Festival Season Rates: How to Lock in MassKara Month Rooms Without Breaking the Bank

Every October, Bacolod City transforms into a dazzling spectacle of smiles, colors, music, and merriment during the world-famous MassKara Festival. But along with the confetti and fireworks comes another thing that skyrockets—hotel prices. If you’re planning to join the festivities without burning through your travel budget, here’s how to score great MassKara month accommodations without breaking the bank.

Why October Rates Go Up

The MassKara Festival draws thousands of local and international tourists every year. Due to the demand:

• Hotels raise rates as early as August.
• Most city center lodgings near Lacson Street get fully booked by early September.
• Walk-ins during the peak weekend (3rd or 4th weekend of October) may be rejected or offered premium rates.

 Early Bird Wins: Book 3–6 Months Ahead

The best tip to beat the price surge? Book early:

• April to June: Base rates or minor peak adjustments.
• July to August: Promo rates may still be found with prepayment.
• September onward: Rates climb steadily.
• Some hotels offer non-refundable early bird packages for up to 30% off.

Pro Tip: Use price-tracking tools like Google Travel, Agoda Alerts, or join local Bacolod travel groups for insider deals.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations (₱500–₱1,500/night)

You don’t need a five-star budget to enjoy the festivities:

• LOC Residences—Near Libertad; clean and walkable to jeepney routes.
• Circle Inn Hotel – Lower Lacson; early bookings start at ₱1,000.
• Check Inn Pension Arcade —right in the downtown area with good walkability.
• Transient Houses via Airbnb/Facebook Groups – Some hosts offer MassKara-week rates as low as ₱600/head.

Watch for: Private CR, fan vs. AC rooms, curfew policies for smaller inns.

Alternative Stays Just Outside the City

Lodging in nearby towns (15–30 minutes away) offers quiet stays and lower prices:

• Talisay City—close, connected via jeepneys and Grab.
• Silay City—a charming heritage town, just 20 minutes from Bacolod.
• Murcia—For nature lovers, with scenic routes and private rooms.

Commute-friendly tip: Check if the area has access to 24/7 public transport or shuttle services.

Bundle Deals: Festival Packages & Tour Group Blocks

Some Bacolod-based tour agencies or Manila organizers offer:

• Festival packages with hotel, airport transfer, and walking tours
• Group discounts with 4–6 pax sharing arrangements
• Special tie-ups with mid-range hotels like Go Hotels, MO2 Westown, or Avenue Suites

Pro Tip: These packages often include MassKara masks, food coupons, and VIP access to party events.

Avoid Peak Dates if You’re Budget-Savvy

MassKara typically peaks during the third weekend of October.

• Lodging is up to double the price from the weekdays before and after.
• Solution: Come a week early, enjoy the pre-events and quieter streets, and snag cheaper accommodations.

Use Rewards, Cashback & Vouchers

If booking online:

• Use credit card perks with Agoda, Booking.com, or Traveloka.
• Join hotel membership clubs or download their apps for exclusive discounts.
• Stack vouchers or cashback from platforms like ShopeePay or  GCash Travel.

Call Direct, Skip the Middleman

Sometimes, the lowest rates aren’t online. Call the property directly:

• Ask for “MassKara regulars’ rates” or “promo stays for advance booking.”
• Request whether they offer long-stay or group discounts.
• Inquire about deposit-only reservations so you can secure rooms even without full payment.

Bonus: Where NOT to Stay If You Want Sleep

MassKara is one big street party, especially along Lacson Street. If you’re a light sleeper:

• Avoid rooms facing Lacson, 18th St, or Goldenfields.
• Ask for rooms not facing the road or bring earplugs.
• Consider more peaceful areas like Capitol Shopping, Mandayao, or Bangga Cory.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS, BACOLOD CITY;  WANDER WELL