Escape to Paradise: The Plaza Lodge Baguio Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: The Plaza Lodge Baguio Awaits! - (Or Does It…?) A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (slightly lukewarm) tea on The Plaza Lodge in Baguio. Forget those slick, professionally-written hotel reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all. I'm talking the good, the bad, and the definitely-should-be-better-than-that. So, let's dive in, shall we?
(Metadata Time! Because, SEO, right?)
- Keywords: The Plaza Lodge Baguio, Baguio hotels, accessibility, wheelchair friendly, spa, pool, restaurants, internet, wifi, Baguio City, Philippines, family-friendly, clean hotel, good value, Baguio review, best hotels Baguio.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and hilariously messy review of The Plaza Lodge Baguio. Find out about accessibility, the spa, the food, and whether it's actually an escape to paradise. Spoiler alert: maybe not quite paradise. 😂
(First Impressions: The Arrival… and the Elevator of Doom)
Okay, so Baguio. Breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, perfect for escaping the Manila madness. The Plaza Lodge, nestled (kind of hidden) in the city, promised that exactly. First thing? The accessibility. And here's where things get a little… uneven. They do have an elevator, THANK GOD, because Baguio's all hills, and my knees? Not a fan. However, this elevator, let's just say it's seen better days. It shuddered, groaned, and occasionally made noises that suggested it was plotting my demise. So, yes, elevator? Yes. Wheelchair accessible? Potentially, but approach with a healthy dose of caution and a friendly prayer to the patron saint of elevators. The front desk was indeed 24-hour, which is a massive plus. Check-in was fairly contactless (yay for efficiency!), but I wouldn't exactly call it a "private" experience. Felt a bit rushed, TBH. Maybe it was the elevator's impending doom foreshadowing.
(The Room: Cozy, but Do I Hear a Ghost?) – A Rambling Digression
My room? Well, it had a window that opens, which is surprisingly crucial in Baguio's sometimes-stuffy climate. Air conditioning? No, of course not. It’s Baguio! Who needs AC? But the air conditioning in public area was there. The room itself was… okay. Non-smoking, thank goodness. The bed was comfortable enough, and there were linens, obviously. Basic necessities, check. It had a desk, which was convenient for… well, attempting to write this review. There was free Wi-Fi, which was important, but let me tell you about the Internet access [LAN]… forget it. Totally useless. Stick with the Wi-Fi [free]. They even provided a complimentary tea, so it's not all bad. They did supply a mini bar too, but I just took the free bottled water.
Bathroom: the toiletries were basic, the shower pressure was…let's say "gentle" There was a separate shower/bathtub, which I liked. Oh, and I swear I heard a creak or two at night. Maybe it was just the old building settling, or maybe I was rooming with a ghost. The bathrobes were nice though!
(Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food!)
Alright, sustenance. This is where things get interesting. Breakfast was included, and it… varied. The buffet in restaurant had some decent options - the Asian breakfast choices were my favourite. There was, thankfully, coffee/tea in restaurant, crucial for surviving early mornings. However, there was a coffee shop offering a wide range of drinks.
I ordered a room service [24-hour] meal once. Okay, maybe twice. The food was… acceptable. Not mind-blowing, but edible. There was a bar, The poolside bar, too. There were desserts in restaurant, but i did not try any.
The restaurants also had salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant. Bottle of water was readily available. There was also a snack bar.
(Relaxation Station: Pool, Spa, and (Maybe) Eternal Boredom)
The swimming pool was… okay. It was outdoor, and the pool with view was okay. I wouldn't say it was the "breathtaking vista" they promised, but it was a pool, which is always a plus. The Spa/sauna was there, and I tried to book a massage, but the schedule was booked, which was a major bummer. I feel like they kind of missed the ball on making this a true relaxation haven.
(Cleanliness and Safety: Hoping for the Best…)
Okay, I'm one of those travellers now. I'm overly concerned, and honestly, I'm looking at these things like a hawk due to the whole pandemic situation. The good news? They had a focus on cleanliness and safety. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas was happening, all of which was good, but let's be honest -- I did carry my own sanitizing wipes. They had a first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call, but I didn't test these. They were doing their best for physical distancing of at least 1 meter . Rooms sanitized between stays, check (I hope!). They had all the things you'd expect, like Smoke alarms.
(Services and Conveniences: The Bits and Bobs)
Okay, the less glamorous stuff. The concierge was helpful, the daily housekeeping was fine. They offered laundry service. There's a convenience store for basic needs. They had cash withdrawal, too. Car park [free of charge] - BONUS! Airport transfer - never used. The elevator again was there, so that's a win – or a coin flip.
(Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls)
Honestly? Baguio is the main draw. Explore the city! There are plenty of places in Baguio such as -- meeting/banquet facilities. They also had indoor venue for special events.
(The Verdict: Would I Return? Maybe, But…)
Look, The Plaza Lodge isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, and the whole "escape to paradise" thing is a slight overstatement. But, it's generally clean, the staff are friendly, and the location is pretty decent.
The good things:
- Generally okay
- Breakfast was good
- Friendly staff
The bad things:
- The elevator of DOOM
- Internet access struggles
- Spa availability limitations
So, would I return? Maybe. If it was a good deal and I was in need of a place near the city center. I would lower my expectations somewhat, bring my own sanitizing wipes, and hope the ghosts are friendly. But, hey, it's Baguio! And you can't go completely wrong! 3 out of 5 stars, with a strong emphasis on the "meh."
Osaka Namba Getaway: Chic 2020 House (4-min Walk!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Baguio. Specifically, we're aiming for The Plaza Lodge. This isn’t some perfectly curated Instagram post, this is MY trip, and trust me, there's going to be chaos. Here's how it might go (knowing me, it'll probably be a beautiful, glorious mess):
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Woes (Good Lord, I Forgot My Jacket!)
Morning (ish… let's be real, probably closer to noon): Fly into Manila. The usual airport shenanigans ensue. Passport control: always a gamble. Will they think I'm actually who I say I am? Will my selfie match the picture from five years ago? (Spoiler alert: probably not.) Then, the taxi ride to Victory Liner bus station. Traffic in Manila is a beast. I’ll probably spend a good hour, maybe two, just muttering under my breath, "Why am I doing this to myself?", but also, secretly, enjoying the energy of it all.
Afternoon: The bus to Baguio. I swear I packed everything. Except… a decent jacket. Baguio is known for its chilly weather, right? RIGHT? Cue the inner panic. My brain is already calculating potential emergency sweater buys. Hopefully, the bus has AC cranked up, so I don’t freeze on the ride. This is also where I try (and usually fail) to read my book. The motion of the bus, coupled with the ever changing views from the window, always puts me straight to sleep.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrive in Baguio! Feeling a mix of exhaustion and giddy excitement. Finding the Plaza Lodge – hopefully not a quest worthy of Indiana Jones. Check-in. Pray for a room with a view… or at least a window that opens. Otherwise, I'm doomed to smell the lingering scent of yesterday’s adobo. Unpack. Contemplate a nap (tempting… very, very tempting…).
- The Plaza Lodge First Impression: Okay, first impressions. The lobby is nice, a bit dated, but charming in a "grandma's living room" kind of way. The staff seem friendly. (Fingers crossed they stay friendly when I start asking for the Wi-Fi password… and then again when I realize I forgot my charger.)
Evening: Dinner. I NEED FOOD. Something warm. Maybe some sinigang – the ultimate comfort food. Wander around Session Road, get lost in the crowd. Baguio’s charm is in its slight chaos, right? Finding the perfect place… the eternal quest! If I don’t find anything, I’ll probably end up settling for a burger from McDonald's, I just hope they have chili sauce. End the night with… let’s face it, probably just watching TV and eating all the junk food I could find.
Day 2: The Art of Being a Tourist (and the Constant Threat of Rain)
Morning: Wake up. Probably grumpy. This is my default setting. The bed better be comfortable. If not, I’m complaining. Seriously. First stop: Burnham Park. It’s the thing to do. I'll wander, maybe rent a boat, and probably take way too many photos of the same flowers. The pressure to experience everything is on.
- Burnham Park Musings: The lake is pretty, the boats are… well, they're boats. The air is crisp. I love the cold air, and I bet the sun will pop out. The dogs are adorable, and the families are out. It's lovely to see, that's for sure. I just hope I don't get pooped on.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon: Go to the Baguio City Public Market. Get lost in the crowd and buy some fresh strawberries, a few oranges, and maybe some ube halaya. Bargain like a pro (or at least try to). Maybe get some pasalubong (souvenirs) for the folks back home. The market is always a sensory overload – a glorious, chaotic mix of colors, smells, and sounds. I'll probably start to crave something sweet eventually, and then I'll get into trouble, buying all the sugared treats I can find!
Afternoon: Visit Mines View Park, and The Mansion. Take the obligatory photos. Pose awkwardly with a giant dog. I'll inevitably start to wonder if being a tourist is really just about taking pictures of yourself standing in front of things. (Spoiler alert: it probably is).
- Mines View Park Realization: Okay, here's the thing about Mines View Park. It's beautiful, with a stunning view. But the people, the vendors… it's a chaotic, jostling, bustling energy. One moment you're admiring the scenery, the next you're being offered "sweet corn" by someone who's trying to sell a souvenir key chain. I might buy some carrots for the horses. I love horses! And I'll probably cry while I'm at it…
Evening: Dinner. Searching for a good restaurant is the hardest part of my life. Try to find a restaurant that's local. Hopefully, the rain holds off. Some bulalo is always a good option. More wandering. More people-watching. Maybe try to learn a few Tagalog phrases. ("Salamat" – I got that one down.)
Day 3: Getting Lost (and Finding Myself… or at Least Some Good Coffee)
Morning: Sleep in! At least, that’s the plan. I’ll probably wake up early, still jet-lagged, but I'll roll with it. Explore a new neighborhood. This is where I'm at my best – wandering around without a plan, discovering hidden gems. Maybe discover a hole-in-the-wall cafe with amazing coffee.
Mid-Morning: A pilgrimage to the Tam-Awan Village. Get lost in the art and culture, and hopefully not in a literal sense. The colorful huts are a welcome break from the more urban experience. I’ll probably spend half my time snapping photos and the other half just staring into space, lost in thought.
Afternoon: Get coffee. Serious coffee. Baguio has some great coffee shops. I need to fuel up for the rest of the day. This is a quest for a good coffee shop, with views and good pastries.
Late Afternoon: Do something spontaneous! Maybe visit Camp John Hay. Or just chill in the hotel, read a book, and generally be a lazy bum. No guilt. This is my vacation.
Evening: A solo dinner, a final stroll, and pack my bags. Sadness, the inevitable truth of a trip.
Evening Thoughts: This trip is almost over! I'll miss the chilly air in my lungs. The feeling of being completely away from home. And of course, I'll miss the beautiful chaos that is Baguio.
Day 4: Departure (and the Sweet, Sweet Thought of My Own Bed)
- Morning: Last breakfast. Check out from The Plaza Lodge. Head back to Manila via bus (hopefully I won't be late).
- Afternoon: Traffic (again). Airport. Flight home.
- Evening: Back home. Exhausted. Happy. Already planning the next adventure.
Post-Trip Musings:
- I will probably forget something important. Like my toothbrush. Or my phone charger. Or an entire outfit. It’s inevitable.
- I will probably have a moment of existential crisis, staring out a window somewhere.
- I will definitely overeat.
- I will take hundreds of photos, most of which will never see the light of day.
- I will come back with a heart full of memories, a camera roll overflowing with pictures, and a mild sense of having survived. And, hey, that's what a good trip is all about.
This is the kind of trip I love to take; messy, imperfect, and filled with genuine enjoyment. See you on the other side, Baguio! (or, more likely, see you on the bus to Manila, lamenting my forgotten jacket).
Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Vung Tau Seaside Getaway
Escape to Paradise: The Plaza Lodge Baguio Awaits! - Or Does It? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, so, *Paradise*... Is it really paradise, or is that hotel marketing just *lying* to me?
Alright, let's be real, folks. "Paradise" is a loaded word. I’m more inclined to call it “Charming and a Little Quirky.” The Plaza Lodge? It's got a certain… character. I went in expecting white sand beaches and a perpetually sunny disposition. Baguio's got the *chills*, literally. And the Lodge itself? Well, it's got charm, don't get me wrong. Think cozy, not colossal, think slightly-worn-but-loved, not gleaming and brand new.
My first impression? “Oh, this isn’t some generic chain hotel. That’s a good thing!” Followed immediately by, "Wait, is that a… a *grandfather clock* in the lobby? And it's not even working?" See what I mean? Quirky. Embrace the quirk. It's Baguio, after all. Embrace the chill, the pine-scented air, and the fact that "paradise" is probably more about the *experience*, not just the room.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they…clean? (Because, you know, gotta ask.)
Okay, *deep breath*. Cleanliness is paramount, right? I mean, nobody wants to vacation with a family of dust bunnies. My room? Was generally clean! I'd say it was a solid 8 out of 10. Look, it's not a sterile, hospital-grade environment. There might be a tiny stain here, a slightly-worn towel there (that's the "loved" part mentioned earlier), but nothing that made me want to run screaming.
The bathroom... it was Functional. And listen, the water pressure was *amazing*. That’s a huge plus after a day exploring, especially in Baguio's sometimes chilly temps. The hot water was *reliably* hot, which is a small miracle, really, in some parts of the Philippines.. Would it sparkle and shine? Probably not. Is it adequately clean? Absolutely. I'd sleep in it again. No regrets. (Unless I discovered otherwise the next morning...kidding! ...mostly.)
The food! Is there food?! And more importantly, is it *good* food?
Okay, the food situation... this is where things get a *little* messy, like me after a plate of sisig. They *do* have a restaurant. It's part of that whole Plaza Lodge experience, right? The food's... serviceable. Not haute cuisine, not Michelin-star worthy. Think, hearty home-style cooking. It satisfied the hunger pangs after a long day of trekking around Burnham Park.
I'm going to be honest: the breakfast buffet, *bleh*. It wasn't the worst I've ever had, but it wasn't *memorable*, either. The coffee was...coffee. The scrambled eggs were... eggs. (Okay, I’m being harsh, but stick with me here.) I'd strongly suggest exploring local eateries in Baguio! Some of the best food in the Philippines is found on the streets and in those small-town restaurants. The Plaza Lodge's food? It's there. It'll fill your belly. But don’t rely on it as your culinary highlight. Venture out, my friend, venture out!
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep!
Noise levels... are largely dependent on your luck and the location of your room! Baguio is a lively city. Cars, motorcycles, sometimes even roosters (yes, really!) can create quite the symphony.
I had a room facing the street. Let's just say earplugs became my best friend. And while I didn’t hear roosters, I did get a lot of traffic noise. Ask for a room *away* from the main road if you’re a light sleeper. Otherwise, be prepared for a touch of urban ambiance. Honestly, I’m used to city noises so it didn’t bother me that much, but if you're seeking complete serenity, request a quieter room or pack those earplugs!
What's the vibe? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Instagrammable?
The vibe...hmmm... that's a good question. It’s homey. It's not a glitzy resort. It's more like staying at someone's really well-maintained (and slightly quirky) guest house.
**Romantic?** Potentially, if you *embrace* the slightly-faded-charm thing. Picture this: you’re cuddled up with your loved one, sharing a cup of hot chocolate, listening to the rain on the roof (if it’s raining, of course, which it probably will be). *That* could be romantic. But don't expect dramatic sunsets or a rose-petal-strewn bathtub. Focus on the connection, not the setting.
**Family-friendly?** Yes! The lack of overly-fancy stuff actually makes it more relaxed for families. Kids can be kids without you worrying about them breaking some antique porcelain vase. (though, watch out for the grandfather clock!)
**Instagrammable?** Well, if you're a filter fanatic, probably not. But if you're into capturing authentic travel moments, absolutely! The Lodge has character. There are definitely photo opportunities, just… don't expect pristine, polished perfection. Go for the realness. That's where the magic is, anyway.”
How's the service? Are the staff friendly?
Ah, the staff! The unsung heroes of any hotel experience. The staff at Plaza Lodge? They're lovely! Genuinely helpful and smiling. They're the kind of people who make you feel welcome, even if you look a little disheveled after a long day of trekking through the misty mountains.
There was one time, I'd left my phone in the lobby. (I’m clumsy, okay? Leave me alone!). The staff went above and beyond to find it and return it to me. They could have easily "forgotten" about it. But no! They were honest, kind and so helpful. The service wasn't impeccable - they're human, after all - but it was *warm*, which matters more, to me at least. They truly added to the nice vibes for a relaxing getaway.
What's the deal with the location? Is it convenient? Close to anything cool?
Location, location, location! The Plaza Lodge is *pretty* well-located. It's near Session Road - Baguio's main thoroughfareBest Hotels Blog
