It’s been years since I last traveled to Baguio, and I was excited when I got invited to head up North to visit the Summer Capital of the Philippines – on a breezy November.
They say a lot has changed in Baguio, but when we arrived, I think it still has its charm – pine trees, the cool breeze, and that Baguio nostalgia. It wasn’t as cold as I expected, but the weather was just right for slow strolls, cafe hopping, and discovering new spots around the city.
I also brought my rusty Fujifilm camera and played around with a few film recipes. I’ve gotten so used to shooting with my phone that I wanted to reconnect with my first love – shooting with real camera; the same way I’m trying to reconnect with blogging. I realized this particular film simulation isn’t for me; while it gives a soft, nostalgic feel, I also want to show that Baguio has a modern side to it now.
It was my second visit to Baguio and I once again found a home at Azalea Hotel and Residences Baguio.
Azalea remains a top choice for families and friends visiting the city, offering spacious, hotel-style serviced apartments complete with kitchenettes, living areas, and modern amenities. I’m genuinely impressed by how well they’ve maintained the property over the years – it still feels warm and welcoming.
I think one of the newest additions is the Kuya J’s outlet on the ground floor, where guests can also enjoy the breakfast buffet. It’s a nice upgrade that adds more dining convenience to the guests.
Since we traveled and visited on November, I noticed the stained glass designed on the corridors of the property. It is Holiday / Christmas – themed and it adds a character and fun vibe to the lobby.
Azalea Hotel and Residences Baguio Rooms
TWO-BEDROOM HOLIDAY APARTMENT
Azalea offers different room styles to suit groups of all sizes. We stayed in a Two-Bedroom Holiday Apartment, which features a Master’s Bedroom, a Guest Bedroom, a living area, and a kitchenette. I loved how spacious it was – even while sharing a room, Gael and I still enjoyed privacy and our own personal space.
What truly stood out during my stay was Azalea’s attention to housekeeping. While many hotels no longer change bedsheets daily, Azalea maintains a traditional housekeeping standard that rivals luxury hotels. I also appreciated the turn-down service they provide to VIP guests. On top of that, we got to enjoy some of Baguio’s finest treats, from fresh strawberries and muscat grapes to baked goodies from Victoria Bakery.
DELUXE HOTEL ROOM
The Deluxe Hotel Room is honestly perfect for a family of four. It has that comfy, home-style setup in a traditional hotel room. There’s a living area with a sofa bed (super handy when traveling with kids or friends), plus a small dining nook and a kitchenette. You can heat up food, prepare snacks, or enjoy a slow morning (my idea of a perfect morning!). It feels spacious, practical, and cozy.
THREE – BEDROOM HOTEL APARTMENT
The Three-Bedroom Holiday Apartment is ideal for larger groups of friends or families. There’s a Master’s Bedroom, complete with a Queen-sized bed and its own bathroom. I think this is where we previously stayed.
The two guest rooms each feature double-sized beds, perfect for kids, friends, or anyone who wants their own comfortable space. It is spacious that kids can even play inside, and adults can host get-togethers.
ONE-BEDROOM CORNER ROOM
This room quickly became one of my favorites – and honestly, our inspiration for a future home. It features a spacious living area, a kitchenette, and even a bar counter. Conveniently located by the entrance, the bathroom is just outside the room, allowing guests to use it without stepping into your private space/room.
Things to Do Around Azalea Hotels & Residences
Staying at Azalea Hotels & Residences Baguio puts you right in the heart of the city with so many things to do and explore.
VISIT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Enjoy nature walks, pine trees, and IG-worthy cultural installations
GO CAFE – HOPPING
We explored the cafes around the hotel and found Seollem Café, a charming Korean cafe in Baguio. It’s a full Korean cafe + bistro with K-food staples, fried chicken, and cute, trendy drinks. What makes it even more interesting is the little corner where they sell artwork and fresh flowers – such a vibe!
VISIT THE LAPERAL WHITE HOUSE
The Laperal White House is one of Baguio’s most iconic heritage homes which was built in 1920s. This historic Victorian-style mansion along Leonard Wood Road is now home to a beautiful cafe, blending old-world architecture with a cozy, modern dining experience.
EXPLORE WRIGHT PARK
Just a few minutes from Leonard Wood Road sits one of Baguio’s most iconic landmarks – the Wright Park Fountain, also known as the Pool of Pines. This long, rectangular reflecting pool framed by tall pine trees is a timeless postcard view. It’s a beautiful backdrop for casual strolls or morning jogs. It reminds me of autumn scenes in Japan.
ENJOY GOOD FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT AT DINAWIS AT MERCATO
Right by the cozy garden and playground of Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio, you can experience Baguio’s local charm at Dinawis at Mercato. Here, street food vendors, craft stalls, and art shops showcase the city’s best offerings.
We had a fun night enjoying local food, and live karaoke entertainment, making it a lively weekend spot for food, shopping, and entertainment. It is open every Friday & Saturday starting November, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
You can book your stay at Azalea Hotels and Residences via Klook or Agoda. Get discounts when you use my codes:
Agoda: AGODARUTH 10% discount (up to USD 100 or Php 5,000)
Klook: KLOOKRUTH 5% discount
Thank you so much Azalea Hotel & Residences Baguio for having me!
It was nice to reconnect with OG Travel Bloggers, and meet new content creators who are really good at what they do! Will be sharing more on my Instagram @ruthilicious so make sure to follow me.
