I’ll try staying at Tunehotels.com the next time I am in KL because it’s cheap, and the fact that its sister-company is Air Asia could only mean it’s very very cheap 😀
The adverts say one can get a room for as low as 10 ringgit (which translates to roughly P130 pesos or a little more than $2) That’s certainly not bad for 20 hours of stay if you’re backpacking or travelling on a budget.
The hotel concept i something that’s not been explored much actually, and it borrows from Air Asia’s premise of being a “no-frills” facility. Browsing through the FAQ can make it seem funny if you’re the type who’s used to staying in standard hotel rooms:
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with “power shower” but air conditioning is pay per use. Basic ventilation is ceiling fan.
There’s hot shower in the bathroom but you will have to buy your own towel, soap and shampoo in the hotel convenience store. “Alternatively, you can bring your own.”
There is no room service, but you can have a kaya toast breakfast at the hotel kopi tiam at your own expense. Also, no telephones, TV, radio, safe, mini-bar, tea and coffee maker. (No-frills nga eh and you’re only paying $2 di ba? 😛 )
The bed though is made by King Koil and is of “five star quality.” Sheets are 250 thread count.
Thankfully, there’s housekeeping. They’re scheduled to clean the rooms at certain hours.
No, there’s no wardrobe Virginia, but you can hang your clothes in the hooks provided.
Booking is made available online but they also entertain walk-ins. Check out their cool website for more details.
Travelling to KL (or Malaysia for that matter) is really affordable! For my trips to KL and Kota Kinabalu, I stayed for the first time in cozy travellers’ lodges which I absolutely didn’t mind as I spent most of my days out shopping or exploring.
In contrast, my Malaysian friends who are working in Manila complain about how expensive it is to travel and most of all stay in the Philippines. It is certainly hard to find a hotel room that costs below $30 , and it befuddles me why hotel people here charge “per person per room” and not per room category. Food in Manila and other cities is also astronomical, whereas in other parts of Asia, a bowl of noodles or rice toppings can only cost you as little as $1.
Paging travel industry bigwigs and the tourism department….. perhaps the reason why the tourists are not arriving in droves is because we’re not priced so competitively?? Just a thought.
So it’s like a glorified (and wildly painted) hostel? Interesting concept. Hostel price but with a better bed and no need to share the room with stangers!
this would do for the backpacking tutubi if ever I wanted to return there
Yes Nina, glorified hostel without the glorious prices. The en-suite bathroom does it…it makes some people icky (me included) using a common bath.
And I forgot to say, all rooms are NON-SMOKING:)
I agree Tutubi, this is a backpackers’ paradise. Could change the way they do hostelling 😛
Always good to find out about new places .you are right about how expensive Manila / Phils is compared to other countries in SE Asia .Can find reasonable hotels in bangkok for $20 per room , includes a/c etc .Maybe the Phils will wake up to how much money they miss out on from tourism .Not all travellers want or can afford 5 star , and certainly wont pay 5 star prices for 3 star properties .
“no telephones, TV, radio, safe, mini-bar, tea and coffee maker”, are you sure this a hotel??????