Part of a large hotel chain with dozens of properties in the Philippines, Hotel Sogo caters to business travelers and guests with a short layover in Manila. The five-story, yellow-and-red building it is housed in is eye-catching (though older) compared to its neighbors, but little else makes this hotel stand out among the many other budget properties in the area. Interiors are overall plain, consisting of blond-wood furniture, beige and black marble-like floors, and generic, black vinyl seating in public spaces. However, some efforts have been made to make common spaces and rooms a tad more welcoming and less run-of-the-mill, such as Japanese-inspired details like prints depicting cherry blossoms, Shoji-style sliding screens, and fan designs here and there. 

Though the Sogo is mostly popular among business travelers drawn to the property for its location and affordable rates, some details -- besides the decor and limited amenities -- make it feel more like a motel than a proper hotel. Hourly rates are available, and some guests have pointed out that mirrors on walls and ceilings in rooms make it feel a little bit like another one of the many ‘love hotels’ found in the area and the red-light Ermita neighborhood, directly to the north. The property is generally clean and comfortable, but it is worth shopping around, as there are plenty of other well-priced options in the immediate vicinity.

The hotel is located on Mabini, a busy street lined with local businesses and hotels in Malate district. The area is bustling during the day and offers a good base to explore nearby shopping malls and attractions, including the Manila Baywalk, Robinson Place and Harrison Plaza malls, and the Manila Zoo, all located within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is less than 10 minutes away on foot, while Rizal Memorial Stadium can be reached in about 15 minutes. Those looking to explore other neighborhoods of Manila can take the LRT at Quirino Station, which is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and goes straight to Intramuros and Luneta Park. Makati’s restaurants, malls, and nightlife scene are more easily reached by car -- but beware of Manila’s infamous traffic, which can make a quick trip turn into an hour-long journey. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is about a half-hour drive away in normal traffic conditions. 

The hotel’s 40 rooms have lofty category names such as Regency, Deluxe, and Premium, but they’re all rather basic and plain. Decor elements are down to the bare minimum, including sparse, generic wooden furniture with clean lines, few ornaments on walls, and either white or wood-like brown tiled floors. Large padded headboards in pearl hues are a nice touch available in some rooms, as are Japanese-inspired details such as large color photos of cherry blossoms, temples, and fans. Some higher-category units have Japanese-style sliding screens and tatami areas with low-to-the-floor furniture. Most rooms overlook the street, but some units lack windows. 

In-room amenities are basic but on par with other budget hotels in the area. They include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, safes, and telephones. Flip-flops are also provided in all rooms. Regency category units add mini-fridges, free bottled water, and electric kettles with free instant coffee. Bathrooms are tiny in most rooms, with small sinks and wet room-style showers. Regency units, however, have renovated bathrooms with good walk-in rainfall showers. The only toiletries provided are two bars of soap, toothbrushes, and small sachets of shampoo. 

This budget hotel offers just the most basic amenities. A decent breakfast buffet with a handful of Filipino and international options is served for a fee in the restaurant, located off the lobby. Regional and international dishes are also available throughout the day here, and room service is available, also for a fee, during restaurant hours. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in all common spaces and rooms, and massage services are available on request. Front desk can also arrange laundry services, as well as call cabs and provide valet parking. The hotel lacks a fitness center -- but so do most of its direct competitors in the area.