Junction Hostels – Makati City

I dunno what happened to the streets of Metro Manila but the traffic that night was terrible than usual. And then we realized that it was Valentine’s eve, we’re doomed. We were all itching to get into our destination (and home for the night) where the launch party of Junction Hostel was waiting for us, we were hailing taxi cabs like we were on an Amazing Race level.

We were dropped off by our cabbie to a very familiar strip in Makati. We were looking for the newest and hippest hostel in the area for the launch party when we were struck by this huge deep purple building – in matte, to be exact.

We entered the funky entrance hall and were stunned by the view of a container van inside the reception area (the hostel’s front desk and café – The Food Truck). The container van turned into bar and café was literally inside the hall.

The Food Truck - a container van turned into a cafe/front desk

The lobby has this unique character; the Food Truck, the huge world map with pinned mementos from their guests, a pool table, a lounge area with a cute red funky hammock and some bean bags, an entertainment lounge with couches, books, magazines and a T.V., the kitchen area, the assortment of chairs and tables and the cool light fixtures. You’d think that it will be crazy and crammed but no, everything worked out pretty well for this compact space.

We were then assisted by the lovely hosts to our refuge for the night, a six-bed mixed dorm room (check rates). We were all handed our individual key cards and proceeded to the second level of the building to check out what’s in store for us.

And then gasps and shrieks.

I went gaga upon checking out our mixed dorm room. First thing I noticed was the huge mirror at the back of the door, a full-length one (pure indulgence to a hostel I must say). And then my eyes focused on the thick hotel-type mattresses and the fluffy pillows and then to an artsy lavatory with huge hanging lamp inside the room plus a working desk with lamp. There’s also a manually-operated air-conditioning unit and individual lockers and bedside charging outlets. And oh, did I tell you that it also has an en suite toilet and bathroom with complimentary toiletries? I am not in a hostel, are you kidding me? This is hotel quality with hostel rates.

Six-bed mixed dorm

Moving on, we checked out the other room types and the shared toilet and bathroom outside our rooms. And guess what? There are hair dryer stations on each floor. I am not a fan of hair dryers but boy, this is too much. I did try one of those after shower and it was so nifty and useful for travelers who are always on-the-go.

Free-flowing shampoo and bath gel

Eight-bed mixed dorm

We had a quick snack cum dinner in the lobby and then the beer sessions followed after; San Mig Lights and San Mig Pale Pilsens overflowed. Talks went on and on until the wee hours of the morning. There was no indication that we needed to go out and party to enjoy the night. We were at the comforts of the hostel and still had fun.

I lazily woke up the next day feeling I was under my own sheets, in my own bed. I snoozed some more.

The comfy mattress and blankies were divine. It is really at par with hotel standards. I dragged myself into the lobby where a few friends were already having their breakfasts, donned in their jammies.

It was near lunchtime but I was craving for a sandwich or something. I requested for a quick breakfast treat and was given a huge plate with bacons, two fried eggs, bread and jams and a tuna Panini sandwich. I then went into the kitchen and brewed some coffee. It was a feast! Although the breakfast is not complimentary, we opted to splurge a bit for we were really lazy to go out and find a nice breakfast place.

Happy brekkie :)

The rest of the day went fine. We chitchatted endlessly on our chosen nooks, played pool, read some books and just slumber some more. There’s this homey and happy vibe at Junction Hostel that makes you wanna stay there and just chill. 

I could imagine how this place will turn out when packed with travelers from everywhere and staying a night could be an itinerary in itself. I could literally travel around the world by just chilling with other nomads in here.

Junction Hostels - Makati (book online for discounted room rates)

Annex Matheus bldg.., General Luna St.,

cor., Don Pedro St., Makati City, Metro Manila

Contact Numbers: (+63) 2.501.6575 | (+63) 2.501.6578

Emai Address: booking@junctionhostels.com

(check here for discounted tours, transportation and activities in Metro Manila)