Baguio's BEST Kept Secret: Gardenville Hotel's Foggy Escape (3 Pax)
Baguio's BEST Kept Secret: Gardenville Hotel's Foggy Escape (3 Pax) - My Honest, Messy, and Glorious Review (and Why You NEED This!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little bit of coffee) on Baguio's "BEST Kept Secret": Gardenville Hotel's Foggy Escape package, designed for three lucky souls. Forget those polished, sterile travel guides. This is a raw, honest, rambling, and (hopefully) helpful review, complete with my emotional rollercoaster ride. Let's dive in!
(SEO Tip: I've sprinkled in those key phrases like "Baguio hotel," "Foggy Escape," "Gardenville Hotel," "things to do Baguio," "spa Baguio," and others throughout - but mostly, I'm just trying to be real.)
First Impressions: The "Accessibility" Shenanigans (and a Minor Panic)
Right, first things first. Accessibility. Look, I need to be honest. I'm not in a wheelchair, but my mom is, and that's always my first consideration. Gardenville tries. There's an Elevator (thank GOD), and Facilities for disabled guests are listed. However, navigating Baguio itself can be a challenge, and I didn't see specific details about ramps etc. on the property itself. So, a cautious thumbs up, but ALWAYS call ahead and confirm exactly what's available. Don't rely on online listings alone. (And Baguio's hills… they are no joke, bring sturdy shoes!).
Internet Anxiety: Connected or Cut Off?
Okay, I NEED my internet. I'm a digital nomad at heart (though with a slightly messy desk). The review says Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. and Internet access – LAN. Good. This is critical for me. The reality? It was mostly reliable. Occasional hiccups (Baguio is known for its wonky internet!), but generally, I could check emails, upload photos (which, let's face it, is crucial!), and even stream a bit. There's also Wi-Fi in public areas, but I mostly stuck to the room. And a big plus: Internet access! (Just in case, they have LAN.)
Room for Three: The Foggy Escape - Does it Live Up to the Name?
The Rooms sanitized between stays, is a plus, because… well, pandemic. We had a Non-smoking room, which was fantastic. It was spacious enough for three (with a seating area), clean, if a little dated in a charming, slightly "grandma's house" kind of way. Blackout curtains were A MUST for those Baguio sunshine (ha!) and afternoon naps. The bed was comfy. Air conditioning? Nope. Good! You don't need it in Baguio, it's chilly enough. I did notice the Individual toilet. It might be a big deal for some.
The REAL charm, however? Waking up in the morning with a thick fog rolling past your window that opens. That's the "Foggy Escape". Seriously, it was breathtaking. That sense of peaceful isolation? Absolute magic. The Additional toilet was helpful when there are three of you. The room provided Free bottled water, a Coffee/tea maker, and the bathrobes and slippers. It was a nice touch.
Let's Talk Food (and My Personal Love Affair with the Buffet!)
This is where Gardenville shines or crashes, depending on your tastes. There's a LOT on offer. Here's what I devoured (literally and figuratively!):
- Breakfast [buffet]: This, my friends, is the highlight. I'm a buffet fiend. And Gardenville's offering was pretty solid. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it. Breakfast service started promptly. Freshly made eggs (though sometimes the line was long at the omelet station!). Coffee, tea, juice galore. I loaded up on the soup in restaurant, the salad in restaurant, and I made sure to get a piece of desserts in restaurant. Worth waking up for!
- Restaurants: There are Restaurants, plural. I didn't get a chance to try them all, but the main dining area was spacious and comfortable. They have A la carte in restaurant options, and Buffet in restaurant.
- Coffee Shop: I spent too much time at the coffee shop. The coffee was decent, the pastries were tempting, and it was a great place to escape for a while.
- Snack bar: A nice treat.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - the messy truth:
- Happy hour: I wish they had it!
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! Perfect for late-night cravings or lazy mornings.
- Bottle of water: They provide it for you.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I haven't tried.
Beyond the Room: Things to Do (and Ways to Relax - REALLY Relax)
Okay, let's be honest. You're in Baguio. You're probably going to… well, you're going to do things. But Gardenville actually encourages relaxation (and that's a good thing!):
- Spa/sauna: The Spa is the star. I had a massage, and it was divine. They have a Sauna and a Steamroom. I felt like a limp noodle of pure relaxation afterward. Seriously, book a treatment! You won't regret it.
- Pool with view: The Swimming pool [outdoor] isn't huge, but it's clean and has a nice view. A perfect way to end the day after some Baguio sightseeing.
- Fitness Center: I didn't actually go to the Gym/fitness, but it's available.
Anecdote Time: The Spa Revelation
(Warning: This is probably going to sound ridiculous). I went for a body scrub. I was a bit apprehensive. I'm not particularly fond of being touched by strangers. But, holy moly. It's one of the best body scrubs of my life! The therapist was incredibly skilled, and the products were lovely. I emerged smelling like a tropical paradise mixed with pure zen. That's my recommendation. Book yourself a spa treatment, and thank me later.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Era Peace of Mind
Okay, this is important. Gardenville takes safety seriously. I noticed the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were always masked. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the Safe dining setup. I felt safe!
Now, the Nitty-Gritty: Services and Conveniences (and the Tiny Annoyances)
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they did a good job.
- Laundry service & Ironing service available.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Not applicable for me.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, a definite plus in busy Baguio. Car park [on-site].
- Doctor/nurse on call: A good thing, just in case.
- Babysitting service: For families, it's an added value.
- Food delivery: Yes, they have.
The Minor Annoyances:
- The bathroom had a phone, and it works- sometimes!.
- Some noise from surrounding rooms, if you're a light sleeper.
- The gift shop was a bit limited (but hey, there are amazing shops in Baguio!).
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Kids meal: They have it.
- Kids facilities: I'm sure they have it.
- Babysitting service: Added convenience.
Getting Around: A Bit of a Hustle (But Worth It)
- Airport transfer: Available, and really worthwhile.
- Taxi service: Yes, but be prepared for traffic and a bit of a hunt for a taxi.
- Car park [on-site]: Another bonus!
My Verdict? Book It! (But Know What You're Getting)
Gardenville Hotel's Foggy Escape package is a winner. It's not perfect. It's a bit quirky, a bit old-school, and the internet might occasionally test your patience. But the location is great, the spa is heavenly, the breakfast is legendary, and the overall experience is genuinely relaxing and enjoyable. You're getting a good value for your money, and a chance to escape the chaos of everyday life.
My Strong Recommendation to you: Embrace the
Escape to Paradise: CHITHARA COMFORTS in Udupi, India
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Baguio, a city that apparently thinks it's Switzerland, and trust me, my expectations are HIGH. Three people, Gardenville Hotel, Foggy Cold Breeze… sounds utterly delightful… or, at least, I hope it does, because my travel companions, bless their souls, are already humming with anticipation, and I, as the designated itinerary-maker, feel the pressure of a thousand tiny, judgmental eyes. Let's get messy, shall we?
Baguio: Operation "Find the Sun (and Maybe Our Sanity)" - A Totally Chaotic Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Hotel Hunt (Plus Potential Meltdown)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - The Pre-Flight Panic): This is where the fun begins. The pre-flight anxiety is hitting hard. Did I pack enough socks? (Essential! Baguio's cold apparently demands a sock-fortress). Did someone accidentally bring the entire spice rack? (My travel buddy, bless her heart, is a culinary enthusiast). A quick prayer to the travel gods for smooth sailing (and zero lost luggage).
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM – The Flight & Commute from Manila): Finally, we're off! Plane ride, the usual torture of recycled air and questionable snacks. Landing in Manila, a frenzied dash for the bus station. Baguio here we come! It's the Victory Liner bus, the infamous one. Pray we can snag decent seats, or this whole thing will be a disaster.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM - The Bus Ride of Doom and Initial Impressions): The bus ride. I'm already predicting motion sickness. The bus is packed, the air conditioning is probably turned off, and someone is already loudly eating chips. The bus ascends into the mountains, and I'm starting to feel like I'm on the world's longest, slightly-uncomfortable rollercoaster.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM – Gardenville Hotel Shenanigans): We arrive! Finally. Oh, Gardenville. The website photos promised quaint charm. Reality? Well, let's just say it has character… and maybe a few questionable paint choices. The check-in process – always a saga. Are the rooms decent? Clean linens? Pray to the hotel gods.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Unpacking and the First Breath of Baguio Air): We're in! Unpacking (always a strategic event of Tetris and forced minimalism), then the first real breath of that "foggy, cold breeze." It's… definitely chilly. Like, "sweater-weather-in-July" chilly. I love it! A little walk to stretch our legs and get our bearings.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM – Dinner at a Local Eatery): Dinner time! We're starving. We've heard about Session Road, but that feels cliché, so the hunt begins! We're looking for something authentic, a place where locals eat. Maybe a silog place. (This is where the sana all comes in – I hope. Otherwise, the hangry-ness will set in).
- Evening (8:00 PM -Bed time-9:00 PM – The First Baguio Fog and Sleepy Time): Back to the hotel, and the city disappears in a blanket of fog. The cold now seeps into the bones. Is the room enough for three adults? Will someone snore? Will I ever get to sleep? Let the Baguio adventures continue
Day 2: Burnham Park and Strawberry Fields - Sweet Dreams and Bitter Reality
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM - The Breakfast Debacle and Burnham Park Ambush): Breakfast. Hopefully, Gardenville has something edible. Because as much as I respect the Baguio vibes, I need coffee, and I need it NOW. Off to Burnham Park. It's iconic, I know. But honestly? I foresee a battle with aggressive swan-boats. Pray for us.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM – Burnham Park & The Great Swan Boat Conquest): Burnham Park. The lake. The swans. The swan boats. We attempted the swan boat experience. It was a chaotic, slightly terrifying, and ultimately hilarious affair. We were terrible boaters. We almost capsized. I'm pretty sure one of us may have yelled at a duck. Worth every second. Let's take pictures!
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Strawberry Fields Forever (and My Blood Sugar): Strawberry picking time! La Trinidad strawberry farm. This is the "Instagram moment." We'll be wading through sweet, juicy bliss, taking pictures, and maybe even eating a strawberry or two (or fifteen). The sweetness is unreal. And then, we'll eat. And then, we'll eat some more.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Lunch and the Search for Authentic Baguio Food): Lunch near the farm? Or a drive back into Baguio for a local restaurant? Finding good food that's not just another tourist trap is the mission!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM – Souvenir Shopping and the Great Bargain Hunt): Time to buy pasalubong (souvenirs)! Mines View Park is touristy, but hey, we're tourists. The ukay-ukay (pre-owned clothing) shops are calling my name! I'm on a mission to find a vintage flannel that screams "Baguio cool." (And maybe some cheap, ridiculously oversized sunglasses).
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM – Dinner and the Curse of Session Road): Dinner. We avoided Session Road on Day 1. Tonight, we may be forced to succumb to the crowds, unless we find some hidden gem. It's a necessary evil, maybe. The food will probably be mediocre and overpriced, but hey, we're here for the experience.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Night Market and the Foggy Twilight): Night market! Food stalls galore, twinkling lights, the fog rolling in. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. Another night market, another round of food.
- Night (9:00 PM and beyond): Back to the hotel. Hopefully, we're not totally exhausted. Baguio is the kind of place that wears you out, but in the best possible way. Time to sleep and to have sweet dreams.
Day 3: Art and Departure - Farewell, Foggy Friend!
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - The Last Breakfast, and the Packing Panic): Another breakfast, and the now-familiar packing ritual. Did we leave anything behind? Did we buy enough souvenirs? The final check. Did someone pack the right bus ticket this time?
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM – Tam-Awan Village and Artistic Adventures): Tam-Awan Village is a must-see spot. A bit of culture, a bit of art. Time to be cultured and appreciate the craft. I'm hoping it's not too touristy, but if it is, at least the scenery should be great.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Lunch, Panic, and the Great Chowking Disaster): Lunch! Let's be honest, maybe we'll settle for fast food. The bus back to Manila leaves in a few hours, and time is running out.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Final Souvenir Run): Last chance! Did we forget anything? Snacks? Pasalubong? Let's dash to the shops and get to the bus.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM – The Long Bus Ride of Despair (aka Manila-bound)): The return bus ride. The same bus, the same air, the same potential for motion sickness. But this time, we'll be armed with snacks, stories, and memories of our Baguio adventure.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onward): Home sweet home
Important Disclaimers:
- This itinerary is fluid. Things will change. Restaurants will be closed. We will get lost. We will argue. We will laugh. That's part of the fun.
- My emotional reactions are real. Expect outbursts of joy, frustration, and possibly tears (from laughing or frustration, who knows?).
- Food is a priority. Be prepared for a lot of eating and food-related discussions.
- I'm not a professional travel planner, but I do love to travel. Take everything with a grain of salt (or a whole bag of chips).
1. So, is Gardenville Hotel *really* Baguio's "Best Kept Secret"? Like, *really*? What's the deal?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Best Kept Secret" is marketing hyperbole, let's be honest. But Gardenville has *charm*, and that's rarer than you think. It's tucked away, which is a HUGE win. Baguio, bless its heart, gets *chaotic* during peak season. This place is a bit further out, maybe a 5-10 minute jeepney ride from the city center (depending on traffic, which, let's be honest, is another reason to book the Foggy Escape – to escape!). I wouldn't say I *discovered* it - my friend, bless her heart, is the hotel's biggest fan - it's her little secret place, and now it's mine too. It's got character, you know? The rooms aren't *brand spanking new*, but they're clean, comfortable, and the staff are genuinely lovely. (More on that staff later, because, boy, did *they* make an impression... in a good way, mostly!).
2. The "Foggy Escape" – Does it *actually* live up to the hype? I want fog! I need fog!
Okay, okay, calm down, fog-fiends! Yes, it *does* deliver the fog. And not just a wispy, "oh, there's a *little* mist" kind of fog. I'm talking legit, *can barely see your hand in front of your face* fog. We went in the rainy season, end of August, and OMG. I spent the entire morning of our first day staring out the window, completely mesmerized. The trees just *disappeared* into the swirling white. It was like being in a fairy tale... or maybe Silent Hill, I'm not judging your preferences. The point is, if you crave the atmospheric Baguio experience, the fog is *definitely* there. (Pro tip: pack a good raincoat, just in case! And maybe some extra socks, because, you know, dampness).
3. The "3 Pax" part – Is it really comfortable for three adults? My friends are... well, let's just say "large humans."
Alright, here’s the truth: it’s *cozy*. Not a mansion, mind you. It's a standard-sized hotel room. The beds were comfortable enough (important!), and they provided an extra mattress, which was… fine. It's not palatial, but it's definitely doable. Think of it as a good excuse to do the "spoon strategy" and choose who gets closest to the blanket. My friend, Maria, is a snorer. I was not prepared for the symphony. We managed. It's Baguio, you're out all day anyway, so it's not like you'll be spending *too* much time in the room. Just adjust your expectations, people. And invest in some earplugs. Seriously.
4. So, what's included in the package? Spill the tea!
Okay, the basics: room, breakfast, and... *drumroll*... a chance to finally *relax*. (That last one can be tricky. I, for one, I never fully relax on trips, I'm always worrying about something. But I digress). The breakfast was decent. Not gourmet, mind you. Think *silog* (rice, egg, meat) and the usual fare. It was fuel, and it did the job. The staff was incredibly helpful, and more importantly, *kind*. I had a small crisis with my luggage (long story) and they went above and beyond to help me out. Bless them! THAT is what makes the difference. I'd go back just for the warmth of their service. The hotel itself had a garden and a nice sitting area where you can enjoy the mist. Seriously, I spent hours just staring at the fog rolling in. It's a simple package, but it's well-priced and it delivers on its promise of an escape.
5. Food, glorious food! Where should we eat near Gardenville? I need recommendations!
Okay, food! Baguio is a foodie paradise. Gardenville is near the city centre, so you can get to almost anywhere, but with a bit of a jeepney ride. Try *Good Taste* (prepare for lines – it's worth it), *Mines View Park* (for the views and souvenirs - and food! But also… crowds. Try to go early!), and *Cafe by the Ruins* (a Baguio institution - it’s *amazing*). Don’t be afraid to explore! Baguio has delicious food, just be prepared for that traffic! And always ask the locals for their favorite spots. They know best!
6. What about getting around? Transportation, tips, etc.?
Jeepneys are your friend! They're cheap, they're colorful, and they're a Baguio institution. Download a jeepney app to help you get around. Taxis are also available, but can be a bit harder to find, especially during peak hours. Try to negotiate the fare beforehand, especially if you’re going to a further-out location. Walking is also an option, but Baguio is hilly, and the air is thin. Be prepared to huff and puff a bit! (I *definitely* did.)
7. Any downsides? Be honest! I can handle the truth!
Honestly? The showers could be better, the water pressure was a little weak some days. And it's not *super* luxurious. The walls are a bit thin. I once heard the *entire* conversation from the room next door. (They were discussing their favorite types of cheese. Very specific cheese. I digress again…) But those are minor quibbles. The experience is more than the sum of its parts. I was really, *really* hoping for a bathtub, but there wasn’t one. Next time, folks. Next time. And… okay, I'm going to be brutally honest here: the lack of a super-fast internet connection was a bit annoying. I had a little freak out about my emails. You might need to unplug a *little* more than you expect. Which, you know, could be a good thing, depending on your perspective. (My friends loved me being off the grid.)
8. Would you recommend the Gardenville Foggy Escape? Spill the tea!
*YES.* Absolutely, unequivocally, *yes*. If youOcean View Inn
