Hotel Sogo Santolan is a simple, budget chain property with locations across the country. The motel-style property attracts travelers on a budget, many arriving by car due to its convenient location on the Marilaque Highway and “drive-in” rates (parking is included). It’s hard to miss the bright red and yellow building, which harks back to a couple of decades ago. Its logo – a face half-hidden behind a fan – is meant to indicate the property’s Japanese theme, and rooms have some Japanese-inspired touches.

Interiors, as one would presume from the exterior, are dated, but common spaces are clean and inviting enough (the hotel’s tag line is “so clean…so good!”). Sleek tile floors and a high ceiling in the lobby makes it feel spacious, and there’s a number of chairs, a sofa, and boxy wooden cubicle-like seats with built-in headphones dotted about. Snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase at the front desk, a green marble counter tucked away in a back corner of the lobby.

Travelers here are on a budget and just passing through. Rates are hourly, attracting transient passerby, and also making this known as a “love motel.” Travelers looking for something for more than just a night might want to look elsewhere.

The hotel is located in Santolan, an area in Pasig, right on the Marilaque Highway. There’s plenty of dining options within a short walk of the property, as well as a couple of other hotels and some shops. It’s about a half-hour drive into Manila, depending on traffic, or 37 minutes via metro – there’s a MRT station just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Major attractions such as Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Rizal Park, and the Manila Cathedral are all about a 40-minute drive away, depending on traffic. The airport is about 35 minutes away by car.

The Japanese theme of the property is perhaps most visible in the rooms, some of which are almost capsule-like. They can feel a bit bleak with their lack of windows and general wear and tear, but they’re adequate enough for undemanding travelers just looking for a place to sleep at night. Simple wooden furnishings include desks and tables with chairs. Slight Japanese touches like large photos of Mount Fuji, cherry blossom designs, or patterned paper umbrellas decorate the spaces. There are some themed rooms here, like pirate-themed with pirate flags on the walls and other such details. Direct access from the garage parking spaces is another convenience.

Amenities are limited, but all rooms have small wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, telephones, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi – though both the Wi-Fi and AC can be problematic. Upper-category units like Executive Rooms and suites add extras such as electronic safes and hairdryers. Bathrooms vary, but they’re all tired and could use some updates. Some are tiny and not much beyond a shower, sink, and toilet, plus old fixtures. Higher-category rooms have larger bathrooms, with whirlpool tubs and separate showers. Note that cigarette smells can be an issue in rooms.

Besides an on-site restaurant, there’s not too much here in terms of features. Food is a mix of casual Filipino and Japanese fare (from fried chicken to tonkatsu and katsudon), plus room service is available. Other amenities and services offered here include massages at the hotel’s small spa. Parking is free and available on the hotel’s lot or garage. Wi-Fi is free as well, but there have been complaints from guests about an unreliable connection.