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The facade and lobby are simply decorated (no pretensions of a fancy hotel here) but everything functions well. The staff are friendly, accommodating and courteous (and believe me, I ain't an easy customer my friends will tell you that)
What really attracts me to this hotel is its adequately sized rooms. My room comes with two double beds (perfect for the four of us), a mini kitchenette (cooking is not allowed in the rooms) and a clean toilet (shower only, no tub)
The second sink at the kitchenette is a good addition as we can wash stuff here even if the toilet is occupied. Our room came with 3 complimentary set breakfast so I had to pay for my breakfast but it was all worth it (Php 200 per additional breakfast). On my first night, the General Manager, Mr. John Leyva, an old friend of mine, even treated us to a lovely dinner at their outlet called Sunflower cafe.
So what are the usual things one can do in Baguio? You can visit Burnham Park (they have a bicycle area, a man-made lagoon for boating (Php 120 per 30 minutes), do a picnic or just simply stroll around) Burnham Park is generally safe as long as the sun is still around, but once darkness hits, it would be best for you to avoid the park.
you can see a bit of SM Baguio on the background
If you're a Catholic, you should also go visit the Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral or better known as the Baguio Cathedral. Just a few steps away from SM Baguio, the cathedral was build in 1936 and its hard to miss because of its pink facade.
Next stop was the Mansion House which is a cab ride away from the city center (not that far though). Built in 1908, the Mansion House is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines.
Down the road from the Mansion House is where you'll find Wright Park. Wright Park is where you will bring your kids to first experience the joys of riding a horse/pony. (Php 200 per 30 minutes or Php 300 per hour). Kids will surely enjoy this specially if its a first time experience although it can be a bore for older children.
You can also visit Mine's View Park, an abandoned mine and now a popular tourist attraction where you can do some shopping, view the scenic landscape or have your picture taken with either a saint bernard, a horse or an Ibaloi (local people). When I was younger, i remember young children (beggars) with empty cans attached to long sticks that would stand in the outer area of the viewing deck waiting for tourists to throw them coins. They would chase the coin unmindful of their safety while tourists watch with amazement at their agility. Im glad this practice has since been removed since Im sure one or two got hurt one way or the other.
picture taken from the viewing deck
Amongst all the restaurants that we dined at, the one that was most memorable for me was 50s Diner. I actually passed through this restaurant a couple of times and was intrigued by its interiors but only got to dine there after the hotel staff recommended it to me. When we arrived, we knew we were in a for a long wait. People were standing outside. I eventually put my name on the list (no 11) and waited patiently. Fortunately, it only took around 30 minutes of waiting and we were finally in! Ok, the name of the restaurant is obvious...its patterned after a 50s U.S. diner. Place is decorated appropriately and had no pretensions. There was a non-working jukebox near my table. A bar and pink flourescent lights completed the ambience. Although the wait staff could be wearing a themed uniform, they were all cheerful and pleasant. After ordering their specials (hamburger and strawberry milkshake), I was hoping for the best. And the best it was, the burger was cooked right and the milkshake was how it should be. Prices were affordable (Php 90 for a cheeseburger/Php 75 for a hamburger/Php 65 for a milkshake). There was an equal number of Korean and Filipino diners enjoying steaks, burgers, ice creams, etc.
Mukhang masarap ang diner!
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