A ROAD TRIP in the Philippines usually means time spent with your extended family, a raucous gathering of cousins, siblings, aunts, uncles, and whoever else wants to come along. Whether it be the holidays, a long weekend, or a special non-working holiday, a large space — one in which everyone can fit into — equipped with the conveniences of a home is preferred.

To this end, Azalea Hotel and Residences launched its year-round Holiday Plan this July as a way of offering families the comfort of home despite being on vacation. Operational since 2012, Azalea Baguio is a four-star serviced apartment hotel that targets big groups of travelers.

The property has 99 rooms, including three-bedroom apartment suites (for six adults and two children, or eight adults), two-bedroom apartment suites with balconies (for four adults and two children, or six adults), and deluxe rooms with balconies (for two adults and two children, or three adults). Other facilities include the Kuya J restaurant, the 8 Degrees lounge, function rooms, and a children’s playground.

All rooms and suites are furnished with living room, kitchen, and dining area facilities. Kitchenware is provided and free of charge.

“Baguio is always about family. It’s not just the immediate but also extended family,” Marcell King, Azalea Hotel and Residences group marketing communications manager, told members of the press in an interview during a familiarization tour on June 19.

THE HOLIDAY PLAN
“The Holiday Plan is an answer to the Baguio market’s challenges,” Mr. King said, noting that most families would rather stay together.

The plan offers a revised child policy in which children 12–14 years old can stay free of charge when it comes to accommodations, while those who are 15–17 years old receive a 50% discount. Guests who avail of the plan may enhance their stay with the following Holiday Boosters: 10 a.m. early check-in; 3 p.m. late check-out; complimentary use of the driver’s dormitory; and a free room upgrade to the next premium room category. Pocket rates and the best rooms are also offered when guests book via phone or through the Azalea Hotel website.

Before the end of the guest’s stay, an offer called “Goodies by Your Doorstep” offloads the task of pasalubong shopping to hotel staff, who will deliver the items to your room.

“Everyone wants to stay in the comfort of their home. We often get homesick when we’re far. Here, you feel homey but you have the services of a hotel,” Mr. King said. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Azalea Baguio is located at Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City. For information, call the Manila reservations number at 484-0080, 484-0081, 0917-861-1641, or 0919-994-4140; e-mail reservations@azalea.com.ph; or visit http://www.azaleabaguio.com.

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