Every time I visit Baguio, whether for leisure or business, I always get acquainted with something new that the city offers, be it food-related or tourism-related, or simply a new section of the city conducive to having fun.
This time, I came face-to-face with and experienced the exemplary service of a boutique hotel, which I thought was new, as I had never heard of it before.
The five-year-old Lafaayette Luxury Suites is located near Baguio’s central business district and is also near Camp John Hay, Session Road, and Burnham Park. It is a full-service accommodation with impressive Old European architecture. In fact, when I walked into its atrium lobby, it immediately gave me the feeling that I was in a luxurious European hotel because of its interior design and facilities.
As I looked up from the lobby, I could see the hotel’s 10 floors, with guestrooms on each floor strategically placed around the atrium. Coming from a long drive, I was pleased to see the hotel staff welcoming me with sincere smiles and breezing through the check-in process seamlessly.
To the left of the lobby is a grand spiral white staircase leading up to the mezzanine, made elegantly attractive by banisters of black and gold. With something like this, it’s easy to mentally picture some noble royal personalities coming down the stairs, all dressed in their regal finery, to mingle with invited guests, like what I see in movies.
Fronting the lobby is a wide check-in counter with front panels decorated with golden curlicues, exactly like what luxurious medieval establishments in Europe had. I was so preoccupied with appreciating the opulence in the hotel’s interior design that I later found myself transfixed by the beautiful and luxurious surroundings I was in. Honestly, I never expected that Baguio had this “jewel” of an accommodation. It’s got to be Baguio’s best-kept secret.
Walking into my room was another pleasant shocker. The room’s interiors immediately made me feel like royalty. It was not just the furnishings, it was the overall design of the living room, how the pieces of furniture were laid out, the bedroom with its nocturnal facilities conveniently set up, and the very spacious bathroom with gold trimmings, convincing me that I was going to live like a king for the next few days. The preponderance of golden curlicues inside the various sections of my room gave me the impression that I was in one of the palatial rooms at the Palace of Versailles.
Breakfast at the L’Epicure Restaurant on the hotel’s topmost floor was another beautiful experience, not only because of its panoramic views of the city but also because of the elegantly designed furniture. Glass tables are used, and the chairs have the classic Italian Renaissance look.
It felt great to be seated beside the glass walls, giving one an unobstructed aerial view of different parts of the city. The buffet has a massive selection of Filipino and Western dishes, more than enough to satisfy any foodie’s yearnings.
Owned by Rowena and Paul Lalwani, the Lafaayette Luxury Suites Baguio has 55 well-designed guest rooms. From humble beginnings, Paul, of Indian descent, worked so hard to achieve his goal, and this boutique hotel is the fruit of his labor. His chosen design for the interiors is part of his dream to enjoy the luxuries of life, and the hotel, with its design and facilities, certainly gives anyone a taste of such. Paul also owns a resort with the same name in La Union, with interiors and furnishings designed the same way as this one in Baguio.
I later learned that the hotel runs at an average occupancy of close to 90 percent throughout the year. No surprise because it offers everything that a “staycationer” looks for in a hotel: accessibility to interesting spots, a sky view of the city, great service, complete facilities, good food, ample parking space, and the feeling of luxury at very affordable rates.
I’m glad I discovered this beautiful hotel and had the opportunity to spend my weekend with a taste of luxury. It feels great to pretend I spent my weekend at the Palace of Versailles. Anybody game for a weekend of make-believe?