Lub d Makati

Lub d is a Southeast Asian brand of social hostels with properties in Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines, and its Manila outpost is in Makati. It is aimed at travellers who want a lively, sociable base at a budget price but with more comfort and privacy than a traditional dormitory hostel.

The Makati property focuses on private rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The Duo rooms come with either a king bed or two twin beds for two adults, while the Barkada Quad rooms sleep up to four, with a king or two twin beds below and two single beds above. That makes it a sensible option for friends travelling together or small families on a budget.

The social side is the real draw. The hostel runs a programme of events, including a DIY halo-halo session in the early evening, a weekly pub crawl on Thursdays, a free nightly gathering called Meet At The Top, games nights, an open-mic evening and themed Friday nights. A common room with board games and a pool table, plus a restaurant and bar on site, give guests plenty of reasons to stay in and meet other travellers.

Practical facilities include 24-hour reception and security, key card access, security lockers, housekeeping, luggage storage, a meeting room and parking. Check the hostel's website for the current events calendar, as some activities have a fee and others are free. Book ahead for weekends, when Makati's nightlife draws visitors from across the city.

Most of the events take place in the early evening, so they are a good way to meet people on your first night before heading out to eat. Some activities have a small fee and others are free, and the programme is posted on the hostel's website. If you plan to join the Thursday pub crawl, keep your belongings secure and agree how you will get back before you go.

The location in Makati puts you close to the business district, Greenbelt and the bars and restaurants of the area, with taxis and ride-hailing cars readily available for trips to Intramuros and Binondo. Lub d Makati suits solo travellers who want to meet people, groups of friends, digital nomads and budget-conscious visitors who still want a private bathroom. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the social areas.