Baguio's BEST Kept Secret: Amabel's Homestay Condo (DOT Accredited)!
Baguio's "Best Kept Secret"? Amabel's Homestay Condo Review: A Rambling Love Letter (and a Few Gripes)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I've just returned from a stay at Amabel's Homestay Condo in Baguio, that DOT-accredited gem, and I'm ready to spill the beans. Forget those polished, perfectly-worded reviews, you're getting the real deal – the good, the slightly-less-good, and the moments that made me want to hug a stranger (in a COVID-compliant way, of course).
First Impressions: The Arrival & The "Oh My God, I Love It" Moment
Okay, so the accessibility. Let's be real, Baguio isn't exactly known for its flat surfaces. Getting to Amabel's? A little bit of a hike. A bit of a "whew, I need a breather" moment. But honestly, once you're in the condo complex, things smooth out. There's an elevator, which is HUGE. Big ups to that. Inside the actual condo unit? Generally accessible. I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I noticed things like wider doorways, which is always a plus. The door men where super friendly.
The check-in? Smooth as silk. Contactless, even! Which, after all the hand sanitizer I've been slathering on, was a welcome reprieve. They really seem to have nailed the safety protocols, too. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Staff with masks on. The whole nine yards.
Now, the moment that sold me? Walking into the unit. Seriously, the view. It's a freaking postcard. Green, green, green mountains sprawling out before you. It's a real "wow" moment. I instantly felt… relaxed. Like all the city stress just melted away. I'm a sucker for a good view, and Amabel's definitely delivers.
The Room: Cozy, Comfy, and (Almost) Perfect
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty. The free Wi-Fi? Solid. Not lightning-fast, but good enough to stream a movie and catch up on emails. Each room had its own Wi-Fi network. The internet, in general, was better than expected. The internet [LAN] was a nice touch, though most rooms don't have it. There were also lots of outlets to charge my phone.
The room itself? Well-equipped. Air conditioning (a MUST in Baguio, even though it's usually chilly), a comfy bed, a desk (for those of us who still have to pretend to work while on vacation), and a coffee/tea maker. Plus, a mini-bar! Okay, it wasn’t stocked with everything I wanted, but the complimentary bottled water was a nice touch, I was able to make my own coffee. Blackout curtains? Genius! They're essential for a good night's sleep, especially after a day of exploring, taking photos or drinking. The non-smoking room was appreciated. The room had a private bathroom which was clean and well stocked with essentials. A bonus: a window that actually opens. Fresh mountain air? Yes, please!
Amenities: Spa Days, Poolside Bliss… and the Quest for a Decent Cappuccino
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. Amabel's is NOT a sprawling resort. It's a condo complex, so you won't find a mega-spa with every bell and whistle. But, there is a swimming pool [outdoor] - and it's stunning. Pool with view? Absolutely! It’s the kind of pool you could happily spend an entire afternoon lounging beside. It's a good place to relax. It's not huge, but it’s perfect for a dip and some people-watching (yes, I did that).
As for the spa experience? I didn't see a full-blown spa, think massage… but I'm pretty sure there are massage services that can be arranged. Could be. The gym/fitness seemed decent. I considered using it, but, you know, vacation.
Now, the food situation is where things become a bit of a quest. There are restaurants on-site, which is super convenient. A la carte in restaurant. I am a sucker for a good Breakfast [buffet], but wasn't available. Asian breakfast would have been interesting. They offer a bar, which is great, but finding a stellar cup of coffee was a bit of a challenge. The coffee shop was okay, but nothing to write home about. The lack of a truly amazing cappuccino became a running joke for me. I did see a coffee/tea in restaurant option, so maybe I should be more open. Breakfast takeaway service was a nice touch. They did have a snack bar, which came in handy.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Menu of Life!
The dining options were decent. They offered a basic menu with Filipino dishes and some international options. There were desserts in the restaurant, always a plus. The poolside bar was great, though the happy hour offerings could be better. The restaurant had a coffee/tea option. The availability of a Western breakfast was also a plus. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of hiking. The food delivery option was also great. The safe dining setup and the sanitized kitchen and tableware items were clearly in place
Cleanliness & Safety: A Worry-Free Stay (Mostly)
This is where Amabel's truly shines. The cleanliness was IMPRESSIVE. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays… they took all the precautions. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Seriously, you could bathe in it. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. They’re vigilant, and it made me feel really secure. The individually-wrapped food options and the safe dining setup were reassuring. Doctor/nurse on call felt reassuring. The first aid kit, security [24-hour], fire extinguisher, smoke alarms.
The Downsides (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, I can't be completely positive. Here are a few things that could be improved:
- The Coffee Quest: Seriously, Baguio, up your coffee game!
- The Noise: Depending on your room, you might hear some noise from the hallways or the street. Nothing major, but if you're super sensitive to sound, maybe bring earplugs.
- The "Business Facilities": I didn't use the business facilities, but the impression I got was that they were basic.
Services & Conveniences: Sweet Little Extras
The Concierge was helpful, the daily housekeeping was great, and the laundry service was a godsend after a few days of hiking. Airport transfer made getting there and back a breeze. The convenience store was a lifesaver for quick snacks. The elevator was great.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag
I didn't travel with kids, but the "kids facilities" seemed limited. I did see a babysitting service, which is a plus. Family/child friendly? I'd say, mostly. It's not a dedicated family resort, but kids would be fine.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The car park [free of charge] was a major bonus. They also have a taxi service and a car park [on-site].
The Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions
I felt the weight of the city lift off my shoulders the moment I stepped onto that balcony. The view is genuinely therapeutic. I could have stared at those mountains for days. There’s something about Baguio’s air, its vibe… it just makes you breathe. And Amabel's, with its cozy rooms, its convenient location, and its commitment to cleanliness, helps you do just that. I think it's a great proposal spot.
The Verdict: My "Best Kept Secret" (Shhh!)
Look, Amabel's Homestay Condo isn't perfect. But it's pretty darn close. It's clean, comfortable, relatively affordable, and the view alone is worth the price of admission. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back. Is it Baguio's "Best Kept Secret?" Maybe. And if I've just let the cat out of the bag… well, consider this your official invitation to discover it for yourself.
My Recommendation? Book it. Seriously. You won't regret it.
Compelling Offer: Your Baguio Escape Awaits!
Escape the Ordinary and Discover Baguio's Best-Kept Secret!
Tired of the same old travel routines? Craving a breath of fresh, mountain air and stunning views? Then pack your bags and head to Amabel's Homestay Condo (DOT Accredited), Baguio's hidden gem!
Here's why you need to book NOW:
- Unrivaled Views: Wake up to breathtaking mountain vistas that will melt your stress away. Imagine sipping your coffee on your balcony, surrounded by the serenity of nature.
- Cozy Comfort: Relax in well-appointed rooms, designed for your ultimate comfort. Enjoy free Wi-Fi to stay connected (or disconnect!), unwind in front of your favorite movie, and enjoy the complimentary bottled water.
- Impeccable Cleanliness & Safety: Rest
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Pinterest-perfect travel itinerary. This is… my trip to Amabel's Homestay Condo in Baguio City. Prepare for feels, food, and a healthy dose of human-ness.
Trip Title: Baguio Bliss (and Mild Bedbug Panic)
Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights (Pray for me)
Location: Amabel's Homestay Condo (DOT Accredited, fingers crossed) Baguio City, Philippines
People Involved: Me (Chief Fun Officer, Anxiety Manager, and Snack Destroyer)
Day 1: Arrival of Dreams (Maybe?) & The Great Baguio Air
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Uh, waking up. Let's call it that. My alarm did go off. Eventually. Coffee, a hasty mental inventory (phone? Wallet? Sanity? Check, check, um… maybe?) and into the pre-booked Grab (praise be to reliable internet!). I'm a chronic over-packer, so naturally, the luggage situation is "challenging." Wish me luck getting it into the car without popping a hamstring.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Flight to Clark International. The usual airport shenanigans: the weirdly optimistic airport coffee, the obligatory pre-flight anxiety, and the frantic search for a power outlet. I'm currently reading a book that I secretly hope will help me escape the claustrophobic feeling and my own dark thoughts.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The dreaded airport bathroom break. Always a gamble. Always a battle. On the plus side, the plane ride was smooth (thank the heavens for Dramamine). Hello, sunshine and hello, Baguio! The bus ride was…long. Like "contemplate your life choices" long. But the landscapes? Magnificent. Those pine trees! The crisp air! I inhaled deeply, expecting blissful serenity, and promptly coughed. The pollution, man … it's REAL.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): CHECK-IN! Arrived at Amabel's. Place LOOKS promising. Cute. Cozy. Clean? (Deep breath). The host, bless her heart, is incredibly nice. But does that mean there are no bedbugs? Oh, the paranoia is already starting. Unpack (carefully, meticulously, like I'm defusing a bomb). First impressions: The balcony view is pretty fantastic.
Evening (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Food Glorious Food & First-Day Fumbles
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Settling in with a cup of tea (provided! Yay!). I will survive the first day.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: A quick wander around the neighborhood. Found a little carinderia (local eatery) that looked promising. Ordered sinigang (Filipino sour soup – a must!) and was immediately transported somewhere else, the taste so familiar, so perfect. It's the little things, you know?
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the condo. Watch the sun set from the balcony. Feeling overwhelmingly content. Actually, the view is spectacular. I swear I could sit out there forever.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Trying to figure out the TV. I miss my home channels. This is harder than it looks, I swear. Gave up, read a book, then knocked out.
Day 2: Session Road Mayhem & Strawberry Fields Forever
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Baguio air! Again! Actually woke up feeling pretty good, like the sun was on my side. Coffee on the balcony. I love this. Breakfast of champions – instant noodles (don't judge me, I'm on vacation!).
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The dreaded Session Road. Baguio traffic is a beast. The only thing missing was a giant, snarling Godzilla. Dodged jeeps, crosswalks, and a sea of people. Found a shop selling ube everything – ube ice cream, ube cake, ube… I was in heaven. And maybe a little bit of a sugar coma.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a little cafe. The food was decent. The ambiance felt… slightly melancholic. I'm starting to see that Baguio has this beautiful, brooding quality to it, like a very handsome, very emo poet.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00PM): Strawberry farm trip! I was like a kid in a candy store. Picked strawberries, ate more strawberries, and nearly dropped my phone in a pile of pig poop (close call!). It was charming, silly, and exactly what I needed. This might be the highlight of the trip.
- Evening (6 PM - 10 PM): Dinner at a restaurant near Burnham Park. Had a little bit of a crisis when my food took forever to arrive. (I get hangry, okay?). The waiter was sweet and the food was, eventually, delicious. After dinner, I just needed to chill. Lights out. Sleep (hopefully bedbug-free).
Day 3: Mines View Park & The Search for the Perfect Souvenir
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up surprisingly rested. Thank you, Baguio air? This is something I could get used to.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Mines View Park. The views! Breathtaking! The chaos! Thrilling! Found a vendor selling taho (soybean curd drink) and almost got trampled in the stampede. The "Igorot" costume photo op was tempting, but the lines! (And that feeling of cultural appropriation… you know?) The souvenir shopping, though… that was where things got stressful. So much to choose from! So little space in my luggage!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a carinderia again. Found a new, slightly more hidden one. I'm starting to get the hang of this local food scene.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Walked through the Botanical Garden. Peaceful (mostly). Tried to get some good photos. Failed. Admired the pine trees. Felt incredibly small.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Tried out some more local eats. Struggled with the pinikpikan (chicken dish). Not my favorite. Went to the night market. Felt overwhelmed. Bought a scarf. Regretted it. Watched people. Found myself wondering why I was there. So much of solo travel is fighting with self-doubt, right? Came back. Read. Slept.
Day 4: Farewell Baguio & The Long Road Home (and the Bedbug Check)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The last sunrise. Coffee. Packing. The dread of going home is already creeping in.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Final sweep of the condo. Bedbug check (again!). Okay, so far, so good. A sigh of relief I can actually feel. Breakfast. Last-minute souvenir shopping. Realized I hadn't bought anything for myself. Bought a Baguio-themed mug.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check out of Amabel's. Said goodbye to the host. Honestly, that little condo felt like a home for a few days. Maybe if I'd been a bit more organized, had less anxiety, and more of a sense of direction, then… (stops myself).
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Airport. Bus ride. Clark. Waiting. More waiting.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Plane ride home. Exhaustion hits.
- Night (7:00 PM onward): Home. Unpacking. Laundry. Bedbug checks. Oh, the joy. Already planning my next trip. To Baguio? Maybe. Depends on how long it takes me to get over the post-trip blues. But next time? I'm bringing bug spray. And a friend.
Final Thoughts:
Baguio was beautiful. Chaotic. Delicious. Humbling. Stressful. Worth it. And yes, I bought way too many souvenirs. And I’m pretty sure I'm going to need therapy when I get home. But hey, that's life, right?
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based
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Amabel's Homestay Condo: Baguio's "Best Kept Secret" - Seriously? Let's Find Out!
Okay, so "Best Kept Secret"... What's the actual *deal* with Amabel's? Is it *really* that good?
DOT Accredited? Does that actually *mean* anything? (Besides being fancy.)
What's the *vibe*? Is it super formal? Chill? Like, can I wear my PJs all day?
Okay, let's talk LOCATION. Where *exactly* is this "Secret"?
Pet-Friendly! Is it really? And what's the deal?
What about the rooms? What's the accommodation like?
Are there any downsides? Anything I should be aware of before I book?
Food, glorious food! Are there good food options nearby?
So, is it worth it? Should I book Amabel's?
