All points to Plaza del Norte

MANILA, Philippines - For those who never shrink back from new travel itineraries, perhaps a trip to Ilocos Norte would prove to be rewarding. Getting there could be an hour’s plane ride or hours of road trip. Either way, it is a fraction of the fun that awaits the traveler in Ilocos Norte. Securing a place to stay is another matter altogether. If one has made the long travel, then might as well go flat-out comfortable with accommodations. This is where Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center comes in.

Located in Laoag City, Plaza del Norte is the residence of choice of travelers in the region. It boasts of space, lots of room to move around, and none of the stifling atmosphere that plagues other establishments.

“Once you enter the hotel, you will feel the Ilocano brand of ambience,” begins Daniel Jacinto, president of 88Green Inc., which operates Plaza del Norte. “Here, you will experience warmth and hospitality, old-world charm at its best.”

“Guests will not easily forget the friendly services provided by our staff,” Jacinto adds. “From the reception area to the restaurant, guests are bound to be delighted.”

There is practically room for everyone in this sprawling property. Plaza del Norte boasts of 100 air-conditioned deluxe rooms and suites. Each comes with, among other features, a refrigerator, a flat-screen television set, complimentary wireless Internet access (also available in public areas), cable programming, and a private bathroom with hot and cold shower.

Jacinto says Plaza del Norte’s other facilities are musts on the list. “The hotel has a large swimming pool and a poolside bar, making it ideal for fun and relaxation. There is a golf course nearby as well as a shooting range.”

Resident manager Lanlan Lawas shares that the hotel provides easy access to the province’s top tourist attractions: Paoay Church, Museo Ilocos Norte, Paoay Lake, St. William’s Cathedral bell tower, Palace of the North, and the Tobacco Monopoly Monument.

“There is a shuttle that takes guests to these spots,” Lawas says. No worries about going out to explore the city then, which is just as well. Nowadays, it is imperative to have the wherewithal to discover a place’s sights and sounds, cuisine and culture. Good thing then that Plaza del Norte makes it easy for guests to fully experience Ilocos Norte.

Jacinto says, “Ilocos Norte is an undiscovered tourist destination. It is only now that people are discovering the beauty of Ilocos. Opening this hotel two years ago was the right opportunity for us, especially now that there is an increasing number of hotel guests and visitors these past months.”

It also helps that Plaza del Norte serves business travelers through its convention center, which can accommodate up to 1,500 people and boasts of state-of-the-art audio-video equipment, banquet facilities, and exhibit space.

Dine in true Ilocano fashion at the Café Del Norte and discovery a variety of delectable dishes. Jacinto is particularly proud of this area. “This is our first venture in the hotel business, although we have been in the food business since 1966,” he says.

He volunteers that Plaza del Norte continues to evolve and adapt with the times. “We are adding more services to complement our existing ones. We are happy that our numbers are improving in terms of occupancy and performance. Expect more surprises from us in the days to come.”

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Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center is located in Barangay 41, Balacad, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. For more information, call (632) 804-3140, fax at (632) 550-1311, or e-mail at ianlaroda@plazadelnortehotel.com. Photos By FERNAN NEBRES