Microtel Tarlac:Your new gateway to the North
MANILA, Philippines - The creation of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) a couple of years ago really opened up a lot of possibilities for millions of Luzon motorists. Not only did it make travel faster, it revealed a side of the country that most travelers usually just ignore in favor of quickly getting to their faraway destinations.
One of these welcome revelations can be found right at the Hacienda Luisita exit of SCTEX. Not just one, though, but two. The first thing you’ll see is Microtel Tarlac, probably one of the best hotels you’ll encounter in the area, and the Aquino Center, a museum for two of Southeast Asia’s icons of democracy: the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Jr. and his wife, the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.
If there’s one thing that can be said about encountering a Microtel hotel along the road, it’s that it really is the same hotel anywhere you go. The chain’s knack for consistency is legendary, having the same great quality in accommodations, facilities, amenities and systems that you would find in any of their hotels across the country and in other countries.
Seeing how much of a prime spot the Microtel Tarlac site is, nicely positioned at the expressway exit leading into MacArthur Highway, it’s no surprise that it gets quite a healthy number of returning guests. Once you ease yourself in the ample parking area, you’ll be able to choose from the hotel’s three different room variants — single, double and suites — across 50 of its available rooms. Amenities for all rooms include cable TV, air-conditioning, IDD-NDD phones, Internet ports, safety deposit box, hot and cold showers, and the famous chiropractor-approved mattresses which provide the maximum comfort to any weary traveler.
Guests opting for the suites get a little extra. A microwave oven and refrigerator are available along with some coffee and tea-making facilities. The suites are big enough to have their own kitchen counter and sink as well as a sofa sleeper. Finally, you may also bathe in luxury in the bathtub.
Aside from the amenities, expect to get complimentary breakfast and if you’re traveling with children under 12 years old, they can stay for free in their parents’ room. Baby cribs are also available upon request. Business people who can’t get away from the office can make use of the rooms’ Internet ports or the wireless Internet at the lobby area. Photocopy, fax and mail services are provided, too.
There’s probably another reason why you’d like to drop by for a visit. Right beside the hotel is the Aquino Museum, home to the political and personal memorabilia of the late Aquino couple. Housed there include materials from Ninoy’s stint as mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac, his Senate election, detention under Martial Law, exile in the United States, and assassination at the old Manila International Airport. Of note is the display that contains his bloodstained clothes. Cory’s exhibit is much more sedate, with a chronicle of her political career from the 1986 snap elections to the end of her presidency in 1992. Also there are the various gifts she received during her presidency from foreign dignitaries as well as other personal effects.
Visiting the museum is timely, with the Aug. 21 death anniversary of Ninoy. As a bonus, guests at Microtel Tarlac can easily arrange tours to the museum with the hotel staff. Adults pay an entrance fee of P100, while kids go in for P50.
Not only is the Aquino Center a museum, it is also a high-end conference center and meeting venue. A ballroom can seat 180 to 300 people depending on the arrangements. Three seminar rooms are also available for small meetings. There are a chapel, audiovisual rooms and a tower room, too.
If there is ever a perfect time to visit Microtel Tarlac, this would be it — a little slice of history and education for the traveler who has seen it all. What’s more, the Microtel chain recently won the award for “Best Guestroom Design” in the limited service category during the HotelWorld Expo and Conference in Las Vegas. It was also recognized by Lodging Hospitality Magazine with a Chain Leadership Award for Design and Décor. Wouldn’t you want to check out what the fuss is all about?
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Microtel Inn & Suites Tarlac is located right outside Hacienda Luisita in Barangay San Miguel, Tarlac. For more information, call (045) 985-1770 or 0927-2388454, fax to 985-1975, or e-mail at tarlac@microtel.ph. For more information, also call the Manila Reservations Office at (02) 899-7171 or 0917-8881800, fax to 870-0319, e-mail at sales@microtel.ph or log on to www.microtelphilippines.com.
