My North Star Hotel

The hotel offers a practical and welcoming stay, distinguished by its consistently praised staff's exceptional service and the convenience of complimentary breakfast and readily available water dispensers. These features create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers, short-stay guests, and business travelers seeking a straightforward yet pleasant base. Its central location within the city, close to key establishments, also makes it suitable for solo travelers and couples exploring the area. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to be prepared for a short walk to access main roads for public transport, and consider bringing personal toiletries like slippers or a hair dryer, as these are not consistently provided.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity, and the convenience of water dispensers located in hallways. The hotel also provides parking facilities for those traveling with vehicles. Rooms often include a dedicated study/work area and offer various TV channel options for entertainment. However, it is important to note that the hotel does not feature extensive recreational facilities such as a spa, gym, or pool. Some guests observed the absence of a functional kitchen during the day. Furthermore, certain in-room amenities like slippers, hair dryers, and sufficient tissue paper were occasionally reported as missing, and some bathrooms lacked a proper shower head.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests found the rooms to be clean and comfortable, frequently highlighting their spaciousness. The air conditioning generally functions effectively, providing a cool environment, though some units were noted for being noisy or having dirty filters that required guests to clean them. Beds are consistently described as comfortable, complemented by comfy pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. However, some rooms appeared dated or showed signs of being run down, with issues such as black mold in the shower stall, leaking sinks, or toilet flushing issues. Lighting in some rooms was considered dim, and while a heater was present in some bathrooms, hot water supply could be inconsistent. Some guests also mentioned the absence of glasses in the room or insufficient tissue paper.

Dining & Food Quality
A complimentary plated breakfast is a standard offering, typically served in the mornings. While many guests value the inclusion of breakfast, feedback regarding its quality and variety is mixed. Some found it to be a heavy plated breakfast that was sufficient for the day, while others described it as limited, dry, and occasionally boring, often consisting of a single main dish like rice, egg, and a meat item such as ham, sausage, or corned beef, with a notable absence of fruit options. There were also instances where the breakfast was served cold if prepared early. For additional refreshment, soft drinks are available for a small charge.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally described as quiet, nestled within a subdivision and slightly away from the main road. This provides a peaceful atmosphere, though it typically necessitates a short walk, approximately five minutes, to reach the main road where public transport like tricycles can be easily hailed. Despite this, guests find the hotel conveniently situated near various malls, including SM Tarlac, as well as numerous restaurants and other commercial shops, facilitating access to city establishments. Its close proximity to the national road is also advantageous for guests planning to travel by bus to other regions. While some guests noted the hotel could be initially hard for tricycles to find, its closeness to prominent landmarks helps with navigation.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, being described as exceptionally nice, friendly, accommodating, polite, helpful, and responsive. Guests frequently highlight their warm welcome and willingness to assist with various requests, including late check-ins or last-minute bookings. Their attentive service extends to maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of hallways, and they are noted for their welcoming demeanor towards visitors. The staff's dedication to providing excellent customer service significantly enhances the overall guest experience, contributing to many guests' desire to return for future stays.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a policy of allowing visitors, which is a convenience appreciated by many guests. While Wi-Fi access is provided, some guests reported that the connection could be unreliable or "funky," though mobile data reception within the area was generally strong. A minor concern mentioned by some guests is the occasional presence of ants in the rooms, particularly if food or drinks are left uncovered. It is also worth noting that rooms typically do not offer a view from the window.