Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub

Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub

39 Pili Street Nova Tierra Sub Division Lanang, Davao City, Mindanao 8000 Philippines
Outdoor Dining
Traveler (120)
Bathroom S4
Room & Suite (19)
Taken during our breakfast in the pool side
Dining (12)

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About

4.5
#20 of 84 hotels in Davao City
3.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Drifters is a family owned hotel consisting of 7 fully fitted and serviced apartments, We can accommodate family's up to 10 persons. We are located inside Nova Tierra Village Lanang Davao City. Drifters provides free access to and from the airport and is approx 5km from Davao central. We are only 10 min away from Samel Island Ferry's. On site is the Pirates British underground Pub, serving freshly cooked traditional English / Asian foods. And of course a world wide selection of beers and wines. We can help you with travel plans both local or to any part of the Philippine Islands. We have free WIFI all over. Swimming Pool, Beer Garden. Please remember this is a family hotel. We are Pet friendly if you are Drifters friendly.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids pool
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Street parking
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Shuttle bus service
Business Center with Internet Access
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Room service
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
1.5 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Budget

Location

39 Pili Street Nova Tierra Sub Division Lanang, Davao City, Mindanao 8000 Philippines
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 42 out of 100
42
Mati Airport
1 Attraction
within 1 kilometer
100Reviews10Q+A16Room tips
Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
outriggerman wrote a review Jul 2008
Queensland
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed at Drifters Davao for 16 days. It is a small privately owned and operated apartel which includes a British style basement pub. The rooms are of an excellent standard being very large and spotless and some include kitchen facilities. Importantly the shower has good water flow and is actually hot. The staff are all friendly,efficient and can't do enough for you. My room cost only 1350 pesos a night and there are significant discounts for extended stays. Philipino and British/Australian meals are available all day at very reasonable prices and are served in the bar or your room or by the pool. It is located in the northern area of Davao close to the airport (but no noise) and near the beach and access to the Samal island resorts in a quiet upmarket residential estate.
I have travelled widely in the Philippines and would rate this establishment as one of the best value for money hotels I have found.
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Date of stay: July 2008
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesCheck in / front desk
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesBusiness service (e.g., internet access)
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura A wrote a review Aug 2014
Kelowna, Canada
4.0 of 5 bubbles
It's an apartel. I thought I'd clarify that first. The rooms are kept immaculate. Comfy with the ability to self cater. Air con,wifi works great. Small pool which is also impeccably clean.
Great value British meals availiable and has a nice pub below. Motorcycle rentals can be had there. One minor note on this, the owner isn't always there to see the upkeep of these bikes is done. We had a minor accident due to the chain falling off while we were going up a hill on Samal. We both sustained minor injuries. Marnet,the proprietors wife demanded we pay an exorbitant amount of money for a foot peg damaged. We were prepared to pay a reasonable price for the foot peg but not what she demanded :-((. Also keep an eye on medications as one of chamber staff did take a couple of the sleeping pills that my partner had.
Money was never touched and nothing else ever went sour.
Fantastic place to stay that's quiet and secure , comfort foods and a generally good vibe. Really love the owner as he's a man of distinction and goes out of his way to make you comfortable.. One quote he has on the wall downstairs in the pub ,remember where you are!!
I would definitely stay there again. Sigh. As it was our home away from home
Aside from above that was the only major issue
Read more
Date of stay: September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Drifters Davao D, Owner at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub
Responded Aug 6, 2014
Hello and thank you for the review. Reviews are important to us and we react accordingly to make peoples stay more pleasant. Im very sorry for the problems you had with the bike, I can assure you that all the bikes have now been fully serviced and road tested by me July 25. Many thanks for your comments about our place, everyone does their best while Im away. Expat management is important, rest assured I will soon be back full time to further enhance Drifters. Mean while I will be there much more often.
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jhaddy_the_great wrote a review Apr 2008
UK and worldwide
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I stay here whenever we visit Davao. Drifters is basically 5 or 6 apartments in a complex with a British style bar underneath. The place can be hard to find as it is located deep inside a residential village but the advantage of this is that it is quiet. They usually pick us up from the airport anyhow which is good as we wouldn't find it ourselves! The rooms are spacious and most importantly clean, and we always rent the studio with kitchen and en-suite, advantage being that we can cook our own food, saving money. They do however serve food in the bar which seems to be reasonable. The place is close to Hagars place (a popular expat hangout) and about 15 mins to downtown, depending on traffic of course. In the past they have arranged boat trips to Talikud island for us which can only be described as an undiscovered paradise. We're planning to go back this coming Sept.
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Date of stay: January 2008
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesCheck in / front desk
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesBusiness service (e.g., internet access)
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jack b wrote a review Mar 2012
London, United Kingdom
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I made the mistake of staying at this place. I think most travelers know how to see the reality of reviews, so, here are some things any traveler should know:

This place is not a hotel it is an Apartel – just like it says in its name. So, I have no idea why it is classified along with “Hotels” in Davao. This is especially deceptive considering all other Apartels in Davao are listed in the B&B section.

After checking in, we waited for several hours in our room for basic things to be fixed. We just kept being told that someone was coming. No one ever came.

This place is in an area extremely far away from any activities and if you are calling a taxi expect to wait a long time (one hour or more) during the day and even longer at night (two hours).

There are no nearby restaurants and the food at this place is horrible and cooked under no particular standards.

Also, I would not swim in the pool as it looked unclean with debris floating in it.
Among other things, the room was cramped and smelled like smoke. And the front window covering was old and would not close properly so we had to position luggage in front of it. The room was VERY NOISY and the noise goes on day and night e.g. dogs barking, people screaming, music playing, etc.

The building itself is very claustrophobic. The windows were dingy and offered a view of nothing except the greasy pool.

They have a bar on premises. Keep your children away from it.

Drifters also states they have a Security Guard. What they have is one guy in a white shirt who was only occasionally present and even then he was texting or talking on his cel phone when I observed him. So, if you are “secure” with that then I guess this is the place for you.

The owner is very rude and after about our third complaint were told to “go somewhere else” if we did not like the rooms. We were also told we were getting a “good deal” so “stop “whining”. This kind of behavior can often happen when the owner of a small property is answerable to no one else. Customer Service is non-existent. I also found it strange that so many positive reviews of this place go into great detail about things which no average travel could possibly know; and especially odd that they love the owner so much. How many travelers spend so much time praises the property owners?

This place is bad even for low end apart els. Stay away.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2011
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
1.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Drifters Davao D, Owner at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub
Responded Mar 11, 2012
We wonder why people wait from Oct 2011 to March 2012 to write a reveiw? We have no idea who you are and you certainly never complained to me and Im the owner of Drifters Davao. There is no smoke, no smoke rules apply in Davao City. Both smoking and burning of trash! Our BBQ in the garden is powerd by Gas not Charcole.( no smoke!) Windows are new and in good order. Put you bags to block the window? I dont think so. Taxis are availible by calling our staff from your room 5 min before your travel. Many restos and shops just 10min away at Damosa / Market baskit.. Samel island resorts just 5 min away by boat. We are in the hotels section because thats exactly where our guests put us when they write reveiws about Drifters. Davao tourist board also rate us as Hotel. Our pool is clean and I was very happy to see one of our guests floating in the pool as I read this reveiw. He stays for 3 months each year. Yes we do have 24 hr secuirity which most people tip for their help and service. Once again any guest can comment on TA site, but can all the other reveiws be wrong about Drifters? Regards Bert Baldwin.
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SihanoukvilleJason wrote a review Jan 2015
sihanoukville
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I felt the need to address some of the poor reviews that this hotel had received. .....my response is that I could not have been treated and respected more hospitably by any hotel as I was at Drifters. ...great staff. ..good food. ..well priced. ...friendly and above all respectful. ....I would not hesitate to tell others of what a great stay I had there. .........its well worth it. .
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Date of stay: May 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DavaoBert, Owner at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub
Responded Jan 26, 2015
Many thanks for this review. All feed back is good. Since your stay in May we have been changing a few things for the comfort of our Guests. The introduction of Mirium as our front line supervisor has made a huge difference. Mirium should be able to answer any of our guests enquirys. Many thanks from Drifters Davao
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StevePatt2014 wrote a review Aug 2014
Melksham, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My first visit to Davao, my first stay at Drifters, and it will certainly not be my last, I am looking forward to returning soon, for a much longer stay.

Drifters, gets 5 stars from me in every aspect, I don't have one signal complaint.

Throughout our 14 day stay, we where made so welcome, the choices of food are vast, and delicious. Well stocked bar. Accommodation immaculate. Situated in a nice quiet village, close to all, amenities.

I can only thank Marnita & Bert, and all the staff, who have become good friends, for the exceptional welcome and service.

See you soon

Steve and Annabelle
Read more
Date of stay: August 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Drifters Davao D, Owner at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub
Responded Sep 1, 2014
This type of review is great for Drifters and a big boost to our staff. We love it, Thank you very much.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
itgbkj wrote a review Apr 2014
Luzon, Philippines
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I have mixed emotions about the place.

Good stuff I remember:
1. There was hardly anyone else checked in for that day, so we enjoyed the pool to ourselves.
2. Place was quiet and we felt secured because there was a guard on duty at night and this is located inside a village - not on a busy area.

Things I don't quite like:
1. Place was very difficult to find. They do have signages for directions, yet our taxi still got lost inside the village. The staff did their best to give us directions on our mobilephones, but when it's your firsttime around this place, you don't really expect to know things like "when reaching the mosque, turn left!" kind of instructions. Would have been better to have someone greet/meet you at the village's gate.
2. Food and bottled water/drinks prices were not really Davao prices. Plated breakfast averaged at P250, Bottle of local beer was, I think, P55.00. Maybe, if you're a foreigner (or rich), this will fall within your budget. There was no alternatives because the nearest convenience store (or any store or restaurant, for the matter) was quite far.
3. One may appreciate the peacefulness or silence of the place, but the apartel's location was more of a restriction to me. It cuts you off from "choices and flexibility" and you'll just have to deal with the supplies that the apartel had to offer.

Overall, I least liked the apartel's location and how it cuts my choices down to what the hotel offered.
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Date of stay: April 2014
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
2.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Drifters Davao D, Owner at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub
Responded Apr 25, 2014
This is the type of review that I like, its a persons general review on how they felt and not a personal attack on Drifters or Drifters Staff like some other reviews. Location, Not sure which way the taxi drove you in, but the shortest route by taxi is 600mt from the HI way. Our staff should have given you a calling card which has a map on the rear side which you can show to the taxi. If this didn't happen Im very sorry. As you said first time in this area takes some understanding of where you are, but there's a Sari store is just around the corner where you can by drinks at Sari store prices. At the HI way, choice super market. and across the HI way Jolly Bee. We have no restrictions on you bringing food or drinks inside to enjoy in the garden by the pool or in your room. Our bar prices are what they are, but at least its private and not full of noisy drinkers as you find down town. Many thanks for your review, we will learn and adjust. Kind regards Bert Baldwin, Owner.
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Goodpace wrote a review May 2011
Eastern Shore of Virginia, Virginia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Over the past five years, I have stayed here many times and it has only gotten better. As far as value goes in Davao (and the Philippines), this place is at the top of the list. It is a small, well-conceived apartelle that uniquely blends the feel of a European guesthouse with the tropics of Asia.

The proprietors are a wonderful couple who take great pride in their city and business. They make sure everything works and that their guests are cared for in just about anyway. All questions can easily be answered by either of them or most of the staff. Need a vehicle for hire? Diving or sight-seeing questions? Restaurant or nightlife tips?

The place is cozy. The air-conditioning was fine and the showers hot and full of pressure. The beds are large and the rooms spacious. There are only six rooms and they surround a lively courtyard where you can relax poolside surfing the internet (WIFI is free) or enjoying the quality food.

The basement British pub is absolutely fantastic if you like a wide assortment of drinks including British Isles beers or a San Miguel on tap, international sports or a game of pool. It is a jewel!

The rates for a night are around 1500 pesos ($32 USD) depending on the room you get. This is such value and you are assured of a great experience. If you want out and out luxury, this may not work for you. If you want a taste of Davao in a welcoming, relaxing environment, Drifter's is your place.

I have stayed at, literally, fifty hotels in Davao and around the Philippines over the last decade and this is my very favorite.
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Date of stay: May 2011
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saf7670 wrote a review Feb 2015
Peterborough, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I spent 14 nights at Drifters and have nothing but praise for the place and the very accommodating staff. It was so nice to find and meet a friendly British community in the Philippines.

I arrived at the Davao airport and the owners were there to pick me up even though the flight had been delayed. And was quickly and smoothly taken to the hotel,
Arriving I found that my room was large and spaciousl, with a separate fully functioning kitchen with stove and fridge, pans, rice cooker as well as plates and cutlery. Tv and cable with a good selection of channels along with wifi throughout.
Sleep quality is excellent, with comfortable beds

There was an issue with the 2nd floor wifi which kept freezing, but the staff relentlessly reset the router to maintain a useable service. I was told technicians were due to rectify the problem, the day I left.

There basement bar is well stocked and provides excellent drinks and food at reasonable rates. The food is excellent and tasty when you don't wish to cook yourself.
It was nice to sit by the pool with a coffee in the morning or beer in the evening.
Security is excellent with night time guard providing a visible deterrent when staff are away.
This is a family run hotel and the owners are always around , providing a home from home feeling.

Yes the hotel is in a small residential estate in Lanang, about 10 minutes taxi ride from SM Lanang (100php). Airport is around 20 minutes away and costs 150php, City centre 20- 30 minutes 150php.The staff will call a taxi which will pick you up within 5 - 10 minutes.

The hotel is close to the airport and you regularly hear aircraft as they depart, but the noise is not too excessive, and doesn't effect sleep.

Overall this is an excellently run , clean and safe property providing a high standard to guests, I will return again when next in Davao.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2015
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonas D wrote a review Jan 2015
Alvesta, Sweden
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Its a home away from home big rooms and big bathtooms. friendly staff nice price and really good food. nice swimmingpool and cozy bar with good prices and the owner is a verry nice and good person. We will be back
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Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Answer from DavaoBert
Davao
Yes we have pick up at 250 peso. A taxi can be used for around 140 peso
Answer from Dave H
11 contributions2 helpful votes
Taxis are very cheap in Davao, its only about a 20min drive from the airport
darryl c wrote a tip Oct 2015
San Francisco, California53 contributions14 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"plan time to find the place or arrange for guest transportation services"
Read full review
malkingreg22 wrote a tip Oct 2015
King's Lynn, United Kingdom200 contributions8 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"all rooms are good clean and quiet"
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redgoglac wrote a tip Jun 2015
Welshpool, United Kingdom12 contributions11 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Not all rooms are self-catering so if you want this option, ask when booking."
Read full review
Haftelmacher wrote a tip May 2015
Davao City, Philippines43 contributions33 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"We have only eaten there, but I am sure you will sleep well"
Read full review
Umhaldor wrote a tip Apr 2015
9 contributions8 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"I recommend renting a motorbike - they are very good and good price"
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Davao City area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
drifters apartel and british bar hotel davao
LOCATION
PhilippinesMindanaoDavao del Sur ProvinceDavao City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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DRIFTERS APARTELLE AND THE PIRATES PUB - Hotel Reviews (Davao City, Philippines) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub
Which popular attractions are close to Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Nearby attractions include Lon Wa Temple (0.8 km) and Kipanan Falls (1.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Conveniently located restaurants include Olive Bistro, Mang Inasal, and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, SM Lanang.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub have airport transportation?
Yes, Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are pets allowed at Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Drifters Apartelle and the Pirates Pub?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Japanese Tunnel (9.9 km).
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