Papabo Backpackers Mactan
A solid choice for budget-conscious backpackers and social travellers seeking a comfortable pod stay with good communal facilities, especially convenient for airport transits.
Papabo Backpackers Mactan offers a comfortable and social hostel experience, primarily featuring open bunk-style pods equipped with privacy curtains and adjustable lighting. Guests generally find the sleeping areas surprisingly quiet and clean, although some shared bathroom facilities have received mixed reviews regarding cleanliness. The property boasts a lively atmosphere with a bar, pool table, and swimming pool, making it a good choice for those looking to socialise. While its proximity to the airport is a plus for transit, the immediate surroundings are noted as less appealing for walking. The friendly and helpful staff contribute significantly to the positive guest experience.
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 14 reviews.
Noise & sleep
Reviewers highlight the surprising quietness of the capsules, suggesting good noise isolation for a hostel environment.
“I stayed in the capsule and found it very comfortable, clean, and surprisingly quiet.”
“The rooms are perfectly clean and it has everything you needed very comfy, and very quiet. I can rest if you like to just rest.”
Pod comfort
Guests generally find the capsules comfortable and well-equipped, though one reviewer noted a worn-out bed.
“I stayed in the capsule and found it very comfortable, clean, and surprisingly quiet.”
“The rooms are perfectly clean and it has everything you needed very comfy, and very quiet.”
“Sängen var ner legad .”
Privacy
A privacy curtain or blind allows guests to close off their personal space within the dorm.
“Un store permet de fermer son espace personnel et de se couper du froid de la chambre.”
Cleanliness
While some guests found the capsules and rooms perfectly clean, one reviewer specifically noted poor cleaning in the showers and toilets.
“Dåligt städat på boende duschar & toaletter.”
“I stayed in the capsule and found it very comfortable, clean, and surprisingly quiet.”
“The rooms are perfectly clean and it has everything you needed very comfy, and very quiet.”
Shared bathrooms
The shared bathrooms are described as spacious and pleasant, with good showers, though one guest reported them as poorly cleaned.
“Les sanitaires sont super grands et agréables.”
“Unes duchas del copon!”
“Dåligt städat på boende duschar & toaletter.”
Luggage storage
There is no dedicated space for bags and suitcases, but the large beds allow guests to keep their luggage with them.
“Pas d'endroit pour mettre les sacs et valises, mais le lit est grand donc on sait les prendre avec soi.”
Staff & check-in
The staff are consistently praised as very nice, friendly, and helpful.
“Mycket trevlig personal som är hjälpsamma.”
“The staff was very nice and friendly.”
“The relaxed social atmosphere, friendly staff, pool area, and on-site sports bar make it a great place for backpackers, especially for late arrivals.”
Location & access
The location is convenient for the airport, but one reviewer found the immediate area undesirable and unsafe to walk around.
“Läget är inte bra. Gick inte ut det är bad area.”
“The airport is close.”
Atmosphere
The property offers a lively, young, and relaxed social atmosphere with a bar, pool table, and swimming pool, making it suitable for socializing.
“Todo, ambiente joven, billar, bebida y comida barata, delante tienes un 7-eleven que te hace la funcion y camas anchas y bien ventiladas.”
“The relaxed social atmosphere, friendly staff, pool area, and on-site sports bar make it a great place for backpackers, especially for late arrivals.”
“But if you want to socialize they have a really nice bar in the first floor with nice pool table and a swimming pool at the back and can watch sport with a good service.”
Value for money
Guests find the property offers good value, with affordable food and drinks, contributing to an excellent overall stay.
“Todo, ambiente joven, billar, bebida y comida barata, delante tienes un 7-eleven que te hace la funcion y camas anchas y bien ventiladas.”
“A few small finishing touches are still ongoing, but overall it was an excellent stay and clearly deserves an exceptional rating.”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- poorly cleaned shared bathrooms at times
- no dedicated luggage space
- undesirable immediate location
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