#ShareBaguio: Where to stay in the summer capital?

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – With its cool, crisp climate, Baguio City is a welcome respite for the lowlander languishing in the heat of the tropics. Coming a long way from its days as a hill station during the American occupation, Baguio – a hybrid of the cosmopolitan and the indigenous – has become an in-demand vacation hotspot all year round.

Of course, with demand comes options. The influx of tourists has remained constant through the years. If you find yourself one of the many wanting to embark on the pilgrimage up Kennon Road, you might want to plot your lodgings first before coming up with a detailed itinerary.

The hotel: Toasty suites, cocktail lounges, upscale security

With apartment-sharing Airbnb being in vogue for the practical and penny-pincher alike, hotels are starting to be left out of the tech-savvy traveler’s options. But for the creature of comfort, there’s nothing like the hotel experience to pamper the travel-weary.

For those traveling in groups of either family or friends, hotel suites give great value for money. The Azalea Residences, a hotel tucked away in a hill a few miles away from the busy Baguio downtown, can accommodate an entire entourage.

Azalea is an ideal location – it is secluded enough, as it sits atop a hill away from Leonard Wood Road, but is also just a stone’s throw away from the city proper. Its lobby doubles as a bar – perfect for cocktails at night to shake off the Baguio cold.

A group of 4 or more can avail of one of Azalea’s spacious two-room suites and lounge without having to pile excessive layers of clothing because it is toasty inside, from day to night. The housekeeping is not only impeccable; a sweet treat awaits you as you return to your room after a long day of sightseeing – there’s some chocolate chip cookies, on the house.

Security is a major issue for every traveler, especially when valuable gadgets and luggage are too heavy to lug around.

The bed and breakfast inn: Rustic, homey, with taxidermy

Apart from hotels there are also bed and breakfast inns scattered around the city. They are significantly cheaper than hotels, often well lived-in and homey. Some, such as Forest House and Atenara House, pride themselves for being able to offer the classic Baguio lodging experience, from thick walls to taxidermy hanging by the doorstep.

Bed and breakfast inns are similar to hotels, only more rustic. The beds are not lined in high-threadcount sheets, but are still comfortable, making one swaddle in warmth reminiscent of a grandmother’s quilt. The toiletries are basic, the water has a heater, and the breakfast is quaint, but it ends there.

The transient house: DIY is the way to go

Before Airbnb came into being, transient homes were already the rage in Baguio City. Locals and enterprising homeowners alike rented out their quarters, mostly for mid- to long-term stay.

Transient homes are a favorite of couples looking to host guests attending their dream wedding in the city of pines, of writers looking for stories, of artists in need of inspiration. The lease covers only the shelter, bed, and the most spartan of furniture.

Whichever you opt for, there’s always a place for you to stay in Baguio. – Rappler.com

For best Baguio hotel rates book via agoda.com