Another hidden gem in Laoag is this quaint hotel in town -- Balay de Blas.
It's very easy to find. It's where the famous Saramsam Restaurant is located.
It's also near the famous Laoag/La Paz Sand Dunes.
It's just around 15 minutes from the hotel.
Very unique. Definitely we had a very different but nice experience.
Location wise, it's within the city, near everything. Just a little traffic.
The place where we stayed at is like one of the biggest houses during the Spanish time.
Although they have another new building which is modern and minimalist,
you can still choose to stay here and experience the traditional but luxurious rooms in the past.
Tastefully designed and decorated with traditional Filipino furniture and beds and furnishings.
They have this really unique bathroom and you need to stay to experience it.
The room is clean and big and airy.
We have a small veranda in our room but unfortunately the one in the room cant be opened.
Wifi is too weak inside the room (3rd floor), but they let us know that prior checking in.
We were informed that we need to go to the reception area to get strong signal.
Breakfast is not included in our room but we tried it in the Saramsam restaurant and it's ok.
Traditional Ilocano food. Tasty and sufficient for the day ahead.
Staff are nice and friendly.
Parking is sufficient and safe.
There are no elevators available so if you have babies or old folks with you, you need to ask for the lower floors.
Value for money.
Easy checking in and out.
We will definitely coming back.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Hotel Luna Annex: Best Stay
Don't confuse this. There's Hotel Luna and there's Hotel Luna Annex. Hotel Luna is located at Luna Street, the annex is located a block from it. It's located at De Los Reyes St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Both have the same old world charm, very nice staff, dotted with the same amazing work of art, same antique facade and reception, still within the Vigan Heritage Village area. Hotel Luna Annex is the extension of Hotel Luna being almost always full half the time.
Went here during the peak season of Dec 22-24. Stayed on Dec 22-23 and it was one of the most enchanting stays we have so far. It wasn't enough that's why we're planning on going back soon.
Place is straight from a period film. Like anytime, Jose Rizal and Juan Luna will appear and will have a chat with you. You can't help but be awed by the extreme care it took for them to preserve the place and make it more authentic. The room is very nice and tastefully designed and decorated. Good big bed and very soft pillows. Although our room did not have any windows, it does not matter at all. We had a good night sleep. Such nice touch to make all the furniture and even the bathroom look old too but very clean. I like the details of their faucets and shower head. They also have a very high-tech toilet bowl which is fascinating. Aircon is brand new and working well.
The annex has a function area where events are held. We had our breakfast in their function area. Food is Ilocano dishes. No buffet though in the annex. You choose your set meal. But the service was really nice. Very attentive staff and crew.
Wifi was good too. It was connected to their TV set so you need to open the TV to avail of the service.
Parking is just really terrible. Well, we have to understand that it's a Heritage site so there are really not enough space. But they do valet so it's eases the hassle. Funny though, when walk around the village, we saw our car parked right within the street side of a private house. But it's all good. Car is still ok and in one piece.
Easy check in and out. And very very nice receptionist both checking in and checking out.
We will definitely coming back.
Both have the same old world charm, very nice staff, dotted with the same amazing work of art, same antique facade and reception, still within the Vigan Heritage Village area. Hotel Luna Annex is the extension of Hotel Luna being almost always full half the time.
Went here during the peak season of Dec 22-24. Stayed on Dec 22-23 and it was one of the most enchanting stays we have so far. It wasn't enough that's why we're planning on going back soon.
Place is straight from a period film. Like anytime, Jose Rizal and Juan Luna will appear and will have a chat with you. You can't help but be awed by the extreme care it took for them to preserve the place and make it more authentic. The room is very nice and tastefully designed and decorated. Good big bed and very soft pillows. Although our room did not have any windows, it does not matter at all. We had a good night sleep. Such nice touch to make all the furniture and even the bathroom look old too but very clean. I like the details of their faucets and shower head. They also have a very high-tech toilet bowl which is fascinating. Aircon is brand new and working well.
The annex has a function area where events are held. We had our breakfast in their function area. Food is Ilocano dishes. No buffet though in the annex. You choose your set meal. But the service was really nice. Very attentive staff and crew.
Wifi was good too. It was connected to their TV set so you need to open the TV to avail of the service.
Parking is just really terrible. Well, we have to understand that it's a Heritage site so there are really not enough space. But they do valet so it's eases the hassle. Funny though, when walk around the village, we saw our car parked right within the street side of a private house. But it's all good. Car is still ok and in one piece.
Easy check in and out. And very very nice receptionist both checking in and checking out.
We will definitely coming back.
Taal Vista Hotel: Short break, memorable stay
We had a short break with friends and officemates last October 16-17, 2015. Booked 6 rooms thru a discounted voucher online. Since they also require us to inform Taal Vista for the room reservations, I had to call them. I had an easy time dealing with Taal Vista and making reservations.
Checking in/out was a breeze and the receptionists were all friendly, nice, attentive and accommodating. One of their supervisors Denisse Paula was extra attentive and even told us that if we need anything, we can just let her know. I didn't even have to ask them to give us rooms within the same block, they readily gave us. Their staff and crew were very courteous. They smile and greet you when they see you in the hallways, foyers and lobby.
We were booked in the mountain view side so we are near the pool. View of the entire place was awesome. My son had a great time at the pool. I like the pool but since Tagaytay is a cold place, I hope they can look into heated pools. Heated pool is very nice for the weather in Tagaytay. Pool closes early so I suggest they extend it at least until 9PM so that those who went out for the day can still enjoy the pool at night.
I also love that they have a play room for kids. If weather is too cold or if it's rainy, kids can still enjoy their stay thru the play room.
They have a new restaurant that offers fresh food. Wasn't able to try it personally but my friends did and it's worth the try.
Brekkie was great. And food are refilled as soon as they run out. They opened a ballroom since the restaurant cannot accommodate everyone at that time which is good because they have foresight since they know that there were a lot of people billeted at that time.
Wifi is strong in the room. But poor when we go out especially in the pool. But strong again in the lobby.
Parking is enough and safe.
Sky Ranch is just 10 steps away from the Taal Vista so if you need to unwind, eat, drink and be merry, you can just walk to Sky Ranch. Children will also enjoy the place.
Casino Filipino is just infront of Taal Vista so those who want to try their luck can do so there.
This is definitely our go-to place when in Tagaytay. We will definitely coming back.
Checking in/out was a breeze and the receptionists were all friendly, nice, attentive and accommodating. One of their supervisors Denisse Paula was extra attentive and even told us that if we need anything, we can just let her know. I didn't even have to ask them to give us rooms within the same block, they readily gave us. Their staff and crew were very courteous. They smile and greet you when they see you in the hallways, foyers and lobby.
We were booked in the mountain view side so we are near the pool. View of the entire place was awesome. My son had a great time at the pool. I like the pool but since Tagaytay is a cold place, I hope they can look into heated pools. Heated pool is very nice for the weather in Tagaytay. Pool closes early so I suggest they extend it at least until 9PM so that those who went out for the day can still enjoy the pool at night.
I also love that they have a play room for kids. If weather is too cold or if it's rainy, kids can still enjoy their stay thru the play room.
They have a new restaurant that offers fresh food. Wasn't able to try it personally but my friends did and it's worth the try.
Brekkie was great. And food are refilled as soon as they run out. They opened a ballroom since the restaurant cannot accommodate everyone at that time which is good because they have foresight since they know that there were a lot of people billeted at that time.
Wifi is strong in the room. But poor when we go out especially in the pool. But strong again in the lobby.
Parking is enough and safe.
Sky Ranch is just 10 steps away from the Taal Vista so if you need to unwind, eat, drink and be merry, you can just walk to Sky Ranch. Children will also enjoy the place.
Casino Filipino is just infront of Taal Vista so those who want to try their luck can do so there.
This is definitely our go-to place when in Tagaytay. We will definitely coming back.
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