When I decided to travel to Naga to cover the Kamundagan Festival, I immediately started looking for a good hotel to stay in. I was in search of a nice, clean, and affordable accommodation. As a solo traveler, these criteria were important to me.
After researching and comparing all the hotels in Naga, I came across Rusville Hotel. It appeared to be a new establishment, conveniently located near the city center.
I was also pleased with the hotel’s rates, at around P1,000 pesos per night — perfect for my budget. So, I booked a room at Rusville Hotel, and in this blog post, I will share my experience and review of the hotel.
Content
Arriving in Naga
I arrived at the Naga Bus Terminal around 7 AM. After a quick breakfast, I checked Google Maps to see how far the hotel was from my location. It turned out to be just around 1 kilometer away, and since I enjoy walking, I decided to go on foot.
My walk took me past SM Naga and along Panganiban Street before turning right onto Dayangdang Street. I enjoyed the morning vibe of Naga’s neighborhoods. This is what I love about traveling: the joy of exploring a new city or neighborhood on foot.
Check-in
Since it was early morning, I had only planned to leave my bag at the hotel and check in at 2 PM. However, you know how some hotels go the extra mile and allow early check-ins? I was thinking maybe they might let me check in early. If not, that would be fine too—I had no expectations.
Upon arriving at the hotel, I noticed its simple yet clean lobby. The building itself also looked well-maintained. The staff were accommodating as they checked my booking. They mentioned that their standard check-in time is 2 PM. While they sometimes allow early check-ins a few hours before 2 PM, early morning check-ins are not common. So, I just asked if I could leave my bag, and they kindly agreed.
With the entire morning to myself, I set out to explore Naga. I wandered through the city center, visiting Plaza Rizal, Plaza Quezon, and Plaza Quince Martires. Being a Sunday, there were many church-goers around. Naga felt like a small city with everything one needs, yet it retained a charming, small-town feel, which I loved.
I also visited the Naga City People’s Mall or Naga Market, and then checked out a nearby Mall for lunch.
Around Noon, I returned to Rusville Hotel, this time with a bit of hope for an early check-in. In my experience, many hotels allow early check-ins if it’s just an hour or two, especially when the room is available.
When I inquired about it, the staff confirmed the room was available but mentioned a 200 pesos early check-in fee. I agreed and paid, eager for a refreshing bath.
While I understand that hotels need to make money and the rationale behind the early check-in fee, I couldn’t help but feel they missed an opportunity to enhance customer experience by letting customers check-in without those fees. It’s a gesture many hotels make to exceed customer expectations. Sayang. It’s their chance.
My room was on the third floor. Upon entering, I noticed the electricity wasn’t working. After struggling to figure it out, I returned to the lobby for help. The staff informed me that the main switch was located behind the door and needed to be turned on as If I should have known it. Haha Really? Me? A first-time customer.
A bit amused, I returned to my room, and everything worked well. I believe there’s no need to reiterate what the staff could have done differently in this scenario, right? CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
The Room
I was quite pleased with my room. It was clean, and the best part was the well-functioning air conditioner, a Carrier model, just like the one I have at home.
The room came with complete sets of towels and toiletries, enough for two people, even though I was a solo traveler. Aw sad. Haha The amenities included a TV set, a table, and a cabinet.
I don’t usually watch TV in hotels, but occasionally I turn it on just to feel less alone. In this hotel, they offered a good selection of cable channels, which was a nice touch.
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The bathroom was clean, which is most important to me. The water heater worked well, and the bidet was a plus. Overall, I had a comfortable sleep in my room, thanks to the efficient air conditioning.
Final Thoughts
Despite the few areas for improvement, particularly regarding customer experience, Rusville Hotel is a commendable choice for a stay in Naga City.
It’s a new, clean, and affordable accommodation. Conveniently, it’s located near some restaurants that serve Kinalas, a local specialty. I recommend trying Mang Kok’s Kinalas, just a few steps away from the hotel.
For those who enjoy walking, like I do, the hotel is within walking distance to Naga Centro. However, if walking isn’t your preference, there are tricycles readily available. As for me, I chose to walk throughout my visit in Naga. If you’re in search of an affordable, clean, and pleasant hotel, you should definitely consider Rusville Hotel.
Information
Rusville Hotel & Residences
Address: Dayangdang St, Naga, 4400 Camarines Sur
Phone: (054) 881 9305
