In a city where perennially there are thousands of tourists, accommodations open up actively. Such is the case with the City of Pines, Baguio, where there are perhaps a hundred of lodging options. With a long list of choices, hotels must possess an edge and a distinct charm. One weekend, we tried the new Azalea Residences in Baguio City. Read more…
With operations only starting in February 2012, Azalea Residences is a four-star, all-suite property that defines itself as a holiday haven. A four-storey, stone cabin-inspired hotel, it boasts of 99 suites and is located right within the city. While tourist hotspots are a mere 10-15 minutes away, it still maintains ample distance for sought-after tranquility in the busy city.
Having departed late night from Manila, we arrived really early in Baguio. It wasn’t a problem though, as we were allowed an early check-in. And even if it was early, the front desk staff were friendly and efficient. Mere minutes later, we were in our two-bedroom suite.
The moment I opened the door, I was impressed. The interiors were obviously new and very clean, while the furnishings and decorations were all modern and classy. There was a kitchenette complete with a microwave and an electric stovetop, and two bathrooms were complete with all amenities. Thankfully, there was a counter too where I was able to work.
The living area had a comfortable couch that transforms into a bed, and like the two bedrooms, it was equipped with an LCD TV. The entire suite took advantage of Baguio’s cool, natural climate, but ceiling fans were still installed. We were a group of tech-savvy bloggers, so we really took advantage of the free wi-fi connection throughout the hotel.
Our room, like the entire suite, was luxurious. Inside was a comfortable queen bed with a soft duvet cover that clearly gave me a good night’s sleep. Our bathroom had a tub too.
We had the chance to take our meals at the hotel restaurant. The breakfast buffet had delicious choices, both Western and Filipino. I liked their chicken tocino, chicken sotanghon soup, and pancakes with ube jam on top. For dinner, we had an array of Filipino favorites, and the kare-kare, daing na bangus, and singang na baboy were just phenomenal.
A little under two weeks after our vacation, I’m still imagining myself lying down on my luxurious bed in our suite at Azalea Residences. It does, after all, have the makings of a holiday haven—comfortable, fully-featured, and accessible. I’m betting that Azalea Residences will soon be one of Baguio’s best. I highly recommend it.
AZALEA RESIDENCES
Leonard Wood Loop, Barangay M. Roxas, Baguio City
Contact: +63 2 579 4894, reservations@azalea.com.ph, or http://www.azalea.com.ph/
Note: Major credit cards and Philippine-issued ATM cards are accepted.
Photos were used with kind permission from Elal Jane Lasola of The Shades of Grey.
