Ilocos Diaries: Java Hotel in Laoag

March is for Ilocos where my friends and I spent 5 days exploring the provinces of Laoag, Vigan, and Pagudpod.

We flew in from Manila to Laoag, our jump off point, because Laoag is centrally located, being in between Vigan and Pagudpod. 

Some facts about Laoag:

• Laoag, the capital city of Ilocos Norte, is the political, commercial, and industrial hub of the province.
• Laoag is 488 kms. north of Manila, making it a 10 to 12 hour car ride away. Vigan is an hour's drive south, while the white sand beaches of Pagudpud are an hour's drive up north. Baguio City, the country's summer capital, is 6 hours away. 
• Popular Ilocano products are inabel, bagnet, longanisa, and sukang Iloko.

After an hour, we landed at the Laoag International Airport which was undergoing renovations.

From the airport, we took a 30 minute jeepney ride to our home for two nights in Laoag: Java Hotel. 

Java Hotel is a 50-bedroom establishmet known for its unique Balinese Moroccan atmosphere, interesting Spanish design, and warm Ilocano touch.

We booked an Executive Room good for 4 people for 4,510php. The rate was inclusive of breakfast. I have no complaints with our room as it was spacious and looked and felt clean.

Executive Room

Bathroom

Balcony

Pool View

Breakfast was at Eagle's Nest which was adjacent to Java Hotel.

Love Birds in the Restaurant

We can choose from any of their set menus:

Meals served were all very filling and good although service was a bit slow. Must try is the Longsilog  meal because it was the best longanisa we had during the entire trip.

Longanisa Meal

Tapsilog Meal

Continental Meal w/ Bacon

Continental Meal w/ Pancakes

I enjoyed our stay in Java Hotel because rates were reasonable without compromising the cleanliness of the rooms and hospitality of the staff. There's even a 24 hour convenience store nearby. 

The only downside of Java Hotel is its location. It's not only a 5 minute trike ride to the busy commercial side of town, but it's also located inside a gasoline complex! It's definitely not the safest location but hey, you only live once, right?

View from Java Hotel Lobby

I would still recommend staying at Java Hotel, location notwithstanding. Just don't say I didn't warn you!!!

Java Hotel is located at Fariñas Caltex Station, Bacarra Road, Brgy. 55-B Salet, Laoag City. For more information, call (077) 770.5996, (02) 246.1010 or click here.