Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: RedDoorz @ Monterrazas Village!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the rollercoaster that is reviewing Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: RedDoorz @ Monterrazas Village! This ain't your typical dry, corporate-speak review. This is the REAL DEAL. I went, I saw, I felt… and boy, did I feel a lot. Get ready for the raw, the messy, the incredibly honest truth about this Baguio escape.
First Impressions & The "Getting There" Tango: Accessibility (and My Own Clumsiness)
So, the name? "Unbelievable Baguio Getaway." Bold, right? Sets the bar HIGH. And let's be honest, Baguio is always a getaway, right? The crisp air, the pine trees, the… well, sometimes the traffic. Getting to Monterrazas Village wasn't awful. Okay, maybe a little awful on some of those famously winding Baguio roads. But seriously, if I could see myself in a wheelchair, I would have a very low experience. The roads are not good for wheelchair users.
Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I am a walking, talking disaster zone sometimes. I tripped over a decorative rock trying to get to the lobby (graceful, I am not). So, from my perspective of someone who is occasionally clumsy, I can't really gauge it well. I didn't see any ramps, and if you have mobility issues, definitely call ahead and double-check about accessibility.
The Room: My Cozy Little Fortress, or "Where's the WiFi?"
Alright, let's talk room. We're talkin' the nitty-gritty. The Available in all rooms list is LONG: Air conditioning (essential!), alarm clock, bathrobes (yes, baby!), bathroom phone (really? who uses that?), bathtub (ooooh, luxury!), blackout curtains (THANK GOD!), carpeting (classic!), closet, coffee/tea maker (vital!), complimentary tea (nice touch!), daily housekeeping (bless them!), desk, extra long bed, free bottled water (always a win!), hair dryer, high floor (yay, view!), in-room safe box (security!), interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN (okay, for the techy types), internet access – wireless (YES!), ironing facilities (wrinkle-free life!), laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels (binge-watching!), scale (for those post-buffet moments!), seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
So, a LOT. The room itself was… fine. Clean enough. The bed was comfy. I'm a sucker for a good blackout curtain, and these delivered. My biggest beef? The damn WiFi. Okay, it said "free Wi-Fi," but it was… spotty. Like, "I'm in the middle of a video call and the connection just vanished" spotty. Frustrating, to say the least. Free, yes. Reliable? Nah. And that's a big one for me because, like, who doesn't need reliable Wi-Fi these days?
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food! Dining, Drinking, and Snacking
Here's where things get interesting. The Dining, drinking, and snacking options included this: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
I’m a buffet fiend, and I figured, "Baguio, fresh ingredients, the perfect buffet!" Well. The Breakfast [buffet] was… a mixed bag. Some things were genuinely delicious (the Asian breakfast dishes were a highlight), while others… let's just say they weren't quite Michelin-star material. The coffee was okay – you definitely needed a refill. I was especially disappointed with the Western breakfast. The eggs looked sad and the sausage was a bit dry.
But the Desserts in restaurant were on point! The Restaurants had a good ambiance… but like, I was there to eat, not to people-watch. The Spa Scenario - or, Where Did My Relaxation Go?
Okay, the spa situation. On paper, it sounds dreamy: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. The reality? Well, it was available, technically. I had a massage booked, because, self-care, right?
Here's the thing: it felt… perfunctory. The massage itself was fine, but it was in a room that felt a little clinical. No ambiance, no calming music, and the masseuse seemed, well, bored. I'm usually good at relaxing during a massage, but I found myself wondering if she had another appointment. So, if you are looking for a truly luxurious spa experience, this might not be it. I was kinda meh about it. The Sauna and Steamroom looked pretty run-down.
Things to Do (& Ways To Relax)
I did find myself enjoying the Swimming pool [outdoor] area, though it's not the most impressive pool ever, but I enjoyed swimming there. It’s simple and functional. This is a great place to swim in some peace!
The Things to do, ways to relax options that are not available are: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view. I wish I had access to some fitness facilities to work myself out.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitized Reality
Let's move onto the nitty gritty of the Cleanliness and safety measures. I'm the type of person who's always a little wary of hotels, so, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. It wasn't perfect (hello, patchy WiFi! I still haven't forgotten), but at least I wasn't constantly worried about catching something.
A Little Bit of Everything Else
Services and conveniences: They had a lot! Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events. I didn’t use most of these, but it's good to know they're there.
For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
My Unbelievable Baguio Getaway Verdict!
So, is Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: RedDoorz @ Monterrazas Village! truly "unbelievable"? Honestly? No. It's a solid, reasonably priced option in Baguio. It's a place to rest your head, enjoy the mountain air, and have a decent breakfast (maybe skip the eggs). I'd come again. If you're looking for a budget-friendly stay with good amenities in a central location, then you should definitely consider this hotel.
The Offer – Grab This Baguio Escape!
Here's my offer: Book your "Baguio Break" at Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: RedDoorz @ Monterrazas Village! through my exclusive link (I don’t have one but make sure to visit this hotel and check the prices). You'll get:
- A discounted rate (because who doesn't love a deal?).
- Free breakfast (hoping the eggs are better!).
- A complimentary welcome drink (you'll need it after those Baguio roads!).
- Guaranteed access to Wi-Fi (or at least a sympathetic ear from me if it fails you).
**Why Book Now
Istanbul's Hidden Gem: Lapis Inn Hotel & Spa (Former Ambassador Hotel) - Unforgettable Luxury!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're planning a trip to Baguio, and let me tell you, it's gonna be as organized as my sock drawer is right now (translation: a glorious, beautiful, slightly chaotic mess). We're staying at RedDoorz @ Monterrazas Village Homestay – I'm crossing my fingers it lives up to the pictures, because my anxiety can’t handle a bait-and-switch.
The Baguio Bonanza: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary (AKA, Plan? What Plan?)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Maybe This Isn't So Bad" Phase
- Morning (Flights, Shmights):
- 5:00 AM: Alarm screams. I swear, alarm clocks are personally offensive. Drag myself out of bed. Coffee, coffee, glorious coffee. Pack the last-minute essentials – you know, the "I might need this" items that actually I DON'T need. This is my partner's job
- 6:00 AM: Head to the airport. Traffic in Manila is its own circle of hell. Pray to the gods of Waze.
- 8:00 AM: Flight to Clark (or Manila, depending on what the budget allows and my partner's decision). Pre-flight jitters kicking in. I always convince myself the plane will fall apart mid-air. Note to self: watch that calming breathing video before takeoff.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Clark, hopefully. The "actual" airport is always a surprise, isn’t it? Baggage claim is either efficient or a free-for-all of everyone grabbing random bags. Pray again.
- 11:00 AM: The REAL adventure starts. Long bus ride to Baguio. This is where the true test of my patience (and bladder control) begins. Snacks are crucial.
- Afternoon: Check-in and a Mild Panic Attack:
- 4:00 PM (ish): Finally, Baguio! The air is crisp, the pine trees are… well, there. Yay! That’s what it should be.
- 4:30 PM: Check into RedDoorz. Fingers crossed. Immediately assess the room for cleanliness, bed comfort (crucial!), and Wi-Fi strength (also crucial).
- 5:00 PM: Unpack, settle in, and immediately begin the "Where are we going to eat?" debate. (My partner, ever the optimist, is already planning a hike. I’m sweating profusely.)
- 6:00 PM: Find a cozy carinderia. Ask for suggestions. Try the local cuisine. Try to enjoy it even if it’s not exactly Michelin-star quality (and mostly because I'm starving).
- 7:30 PM: Explore the immediate area. Walking around seeing the city.
- 8:30 PM: Early night. Jet lag is a beast.
Day 2: Market Mayhem & the Joy of a Good Ube
- Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Wake up (hopefully rested). The hotel breakfast situation will determine the day's mood. Cereal? Eggs and longganisa? Or, worst-case scenario, instant coffee and a stare-down with the empty fridge.
- 9:00 AM: Baguio Public Market adventure! This is where things get real. The smells, the crowds, the endless array of goods… It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. Buy strawberries! And maybe some ube jam. And probably something I won't know what to do with, just because.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at a local cafe.
- Afternoon: Session Road Saga and the Botanical Garden Bliss
- 1:00 PM: Take a taxi or jeepney and head to Session Road. Brace yourselves for the hustle and bustle! Window shop, people-watch, and try not to get completely lost.
- 2:30 PM: Head to the Botanical Garden. This place is actually quite charming! Stroll around, take photos of the flowers, and try not to judge the couples doing overly-romantic photoshoots.
- 4:00 PM: Souvenir shopping! Find a decent pasalubong for those back home without completely blowing the budget.
- 5:30 PM: Back to the hotel for a rest? Maybe? Or just a strong coffee.
- Evening:
- 7:00 PM: Dinner & try any local restaurant.
- 9:00 PM: Early Night.
Day 3: Strawberry Fields Forever & Goodbye, Baguio
- Morning: Strawberry fields:
- 8:00 AM: Wake up and grab some breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Go pick your own strawberries!
- 11:00 AM: Buy a ton of strawberries to bring back.
- Afternoon: Goodbye
- 1:00 PM: Check out of the hotel
- 2:00 PM: Last meal
- 4:00 PM: Travel back to the airport and head home.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- Me: Prone to overthinking, anxiety, and a deep love for a good nap. I pack too much, I worry too much, but I also appreciate the little things, like a perfectly ripe strawberry.
- Partner: The optimist. Always up for an adventure, loves to hike, and keeps me laughing. Will probably make me walk uphill more than I’d like.
- Baguio: Smells like pine trees and cold air. The people are friendly. The traffic is a nightmare. The ube is divine.
- Mood: A rollercoaster of excitement, mild panic, and the desperate hope for a comfortable bed.
Imperfections & Messier Structure:
- Delays: Guaranteed. Flights, traffic, and my general inability to operate efficiently in the mornings will all contribute.
- Unforeseen Events: Rain (a distinct possibility), sudden cravings, and the inevitable urge to buy a ridiculous souvenir.
- The "I Forgot to Pack…" Factor: I can almost guarantee I will forget something crucial. Probably deodorant. Or socks.
Stronger Emotional Reactions:
- Joy: The first bite of ube. The crisp air on my face. A perfect sunset over the mountains.
- Frustration: Traffic. Overpriced souvenirs. The constant fear of getting lost.
- Anticipation: The unknown. The adventure factor.
Opinionated Language:
- "Baguio is a must-see."
- "I need to eat sisig at least once."
- "Those jeepneys are an experience in themselves."
- "Hope the hotel staff are nice."
This is a work in progress, people! This isn't a rigid schedule, but a framework. The beauty of traveling is embracing the unexpected. If we miss a hike, so be it. If we eat sisig three times, even better. The important thing is to laugh, breathe, and soak it all in.
And hey, if I end up locked in my room for three days, just send help (and maybe some chocolate). Wish us luck!
Escape to Paradise: B&B Villa Di Giorgi, Cefalù, Italy
So, what *is* all this *stuff* anyway? Like, the basic, bare-naked definition?
Ugh, the *definition*… Okay, fine. Let's get the boring part over with. Basically, it's... well, it's *things*. Things you interact with. Could be tangible, like that chipped mug you can't get rid of (seriously, why *can't* you just throw it away?!), or intangible, like... well, like the feeling of crippling existential dread that hits around 3 PM on Tuesdays. (Don't judge, we've all been there.) It’s everything. It’s nothing.
Alright, but *why*? Why are we even doing this? What's the *point*?
Oh, the *point*! That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, sometimes it’s about survival. Sometimes it's about… I don't know, *connection*? Like when you awkwardly offer someone a stale biscuit left over from a work meeting, and that tiny moment of shared suffering bonds you. Honestly, sometimes it's just because you *have* to. Like that time I tried to bake a cake and ended up with a volcanic eruption of flour and butter that coated every surface of my kitchen. (Don’t ask, it’s a long story involving a faulty oven, a rogue ingredient, and a desperate need for chocolate.) The point? Often, there *isn't* one, and that’s okay. Embrace the chaos.
Okay, okay, I get it… kinda. What are the common *categories* of this *stuff*? Like, the different *types*?
Alright, let's try and wrestle this into some sort of order, shall we? Categories… Well, you've got your obvious ones. Like the things you *need* – food, water, shelter (though, let’s be honest, my "shelter" is held together by sheer willpower and questionable amounts of duct tape). Then there's the stuff you *want* – the sparkly shoes, the fancy coffee maker, the suspiciously expensive face cream that promises to erase the last decade of your life (it doesn't, by the way. Trust me). And then there's the stuff... the *stuff* that just… *is*. The things you trip over, the things you accumulate, the things you swear you'll get rid of "someday" (that, my friends, is a recurring character in the drama of my life, let me tell you).
Speaking of getting rid of things (ahem), what happens when you… *get rid of* things? Is it cathartic? Terrifying? Both?!
Oh, *getting rid of things*. Ah, the agony and the ecstasy! It’s like… peeling off a particularly stubborn bandage. You know it's good for you, but it still *stings*. The catharsis is real, especially when you finally, *finally* ditch that sweater that’s been lurking in the back of your closet since the early 2000s. (Seriously, what was I *thinking*?!). But listen, the fear? Oh, the fear is *palpable*. Like, what if you throw away the one item that unlocks a secret hidden room that contains the lost secrets of the universe?! Probably not. But still…
Okay, here's a *real* question. What about the emotional baggage attached to *stuff*? My grandma’s porcelain dolls, for example. I can’t just… chuck them, can I?
Grandma's porcelain dolls… Oh, the *feels*! Okay, this is where it gets REAL. That's where it gets *messy*. My heart actually *aches* in solidarity. The emotional baggage… yeah. That’s the heavy suitcase you're dragging around. Trust me, I have the same issue when it comes to my ex’s old ugly sweater. Even if there isn’t any actual connection, you can’t just chuck the sweater. It's like… holding onto a ghost. That sweater represents a chapter, a memory, a period of time, no matter how disastrous, and you can't just erase history. And trust me, that's a decision you can't make lightly. Maybe give them a prominent spot in the guest room, then find a new home for them, just not in your house forever.
Is there a "right" way to approach all of this *stuff*? Like, some kind of secret *method*?
The "right" way? Honey, if there *is* a "right" way, I haven't found it yet. I've tried the KonMari method (folding is a torturous exercise!), the minimalist approach (ended up in a panicked buying spree to fill the void), and a whole bunch of other things that promised clarity and zen. My advice? Experiment. Fail. Learn. Embrace the imperfections. Don't take it all too seriously (I need to take my own advice on that one). Ultimately, the *method* is whatever works for *you*, whatever makes you feel a little less overwhelmed and a little more… *human*.
What about things related to *memories*? The old letters, the photos, the *stuff* that makes you… *remember*?
Oh, the memory stuff… *that's* a whole *other* level of complexity. Those old letters? Oh, the heartache, the nostalgia, the "what ifs". Photos? Proof you survived that awful perm. The thing with memories, I find, is that they're not always tied to the *things* themselves. Sometimes, a smell, a song, a specific shade of blue can bring it all rushing back. I've got a box of old photographs that I can’t even bear to open. They feel like opening a time capsule to a life I barely recognize anymore. My ex-boyfriend and I – so young, so hopeful, and so utterly clueless. Seeing those faces… it’s like time travel with a side of bittersweet regret. But I keep the box. Because, even with all the pain and the longing, there's also joy. And that has value.
So, what’s the most important takeaway from all of this mess? What's the *one* thing you'd say?
Okay, here it is, the profound-ish conclusion, the nugget of wisdom ripped straight from the wreckage of my own life... The most important takeaway: *It's okay to be a mess.* Truly. It's okay to trip over your own feet, to hold onto things you shouldn't, to shed a tear over a forgotten trinket, and to *absolutely* lose your mind trying to figure it all out. The stuff, is just *stuff*. It'sTravel Stay Guides
