Great location and value, but significant issues with odor and maintenance.
CRIS · solo traveller · 2026-06-27
“A Note on Perspective & Intent: A guest’s experience naturally depends on their personal standards and travel history. Having traveled to destinations such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Spain, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Maldives, my observations are shaped by global hospitality standards. However, to keep this comparison fair and relevant to local value, I recently stayed at The Piccolo Hotel in Boracay for €28 (which featured a central, beachfront location and free breakfast, though no kitchen).
I am sharing these details not to unfairly berate a business for irrational reasons, but to provide an objective, transparent benchmark for fellow travelers. This review is intended to offer constructive feedback for the host and to help future guests make a well-informed decision based on real, practical expectations.
The Positives:
1. Excellent Location: The property is in a fantastic, safe, and clean neighborhood that feels similar to Singapore. There are no beggars, it is off the main road, and it is a convenient 5-minute walk to the Venice Grand Canal Mall.
2. Conveniences Nearby: Directly beside the building lobby, you can find a Watsons, ATM machine, a Thai restaurant, and a pizza parlor.
3. Thoughtful Amenities: At €28/night, having a kitchenette is a major plus. The host kindly provided essential supplies like hand soap, dishwashing liquid, wetwipes, hand towel, bath towel, kitchen tissue, rag, and ample drinking water—which was greatly appreciated since Manila tap water is not potable and carrying bottles from the supermarket is a hassle. There is a water heater, and additional fans are provided if the AC isn't enough. The space is ideal for a solo traveler.”
Worth knowing: Areas for Improvement / Issues Encountered:
1. Persistent Odors & Ventilation: The building is older, and there was a noticeable, damp odor from the toilet sewer and cabinets the moment I walked in. Because the room lacks proper ventilation, the smell lingers. If you open the window, you get non-stop cooking smells from the neighbors; if you leave the bathroom door open, the sewer smell fills the studio. I stayed for two nights before my flight date, which was bearable, but I almost moved out on the second night.
2. Inaccurate Photos: The unit looked vastly different from the photos advertised on Booking.com. As guests choose rooms based on online images, I highly recommend the host update the photos to manage expectations and avoid disappointing future clients.
3. Layout and Maintenance: The workspace/dining table was completely set with plates, leaving no usable surface area or giving me additional chore on my holiday. The bar-style table and high chairs make this space unsuitable for a parent traveling with a child. Additionally, minor details are showing wear—there is visible rust and dust, and the bidet cannot be hung properly because the hose is jammed between the sink and the toilet.
4. Noise: The air conditioning unit is quite loud. Neighbour was driling between 8am to 10am. If you are a sensitive sleeper, I highly recommend bringing earplugs or cover your ears with the 4 pillows provided.
5. Unreliable Wi-Fi: Knowing the local internet infrastructure, I expected some lag, but the connection here only supports one device at a time. If I connected my laptop, my phone would lose connection. It was slow to the point where I couldn’t even book a ride-sharing app and had to ask the building receptionist to call a Grab taxi for me.
For €28, the price is very low but even at a budget price point, basic cleanliness, accurate photos, and odor control should be maintained.
