in Davao. Marco Polo is located at corner Roxas Avenue and Claveria Street and is the best place to witness the happenings, even when you are just inside your room.

The Waterfront Insular Hotel. If you want to enjoy the celebration but opt to stay away from the noise during the night to give you a more relaxing rest, try the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao at Lanang. They have the same amenities and facilities that are truly world class.

Other Small Hotels: Las Casitas, La Anclar, Microtel Inn and Suites

Staying in Davao for the Kadayawan festival does not have to be that expensive. If your budget is tight but still want to experience the thrills of the festivities, there are inns and suites that offer comfortable stay in less the cost. You may try Las Casitas along Rizal Avenue or La Anclar Hometel in Bonifacio and there are a lot more.

Another spot where big activities for the festival will be held is at the Damosa Gateway. Concerts, live band performances and night parties will be held there — the best for all the party people out there. If you wish to be stay at the Damosa Gateway, you may try the excellent service being offered by Microtel Inns and Suites, the best place to stay for young professionals and tourists who want a modern experience in Davao.

These exciting activities could only be seen and experienced in Kadayawan, so step in to Davao and indulge yourself with the Kadayawan fever.

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This Kadayawan Festival 2009 article is written by Matt Regis.

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