MANILA, Philippines - A trip to the north is always a reward to anyone who appreciates the country’s Spanish colonial past. Nowhere is this truer than in Laoag, a city rich in culture and reflections of the Filipinos’ past. When you find yourself dropping by for an extended visit, make sure to book your stay at the Grand Octagon Resort Hotel.
Located near the heart of Laoag City, Grand Octagon is a showcase of the country’s Spanish heritage and the Ilocano identity. Its charming surroundings evoke a natural beauty which is perfect for those seeking to lift their souls and relax from the chaos of the urban jungle. Spanish guest houses lend to the mood of a bygone era when life was so much simpler. Lush tropical gardens, well-manicured lawns and fields of green offer a serene atmosphere for every guest to enjoy.
Choose from an array of room types from deluxe to double decker accommodations which are designed to represent different parts of the province’s beautiful cultural heritage. Each air-conditioned room has complete basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi. Recreational facilities include an outdoor pool, indoor gaming facilities and massage service. Local calls can be made for free.
Dining is not a problem since Grand Octagon has its own Ayuyang (hangout) which serves as a restaurant and coffee shop. For meetings, conferences and events, there’s the Pavilion, a Spanish-style wood and brick structure perfect for weddings, birthays, debuts, reunions and anniversaries. The more expansive Garden area, meanwhile, can host receptions, team-building activities and product launches. Various picnic tables and nipa huts are situated everywhere for guests to use as they see fit.
Grand Octagon Resort’s proximity to the city center makes it the perfect location for tourists who need all the conveniences of traveling nearby. Easily accessed are the general hospital, different chapels and churches (for anyone who desires a religious tour), shopping mall, commercial complex, airport, and many tourist spots.
Persons with disabilities have special parking spots as well as PWD-accessible rooms, making Grand Octagon an experience that can be enjoyed by many. Pet owners will be delighted to know that their special friends are allowed to stay, unlike other hotels which prohibit pets.
Grand Octagon boasts of impeccable service and essential amenities designed specifically to invigorate the soul and relax the mind. The simple, peaceful countryside life is much characterized in every corner here, from the design all the way to the accommodations. Its serene atmosphere calls to a time when going to places outside the metropolis really does seem like it, without sacrificing modern comforts.
Make it a point to stay at Grand Octagon Resort Hotel the next time you visit Laoag. Its authentic nature and convenience make it a worthwhile stay for whatever needs you may have.
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Grand Octagon Resort Hotel is located along Airport Avenue in Barangay 50, Buttong, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. For more information, call (077) 670-8224 or e-mail at grandoctagon@yahoo.com or grandoctagon@hotmail.com. Visit its website at http://www.grandoctagon.com. Photos by Fernan Nebres