The hotel was constructed just to accommodate the guests at the wedding of Irene Marcos, daughter of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Spread on a 77-hectare area on the edge of Suba beach, it is the only rated hotel in the entire Ilocos Norte which offers comfortable accommodations for travelers between Vigan and Pagudpud.

Before the Waterfront Hotel chain took over its management, this hotel essentially targeted a clientele from Taiwan, assuring direct flights between Kaoshiung and the international airport of Laoag. It was a bit disconcerting as you could only use Taiwanese dollars at the automatic beverage dispensers. The new management has changed that. It made the necessary renovation for the improvement of the hotel’s facilities.

The hotel, with its red brick facade and roofs contrasting with the white round windows, is clearly inspired by the colonial Spanish architecture. There is a huge, impressive fountain in the impeccably maintained gardens with palm trees.

The main building houses the lobby, a number of restaurants, as well as some of the rooms. The rest of the rooms are spread out in four other two-story buildings. Each rooms has its own balcony with a pleasant view of the sea.

You will appreciate the Olympic-sized swimming pool — set on the edge of the beach — after a long day exploring the vicinity. The beach, though quite vast with well-equipped nipa huts, is not very tempting as the sand is gray and the sea is often rough. However, it is pleasant to take a walk along the sand dunes.

The hotel offers a number of recreation and sports activities. Golf lovers can play on the golf course overlooking Paoay Lake, which used to be the private golf course of Ferdinand Marcos. The hotel offers a number of excursions to the neighboring areas.

How To Get There

By air, 55 minute flight on PAL (4 weekly flights) from Manila to Laoag. Ten minutes by car from Laoag International Airport to the resort.

By land, 11-12 hours, 486 km from Manila, Take North Expressway at Balintawak and get off at Dau exit. Take North Diversion Road to MacArthur Highway. Before reaching the coastal road along which Laoag is located, you will pass by Angeles City, Tarlac, Urdaneta, Pozzorubio and Rosario. Then proceed further north passing by San Fernando (La Union) and Vigan before reaching Laoag.

More photos here