Safety in Ermita area??

[Glenn & Anne 16]

Maybe I should hire a pack of ladyboys to provide bodyguard escort duty. LOL

[Memphis 26]

My child and I had our medical at St Lukes last July3-5. We (me, my child, plus a companion) stayed at Casa Bocobo (Php 2,100/day-free breakfast) for 5 days since we are from Cebu. IMO, Casa bocobo is the next hotel close to St Lukes after Hotel Soriente.

Based on my experience, no need to be there as early as 3-4am, 6-7am would be just fine on a Tuesday-Thursday if doing the registration online. We went there around 7:30am and I was done around 11:15am for the 1st day. On the 2nd day, I was done around 1pm although I came in at 7am.

Good luck. Hope everything turns out well for your fiancee..

Edited July 13, 2013 by Memphis

[six7one 17]

Looking at hotels near St. Luke’s in Ermita area and trying to make plans for Anne’s medical toward the end of this month. A recurring theme in the hotel reviews is how bad the area is and how careful you must be. This is not a comforting thought for me since she will be required to leave early in the A.M. in order to secure a place in line. I was considering Hotel Soriente since they are close by and reasonably priced. Also considering getting her a hotel in Makati and just have her take a taxi to the medical.

Any thoughts or experiences you have to share? Would especially like to hear from the ladies who have already gone through this if they can comment on the safety of the area, especially in the early morning hours.

Thanks.

In addition to the ones already mentioned, Ralph Anthony Suites is another to consider. Its a stones throw away from SLEC, and they have long term rates if needed.

The area is not all that bad (I've been to the clinic during my fiancee's DOT), but I understand your concern. Bocobo street is actually pretty active with other immigrants trying to queue up at SLEC in the early morning so its relatively safe. If your concern is having her queue up that early, then just have her go later in the morning. She she may not complete the medicals in one day, but you'll have some peace of mind.

Edited July 13, 2013 by six7one

[Kumi and Drake 14]

The best would be for her to have a friend or a family member with her. I had my friend accompany me on the firts day. Since she wasn't allowed inside, she spent the day at Robinson's Mall. On the second day, I was able to go on my own and walk from Taft Avenue to the clinic. If she feels lost, she could ask security guards along the way. My rule when I'm in Manila and alone or with my fiance is to show your no easy target, no flashy accessories and no talking to random strangers asking for stuff.

[AKteacher 104]

Ermita is a bit seedy... but it's not really dangerous. Just use common sense. Don't flash around large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry/cel phones, wander drunk down dark alleys at night, etc.

I've stayed at the Hotel Soriente many times. In fact, my wife and I will be staying there this next week (7/16-7/20) if you're around let us know and we can show you around a bit if you like. Having stayed at quite a few Ermita hotels over the years, I would say that the Soriente is the best all-around deal for a decent place. The rooms are decent size, there's a Puregold supermarket, a Convenience Store, and a great Lechon Manok (BBQ Chicken) stand right out front. It's MUCH safer and more convenient than taking taxis to/from Makati... ask Larry (the doorman) if you need a taxi - he logs all the numbers of taxis leaving with hotel guests

There are many interesting things to see around Manila and Ermita is a good central location to explore from, since you'll have some waiting to do during the process anyway. Good luck!