Dumaguete's Hidden Gem: E&C Tourist Inn RM-19 Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the messy, glorious, and hopefully helpful review of Dumaguete's "Hidden Gem": E&C Tourist Inn, specifically RM-19. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the real deal, warts and all (metaphorically, I hope. No actual warts in my review, promise).
(SEO-Friendly Title with a Splash of Personality: E&C Tourist Inn RM-19 Dumaguete: The Good, the Slightly Less Good, and the Unexpectedly Spa-Like!)
First, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is a phrase tossed around like confetti at a wedding. But E&C? It kinda earned it. It's not the swankiest place in Dumaguete, and the "tourist" part of the name is a bit… obvious. But RM-19? That's the linchpin, the key ingredient to a potentially amazing stay.
Accessibility: The Lay of the Land…And the Stairs?
Okay, this is where we start getting… real. Accessibility is not E&C's strongest suit. The elevator? Well, it has one, which is a definite plus. There's a car park [on-site] and it's free of charge! But navigate the grounds if you have mobility issues. Facilities for disabled guests [are vague], so I'd call ahead for specifics. The streets of Dumaguete aren't exactly known for their smooth sidewalks, either. So, plan accordingly.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Uh… Let's Check
Hmmm, well, the restaurant [I'll discuss it below in the Dining section] is on the first floor. But the "lounge?" See, there are no specific lounges.
Internet, Oh Internet, Where Art Thou?
Okay, let's talk internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it mostly works. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds to stream 4K movies. Free Wi-Fi in the lobby should give you enough speed to check Instagram. Internet [LAN] is available as well, but I didn't bother. Internet services are available. And, again, Wi-Fi in public areas is a thing.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: From Scrubbing to… Well, Mostly Just Scrubbing? (Okay, this is where I got REALLY excited, then mildly disappointed.)
Alright, so the brochure promised a spa. And technically, there is a spa. Which, after a day wandering around the city, I needed! I had a massage. It was… adequate. Not life-changing, but hey, tired muscles appreciated it. The massage felt a little rushed at first. The spa/sauna wasn't quite what I imagined. No pool with a view. No steamroom. No sauna. This is where my "hidden gem" expectations got a little dusty. The Body scrub and body wrap are more like, a dream really. And, unfortunately, no foot bath either. There's a fitness center… which I did not investigate because, let's be honest, relaxation and I usually intersect in the vicinity of a comfortable bed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because in a Pandemic World, This Matters!
This is where E&C gets some serious kudos! The staff are on top of things. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. You could feel the effort. Rooms sanitized between stays, too. The Anti-viral cleaning products are in use. Plus, there's a Doctor/nurse on call. And a first aid kit. I’m not sure what’s in the first aid kit, but it’s good to know it’s there! Hot water linen and laundry washing is available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or a Nap)
The included Asian breakfast was the best part of the dining experience. Rice, some sort of delicious meat situation, and a fried egg. Heaven. The breakfast [buffet] is ok. But be warned: there isn’t much on offer for Vegetarian guests. Breakfast service is nice though. There is an a la carte in the restaurant and they have some international cuisine. You can also grab a bottle of water. There even is a Coffee/tea in restaurant. But you need to pay for it. There's a Bar, but I never went there. Not a bad soup in the restaurant, if you're into that sort of thing. The Poolside bar does not exists. Nor the Happy hour option. The same goes for the coffee shop and snacks bar. The buffet in the restaurant is ok.
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area. Cash withdrawal. Concierge (they were super helpful). Daily housekeeping (spotless!). Elevator. Laundry service. Luggage storage. Meeting/banquet facilities. They have Safety deposit boxes, which is always a good idea. Taxi service available. I did not use the Valet parking. Front desk [24-hour].
For the Kids: Ah, the Little Rascals!
Alright, I don't have any kids, but I noticed a few families. Family/child friendly. But no Babysitting service. They do not offer Kids meal.
Available in all rooms or specific options These can include Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Verdict (and the Emotional Rollercoaster):
Look, E&C Tourist Inn RM-19 isn't perfect. It has its quirks. It's not a luxury resort. But, in its own way, it's charming. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the location is pretty darn convenient. Plus, the room itself (RM-19!) was comfortable, and that's what matters, right? I'd stay there again.
The Offer (Because We Need One, Right?)
(Drumroll please…)
Dumaguete Dreamin'? Escape the Ordinary at E&C Tourist Inn RM-19!
Book your stay at E&C Tourist Inn RM-19 and get:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: Connect effortlessly and share your Dumaguete adventures.
- A Delicious Asian Breakfast: Fuel your day with a local favorite.
- Unbeatable Value: Experience Dumaguete without breaking the bank!
- Peace of Mind: Enjoy a safe and sanitized stay with our commitment to hygiene.
But wait, there's more!
- Mention this review and receive a 10% discount on your booking! (Use code RM19REVIEW during checkout).
- Ask about our special "Relaxation Package" and experience a massage (if available) at a discounted rate!
Why RM-19? Because it's real. It's reliable. And it's your gateway to a memorable Dumaguete adventure. Book now, and let the adventures begin!
Escape to Paradise: Bright Cozy Condo in Sibu, Malaysia!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is… well, it's my Dumaguete adventure, and it's gonna get messy. We're talking E&C Tourist Inn, Room 19, people! Let's goooooo:
Dumaguete Diary: A Slightly Unhinged Traveler's Account
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and Sisig)
- 1:00 PM - Dumaguete Arrival! Oh man, the humidity already hit me like a wet sock. Seriously, I stepped off that plane and immediately felt like a melting gelato. Finding E&C Tourist Inn was easier than I thought – bless Google Maps. Found it! I. Am. Here. Room 19. Fingers crossed it's not haunted…or worse, has bedbugs.
- 2:00 PM - Room 19 Reconnaissance: Okay, so. Room 19. It's… fine. Basic. Clean-ish. The aircon sounds like a grumpy lawnmower. But hey, it's got a bed! And a weirdly-angled mirror that makes me look like I need to lay off the lechon. (Spoiler alert: I'm probably not going to lay off the lechon.)
- 2:30 PM - The Great Sisig Hunt Begins: My stomach is already staging a revolt. Google-ing "best sisig Dumaguete" is practically a sacred duty. Found a place called Lab-as Seafood Restaurant. The reviews were promising. Also, I may or may not have spent the last two hours on YouTube watching Filipino food videos – you know, prepping for the real cultural experience.
- 4:00 PM - Sisig Sensation (or So I Thought): Okay… Lab-as. Kinda busy. Sisig. Delicious… but, and this is a BIG but, the waitress forgot my rice! I flagged her down, feeling awkward. Ate it anyway, it was fantastic! The pork was crispy, the onions were perfectly caramelized, the egg yolk… oh, the egg yolk. Pure bliss. I'm starting to think this trip is just going to be me chasing the perfect sisig.
- 6:00 PM - Existential Hotel Room Vibes: Back at E&C. Okay, the lawnmower aircon is still going strong. I have no idea about the day and thought about a lot of things. It all makes me wonder what I am doing here. It's all I feel. The silence is deafening. I think I'll crack open a beer and stare at the ceiling for a bit to plan my next day.
Day 2: Apo Island & Turtle Tortoise (and Maybe Regret)
- 7:00 AM - Alarm Clock of Doom: The aircon's juddering woke me up, like a demented jackhammer. Time to face the day. And maybe a serious lack of sleep.
- 8:00 AM - Travel to Apo Island: Decided to brave the journey to Apo Island for snorkeling and turtle-watching. Heard it's spectacular. Took a tricycle to the pier, and then took a boat. My heart and wallet.
- 9:00 AM - The Apo Island Dive: The water… absolutely gorgeous. Crystal clear! The coral… okay, it was alright. But those turtles. Oh, the turtles! Just majestic gliding through the water. Swimming alongside them… a truly incredible experience. I felt more alive in that moment than I have in years.
- 11:00 AM - Sunburn & Slight Panic Attack (on the beach): Did. Not. Apply. Enough. Sunscreen. My shoulders are screaming. The sand is now in every conceivable crevice. Also started to get slightly freaked out at the ocean's vastness. Existential dread, take two!
- 1:00 PM - Fresh Seafood Lunch: Had lunch at the island restaurant. Okay food, but nothing spectacular. Back to the main land!
- 2.00 PM - Back at E&C: The aircon is still doing its thing, the lawnmower is back. Need. Nap.
Day 3: Silliman University & Chocolate Nirvana…Or Disaster
- 9:00 AM - The Silliman Shuffle: Feeling a little more human now. Time to check out Silliman University. Heard it's beautiful. Plus, gotta soak up some culture, right? Right.
- 10:00 AM - The "Quad" and the Quadruple Take: Wow. Silliman is beautiful. The architecture, the gardens… actually breath-taking. Strolled around, felt surprisingly thoughtful and reflective. Almost forgot I'd paid way too much on a single-use water bottle.
- 12:00 PM - Chocolate Dreams (and a Near Miss with Disaster): Now, for the big event: Casita Azucarera for Chocolate! I saw pics! I craved it! And wow… I almost didn't make it. The cafe was closed! I stood there, staring at the locked door, feeling my dreams CRUMBLE.
- 12:30 PM - Second Chance! The Chocolate Resurrection: Turns out the cafe was just running late. Thank the gods of cocoa! The chocolate was heavenly. Dark, rich, and perfect. Chocolate cake, chocolate truffles, hot chocolate. It was a chocolate ORGY. I almost licked the plate clean. Absolutely worth the near-heartbreak.
- 2:00 PM - Stroll and Reflection Took a stroll after. Everything felt okay. Good.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at Hayahay Treehouse Bar: The food here was alright, but the view was great. Overlooking the sea. Felt peaceful. I really needed this.
Day 4: Departure (and Sisig Withdrawal?)
- 8:00 AM - Last Bites & Packing: The aircon is still chugging along. I’m actually going to miss it. (No, I'm not.) Headed out for a final breakfast and sisig (of course).
- 9:00 AM - The last Sisig (and a slight panic): Found a local eatery. Sisig. Crispy, flavorful, perfect. Maybe the best one yet! Okay, I have a problem. Leaving Dumaguete is going to be hard.
- 10:30 AM - Last Views: Took a last look at the park. Really just looking for something, something that says "I was here."
- 12:00 PM - Headed for the Airport: Time to leave.
Final Thoughts (and Mild Traumatic Stress)
Dumaguete. It was an experience. A little messy, a little imperfect, but in a good way. I saw incredible things, ate amazing (and sometimes disappointing) food, met some genuinely lovely people, and probably consumed enough sisig to keep a small nation happy. Room 19 was… well, Room 19. The aircon could use a tune-up. But hey, it’s a place to call home for a few days.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Will I look for a place without a grumpy aircon? Probably. Would I miss the sisig? You better believe it.
So, until next time, Dumaguete.
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Okay, so E&C Tourist Inn RM-19... What's the *deal*? Should I even bother?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. RM-19 at E&C? It's... an experience. Look, before you get excited, let’s be real: It ain't the Ritz. Think budget-friendly, close to the action (like, *really* close – think a street vendor’s aroma is part of the deal), and bursting with...character. I’ve stayed in places with more square footage in the *shower* than RM-19. And that’s before you factor in the potential for…let’s say, impromptu plumbing symphonies. But that's part of the charm, right? Right?! (Deep breaths) If you're seeking pristine perfection and luxury? Run. If you're craving a slice of real Dumaguete, a story to tell, and a place to crash that won’t bankrupt you? Maybe, just maybe, RM-19 might be your jam.
What *exactly* is "budget-friendly"? Will I need to sell a kidney?
Nah, a kidney is safe (for now). RM-19 is ridiculously affordable. Think cheap-cheap. I'm talking, you might even have enough left over for a halo-halo *and* a bag of peanuts. Which, by the way, is a fantastic investment. Seriously, check the prices online, they fluctuate, but you're not breaking the bank. This is the good part! This is where you start to think, "Hey, maybe this won't be *that* bad." And that's the trap, my friend. The sweet, sweet trap before the potential chaos...
I'm terrified of roaches. Should I cross RM-19 off the list immediately? Be honest!
Okay, look. REAL talk time. Roach paranoia? Completely understandable. I HATE them. With a fiery passion. RM-19... well, it's in Dumaguete. Life finds a way. You might see one. You MIGHT. But hear me out, it honestly wasn't *that* bad. We're talking, like, a stray cricket in the corner, not swarm of biblical proportions. Bring some bug spray and try not to think about it too much. If you *know* you can't handle it, maybe choose another room or another place entirely. Mental well-being is important! Honestly. Just bring the spray. And maybe a stiff drink. Or three.
What's the room *actually* like? Is it as tiny as everyone says?
Tiny is an understatement. Think of a shoebox. A slightly damp, slightly charming shoebox. The bed? Probably a double, maybe a queen if you're lucky and have somehow booked it right. The bathroom? Compact, shall we say. And the 'view'? Let's just say it offers a unique perspective on the neighborhood. Mine looked out onto a wall. A very interesting wall. There are probably better views.
Do they have aircon? Because I can't function without it.
Yes! Thank the heavens. Aircon is, thankfully, usually available in RM-19. Crucial. Dumaguete gets HOT. Like, "melt your shoes" hot. Now, the AC units *might* have seen better days. They can be a little noisy. Like, "white noise machine" noisy. But they get the job done. Just remember to bring earplugs if you are sound sensitive like I am. (I may or may not have thrown a pillow at my boyfriend once because of snoring...)
How's the bathroom? (This is important!)
The bathroom. Ah, the bathroom. It's... functional. Don't expect luxury. Don't expect spa-like. Expect a shower head that might or might not produce consistently warm water, and a drain that *might* slowly disappear. Expect to become very, very familiar with the concept of "wet feet." I'll be honest, sometimes the water pressure was... pathetic. But also, the whole place is cheap. So, there’s that. Don't expect perfection, but also, don't expect complete sewage. You will survive. You will adjust. You will likely have a story to tell.
Is it noisy? Because, you know, sleep is kind of a necessity.
Ohhhh, yes. This is where RM-19 truly shines... or *doesn't* shine if you prefer slumber. It's right in the heart of Dumaguete. Motorcycles, karaoke blasting, street vendors hawking their wares at 3 AM... it's a symphony of sound. Bring earplugs. Bring a white noise machine. Bring a large dose of acceptance. Or, book the room and be prepared to be wide awake at 4am, the day after you arrive!
But how close is it *really* to the action? Can I walk everywhere?
Yes. You can walk to EVERYTHING. The Rizal Boulevard? Five minutes. Restaurants? Literally outside your door! The market? A stone's throw away. It's incredibly convenient. This is one of the biggest wins. You're in the middle of everything. You can wander. You can explore. You can eat ALL THE FOOD. But remember the noise... it's a double-edged sword. Convenience is the price you pay for the relentless symphony of Dumaguete. But seriously, the food... WORTH IT. So much lechon.
So, what was YOUR actual experience like? Give me the juicy details!
Okay, this is where it gets personal. And slightly mortifying. I arrived at RM-19 after a long flight. I was exhausted. I just wanted to sleep. The room... well, it was smaller than I expected. The bedsheets... they were there. The noise? Instantaneously deafening. I spent the first hour battling the AC, which sounded like a demented hairdryer. The bathroom was... an experience, mostly in termsStay Collective
