Baguio's BEST Studio Unit: APL Albergo Hotel Staycation!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans, the chicharrons, the everything on Baguio's BEST freaking studio unit, the APL Albergo Hotel Staycation. This ain't your grandma's review, this is the raw, unfiltered truth, sprinkled with a little bit of Baguio magic. And trust me, after a few days up in the cool mountain air, you'll need the magic to make sense of it all.
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First Impressions: The Climb Up & The Buzzkill-Buster View
Okay, so the accessibility. Let's be brutally honest, Baguio is not exactly known for being a wheelchair-friendly paradise. The city's a charming chaos of hills and uneven sidewalks. APL Albergo, thankfully, scores pretty decently here. Facilities for disabled guests are present, which is a massive win. The elevator is key, because trust me, after you've lugged your bags up one Baguio hill, you'll want to avoid any more climbing. The exterior corridor is a bit of a hike to the room, but manageable. However, finding a truly accessible Baguio is near impossible.
Now, the important stuff. Internet access is crucial. My blood pressure rises at the thought of weak Wi-Fi. Thankfully, we had Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and it held up! We could even stream movies from the internet access - wireless. And for the overachievers, you get Internet access – LAN. I mean, who still uses LAN, right? Okay, maybe my work-from-hotel-husband.
The REAL selling point? The Pool with a View! Seriously, the view. We spent hours just staring out the window. (We're city folk from the concrete jungle, so seeing actual trees, birds, and… you know… air…was a life-altering experience.) It was a beautiful, soul-soothing view.
Rambling on Relaxation: Spa, Fitness, and the Elusive Body Scrub
Okay, about getting pampered…
- Spa/Sauna: They have it. I didn't try the sauna though because… well, I'm a wimp. Baguio's cold enough without needing more heat. But the idea is there.
- Fitness Center/Gym: They've got a gym! I intended to use it. I planned to work out. I… didn't. I was too busy eating kakanin and enjoying the view. Let's be real, vacations are for relaxing, not punishing yourself.
- Pool with a View: mentioned it already, but it warrants repeating. It's amazing.
- Massages: Didn't sign up for this, but the option is appealing.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Nope.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hanger)
Right, let's talk about what we ate. And trust me, in Baguio, that's a whole separate adventure.
- Restaurants: Yes! Plenty of restaurants. We went to some places nearby!
- Room Service [24-hour]: Yes! And you know what that means? Midnight snacks. Pure bliss.
- Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: There's a buffet! Nothing beats a good breakfast buffet. I probably ate my weight in tapa and rice. They have a wide selection of both Asian and Western breakfasts, so there's something for everyone.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Obviously. Can't survive a Baguio morning without caffeine.
- Poolside bar: Oh, yeah. That's a plus, especially when you're staring at that view.
- Snack bar: This is pretty convenient!
- Safe dining setup: We felt safe from viruses.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yay for cleanliness!
The Dreaded Cleanliness/Safety Section (Because We All Care Now, Right?)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the pandemic. APL Albergo scores major points here.
- Cleanliness and safety: The hotel was very clean. Yay for a "Safe Dining" and "Rooms sanitized between stays." They are also proud to display their Hygiene certification.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Room sanitization opt-out available are all huge pluses.
- They had Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff were friendly and helpful, and they seemed to genuinely care about keeping everyone safe.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They try their best.
The Little Things That Make a Difference
Okay, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. The stuff that makes a staycation, well, staycation-worthy.
- Non-smoking rooms: Thank goodness.
- Air conditioning: Yup, in the rooms. Although, honestly, you might not even need it in Baguio (unless you're a heat-loving weirdo)
- Air conditioning in public areas: Yep.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping in late.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial.
- Daily housekeeping: A godsend.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus!
- Hair dryer: Saved my hair (and sanity).
- In-room safe box: Useful for valuables.
- Mini bar: I didn’t have anything in it, though.
- Refrigerator: Perfect for storing leftovers (and beer).
- Seating area: Nice for relaxing (or eating your weight in kakanin).
- Mirror, Desk, Towels, Slippers, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Essential. No complaints.
- Room decorations: A little bit basic, but the view more than makes up for it.
The Services and Conveniences (Because Life Gets Messy)
Life is messy. Here's how APL Albergo helps sort things out:
- Laundry service: Needed it. Used it. No complaints.
- Luggage storage: Super helpful for early arrivals/late departures.
- Concierge: Always handy.
- Cash withdrawal: Extremely useful, because some places in Bago just aren't keen on cards.
- Dry cleaning: Didn't use it, but good to know it's there.
- Elevator: Lifesaver.
- Ironing service: No crumpled clothes is a win for me!
For the Kiddos (and the Kid-at-Heart)
- Family/child friendly: Yes, very.
- Babysitting service: Available. Nice to know!
For the Business Travelers (Even if You're PRETENDING to Work)
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings (Yes, I saw a few): Yep, they've got all the corporate stuff.
- Internet services, Internet [LAN], Meeting stationery: All the essentials for the modern business traveler.
Quirks and Imperfections (Because Perfection is Overrated)
Okay, the downsides (because nothing's perfect):
- Parking can be a bit of a tight squeeze. (But free!)
- The "gym" is more like a "fitness corner". Don't expect a state-of-the-art facility.
- The "poolside bar" could have a slightly better selection of cocktails. But hey, the view makes up for it.
- The room decorations were simple.
The Big Takeaway: Is APL Albergo Worth It?
HECK YES.
It's not flawless. It's got its quirks. But the combination of location, the view, the accessibility, the solid service, and the overall chill vibe? This place delivers a truly memorable Baguio experience. Highly recommend it!
The Emotional Verdict:
I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to face the concrete jungle again. APL Albergo is a great jumping off point for your Baguio adventures!
The "Book Now!" Offer (Because Let's Be Real, You're Considering It)
Tired of the same old routine? Need a break from the everyday grind?
Book Your APL Albergo Staycation NOW and receive:
- 15% off your studio unit stay!
- Free breakfast for two (choose from Asian or Western!)
- Early check-in (subject to availability, because we get you!)
- A complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar (to savor that amazing view!)
But wait, there's more!
Jakarta's Hottest Hidden Gem: Cozy Kebagusan City Studio!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Baguio trip? It's gonna be a ride. We're talking APL Baguio Transient - Albergo Hotel - Studio Unit, Baguio Philippines, and I'm already mentally preparing for the gloriously chaotic mess that is travel with me as the architect. Here's the semi-structured, probably-highly-imperfect, and definitely-opinionated schedule:
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and Adobo Dreams (and Panic)
- 6:00 AM: Alarm. Ugh. Seriously, why do I even set an alarm? I snooze it at least five times. Finally, the guilt of a missed adventure kicks in and I drag myself out of bed. Coffee. MUST HAVE COFFEE. (This is non-negotiable).
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM: Hectic Packing. Double Checking. Did I pack underwear? Socks? Toothbrush? The existential dread of forgetting something crucial looms large. My backpack looks like a bomb went off in a camping store, but hey, at least I tried.
- 7:00 AM: The Commute. The Bus Ride. The bus terminal is a zoo. People are yelling, vendors are hawking, and I'm pretty sure a chicken just walked past. After what feels like an eternity, finally on the bus. Fingers crossed for a window seat!
- 7:30 AM- 12:00 PM: THE ROLLING HILLS - a never-ending roller coaster! The bus ride to Baguio. A blur of mountains, roadside stalls, and the inevitable cacophony of Filipino pop music. (Okay, some of it's catchy, I'll admit it.) I try to nap, but the winding roads are a relentless assault on my inner ear. I'm so tired!
- 12:00 PM: Arrival in Baguio. Altitude Hysteria. Stepping off the bus, I immediately feel the nip in the air. It's cold. And my lungs feel like they're working overtime. Baguio's altitude? A real thing. (I'll probably spend the next two days gasping for breath and blaming any clumsy moments on it.)
- 12:30 PM: Check-in at Albergo Hotel. Studio Unit Surprise. Whew, finally! APL Baguio Transient - Albergo Hotel - Studio Unit! The outside looks promising, kinda cute, even. The receptionist is charming, though she probably hides a laugh every time someone like me walks in. The room itself… well, it’s a studio. Small, but clean (fingers crossed), and hey, it has a window! Praise the sun! As long as I don't mind a potentially lukewarm shower and thin walls, it's perfect!
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch is A MUST - Food Trip Begin. I'm starving! Find a local carinderia (small eatery) and order adobo. The smoky aroma hits me like a warm hug, and my stomach does a happy dance. I will, however, make sure to find a very clean place to eat. I will not risk food poisoning on day one.
- 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Session Road Stroll (and shopping!). Session Road, the heart of Baguio! I will find a place to try their famous strawberry taho! I might even get a little shopping done. The place looks fascinating, and I'm very excited to keep walking and exploring!
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: The Cold and Evening Stroll. The evening in Baguio is cold. I will probably go back to the hotel and get ready for the night. This city is definitely different from the city I'm living in!
- 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner. Because I want it. I am going to find a restaurant and eat dinner. I need to keep moving, keep walking, and keep exploring!
- 7:30 PM onwards: Night Cap (or a Total Collapse). A quick trip back to the hotel and total collapse. Maybe a quick chat with my travel buddies and then… bedtime.
Day 2: Mines View, Market Mayhem, and Strawberry Everything
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast - I'm starving! I'm going to find a place to eat, then go to Mines View!
- 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Mines View Park. Now THIS is the Baguio everyone raves about! The view? Breathtaking. Although, I can't help but feel a tiny bit terrified of falling off the edge. The souvenir shops are a colorful explosion of chaos. I'll probably buy something I don't need, just because.
- 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Baguio Market Madness. Here we go! The Public Market. A sensory overload! The scent of fresh produce, the chatter of vendors, the sheer volume of stuff! I'm determined to find the best ube (purple yam) anything. Cake? Ice cream? The possibilities, are endless.
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch Again! Find somewhere to eat, again!
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Strawberry Everything! From the market, I go to a Cafe and buy fresh strawberry products. YAY!
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Burnham Park. Let's chill! Yes!
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner Again. Is this too much? I don't care!
- 8:00 PM onwards: Movie Night? A movie and rest!
Day 3: Kennon Road, Farewell, and the Everlasting Memory
- 9:00 AM: Wake Up - Time to Go Home! Wake up! It's time to go home.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Kennon Road! One last look around. Goodbye Baguio! See you again!
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check Out Goodbye Albergo!
- 12:00 PM: The Bus Ride. Back on the bus. Back to the city!
- 12:00 PM onwards: The Ride Home. The ride back is a blend of fatigue, lingering cold, and the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind a place that, despite its quirks, has somehow charmed me. Already missing the crisp air and the unique vibe.
Things That Will Probably Go Wrong (Because It's My Life):
- I'll get lost. Repeatedly. GPS will be my frenemy.
- I'll accidentally offend someone with my overly-enthusiastic (and probably badly-pronounced) Tagalog.
- I'll overspend on souvenirs I don't need. (Just kidding! It's a guarantee.)
- I'll become ridiculously attached to a stray dog or cat.
- I will be so tired.
But hey, even with the potential for chaos, I'm excited! Because Baguio, despite its cold weather, crowds, and my own personal brand of travel-related clumsiness, is going to be an adventure. And that's what makes it all worth it. Now, where's that adobo?
Haridwar's Hidden Gem: Hotel Shri Hari - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
APL Albergo Hotel Staycation in Baguio: The Unfiltered Truth (and Probably Too Much Details!)
Okay, so, APL Albergo Hotel… Is it *really* the best? Like, BEST best?
Alright, deep breaths. "Best" is subjective, you know? Like, my "best" pizza is probably different from yours (mine has pineapple, sue me!). But for a studio unit staycation in Baguio, APL Albergo... yeah, it's strong contender.
The *view* alone is worth it – assuming you get a room facing the right way and aren't staring into another building (which, let's be real, happens in Baguio). Waking up to that mountain scenery? Chef's kiss. But, and this is a big but, it depends on your expectations. If you're expecting The Ritz, lower them. Think comfy, practical, well-located, and with a view that makes you forget you're surrounded by traffic (at least for a little while).
And don't even get me started on the *potential* for a bad smell from the lobby. I swear, one time I got a whiff of something... *questionable*... but it cleared up. Hopefully, it's just cleaning products.
What's the deal with the studio units? Cozy? Cramped? What's the space *really* like?
Cozy is the word. Cramped? Yeah, a little. Let's just say it's not palatial. Think smart design, maximizing every square inch. You've got your bed (usually comfy enough, though you *might* find yourself pulling the blankets tighter because Baguio gets chilly at night even inside). A small kitchenette – good for making instant noodles (essential for any Baguio trip, am I right?). A tiny table, a small seating area. It's enough. You're not meant to *live* there, you're meant to *relax* there (ideally).
I remember one time, my partner and I tried to do yoga in one of the studio units. Disaster! We kept bumping into things. Ended up just doing some stretching. Lesson learned: keep the exercise to a minimum. Embrace the Netflix and chill lifestyle.
Okay, let's talk about the view. Is it *really* as good as the pictures make it out to be?
Here's the brutally honest truth: the view is *usually* amazing. BUT... and it's a significant 'but'… it depends on your room and the weather. Some rooms face out over other buildings. I've had this happen, and it's a total letdown. A major "awww, man" moment. Make sure to specify a view when booking, and be prepared for some potential disappointment. The pictures, bless their hearts, are often taken on the sunny days when the sky cooperates. Baguio weather is notoriously fickle. One minute it's sunshine, the next it's a pea-soup fog. If you get a foggy day, you might as well be staring at a white wall.
I still remember the first time I saw the view from a good room, though... it was glorious. I sat by the window for hours, just staring. Pure bliss. So, it's a gamble. But the *potential* payoff is huge.
How's the location? Is it walkable to all the Baguio hotspots?
The location is pretty darn good. It's not *perfectly* walkable to everything in Baguio – you'll need a jeepney or taxi for some things, especially if you're easily tired (like me!). But it's close enough. Burnham Park, Session Road, SM City Baguio... they're all within a reasonable distance. Depending on your walking tolerance. I'd rate it walkable to almost anything for me.
The main problem is the traffic, though, which is legendary. Factor that in when planning your adventures. Seriously, traffic in Baguio is a beast. It could take you 30 minutes to travel a distance that seems trivial on a map, and I swear, sometimes, it feels like the jeepneys are playing a game of chicken.
Are the amenities decent, like the Wi-Fi and the TV?
Okay, let's be real. The Wi-Fi... can be spotty. Like, "buffering forever" kind of spotty at times. It depends on the day, the weather, the phase of the moon, and possibly the mood of the Wi-Fi routers themselves. Don't rely on it for important work calls. It's good enough for streaming, *most* of the time. Prepare for frustration. Bring a backup data plan.
The TV is fine. It has the usual channels. Expect a lot of static sometimes. However, I have discovered that when I don't have anything to watch, I'm forced to read a book like an educated person, which is sometimes even better.
Let's talk service. How's the staff? Are they helpful?
The staff at APL Albergo are generally pretty good. They're friendly and try their best. However, sometimes, service can be a little... slow. Don't be in a rush. Baguio runs at a slower pace (even *with* the traffic making you want to tear your hair out). Be patient. Be polite. Sometimes you have to ask twice for things. I remember one time, it took them a while to bring some extra towels. *Eventually*, they arrived. But you know how you want a hot bath after the first hour in Baguio, and you finally get it as you want it. Be patient. It's part of the Baguio experience.
Any hidden fees I should be aware of? Nickel and diming?
I haven't personally been slammed with a bunch of hidden fees, which is always a relief. But always, *always* read the fine print. Double-check what's included in the quoted price. Look out for extra charges for things like parking (if you're driving), early check-in/late check-out (if you need it), or any unexpected "service fees." They are pretty transparent, from my experience, but it's always better to know. Being surprised by extra charges is a major mood killer.
Would you stay there again? And, be honest!
Yes. Absolutely. DespiteJet Set Hotels
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