Backpackers’ inn opens in Cebu

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Debra Magallon-EsteroSun.Star Staff Reporter

AT THE heart of the city is a “hideaway” that awaits budget travelers.

Since it opened last October, the Aysha Lily Guesthouse has become a home-away-from-home to foreign and local travelers, especially backpackers.

Jo-Ann Badana, who manages the guesthouse while the owners are out of the country, told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview that the Australian owner got the concept after staying in a similar accommodation in Manila.

Carol Ann McDonald, the owner of the inn, married Badana’s cousin who used to work in a travel and tours company. In Australia, McDonald worked in a real estate company.

Badana said McDonald noticed there were no accommodations for backpackers or those who travel on a budget in Cebu City. Seeing the need for a backpackers’ inn, McDonald checked out about 100 houses around the city before picking a Spanish-style house located along Gen. Maxilom Ave.

Although 70 percent of the original house structure was preserved, it now has eight fan rooms, four air-con rooms and two dormitory-type rooms that can accommodate eight to 10 people.

Room rates start at P450 a night while bed space in a dormitory-type room is at P290 a night.

All rooms are furnished with bamboo beds. The inn’s interiors feature Filipino and Asian designs.

The guesthouse offers laundry service and cooking implements to guests who want to cook their food.

Badana said most of Aysha Lily guests are short-staying travelers who come to the city after a dive in Moalboal or a daytrip in Bohol.

After the Sinulog, McDonald has decided to open four more rooms within the year. The guest-house was fully booked during the Sinulog, said Badana.

McDonald, she said, is also planning to open another guesthouse in Bohol but a date has yet to be set.