Punta Villa Hotel and Resort

It's never difficult to find a good place to stay whenever you're in Iloilo. Being one of the tourism gateways of the country, Iloilo itself has become a major travel destination in the Philippines for the past few years thus bring thousands and thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. This is one reason why Iloilo's Hotel and Real Estate industry grew and flourished.

Amongst the most popular hotel and resort destinations in Iloilo is Punta Villa, which is located in Arevalo District. It is strategically located near the Villa beach where you can find the famous sea side restaurants Tatoy's and Breakthrough . The resort not only comes with a beautiful neoclassic colonial hotel but it also has large swimming pool for adults and a kiddie pool equipped with slides for children. The restaurant also serves good food and the best part is that it's not even very expensive. It is a popular place for wedding receptions, conventions and basically any other celebration there is to name.

The rooms at hotel are also cozy and will definitely make you feel at home. From family rooms to presidential suites, Punta Villa has it all complete with all the necessary amenities that'll make your stay as comfortable as possible.

My favorite part of Punta Villa is the Gloria Maris Garden which is an outdoor reception area for weddings. Like most buildings in the resort, that garden, complete with a gazebo has a touch of Spanish and Filipino Architecture thus showcasing colonial art which Iloilo is fanous for.  

The Beautiful Iloilo River: The very Life-vein of the City

Named after its peculiar nose-like shape or 'Ilong', the river of Iloilo is one of the most important rivers there is in the country not only for the fact that it runs through the heart of Iloilo City itself but for it also hosts one of the most busiest ports in the Philippines; El Puerto de Muelle Loney.

Before the Spaniards came in the Island, the marshland surrounding the river of Iloilo has been known as a rich trading settlement between local and foreign merchants. Here, traders from China, India and other countries flock to exchange goods with the locals. This is the very reason why the Spaniards built a port in the mouth of the river which will serve as a gateway between Panay and its neighboring islands. In 1855, El Puerto de Muelle Loney, one of the first international sea ports in the country was opened and spurred the economy of the city making it the second most richest city after Manila.

Today Iloilo River serves as a major tourist attraction. The river bank is home to 22 species out of the countries 35 known species of Mangrove trees. Hotels such as Hotel del Rio, The Castle Hotel, River Queen Hotel and Sarabia Manor are located facing Iloilo River as well. Aside from that Marina, Barbeque Village, Tijuana and many more famous Ilonggo restaurants runs along the riverside and so as the famous Iloilo River Boulevard which is Iloilo's version of Dumaguete's Rizal Boulevard and Manila Bay.

Mo2 Westown Hotel at Smallville Iloilo

Iloilo is known as one of the country's gate cities and tourist destinations and being one of the most traveled parts of the Philippines, Iloilo offers its best hotels where travelers and guests can stay while enjoying the province's beautiful culture and sceneries.
One of the most accessible hotels in the city is the Mo2 Westown Hotel that is located in near Smallville in Pison Street, Iloilo's premier entertainment and dining centre. It has been acclaimed as one of the best and affordable hotels in the city of Iloilo.
What makes it a good place to stay is that it is strategically located in the part of the city that is not far from malls, tourist destinations and entertainment centers and thus guests will find it easy to travel the city without going too far. The hotel is also located near famous ilonggo restaurants like Krua Thai, Freska, Afriques and cofee shops like Cofee Break and Bluejay. Guests who are into nightlife will simply enjoy nearby clubs and bars where people gather to have fun and socialize.
For reservations and more information please contact
Phone No: (033) 5095678 /3202225 / 508-1234 Fax: 320-2225 Mobile: (63)928-502-9585 or email atE-mail: mo2westown_ilo@yahoo.com

Iloilo's Summer Destinations: Beaches of Guimaras

When you're talking about summer, thoughts that would flash on your mind would possibly be the sun and sand and the waves and when you talk about beaches, there's no other place to go but Western Visayas where the beaches are playfully colored with hues of creamy yellow, pale pink, white and brown. The region's or perhaps the country's most popular summer destination would be Boracay that is in  Aklan, a province North of Iloilo. The Island of Boracay that is known for it's pure white beaches, is where all good things happen: fun rides, all night parties, exotic souvenirs and some good and safe places to stay overnight.

However, if your budget doesn't suggest that you can go to Boracay this summer, then you should know that there are some good options near Iloilo City that you'll surely enjoy as well that doesn't require you of spending too much. Guimaras is a nearby Island which is just a boat ride away from the downtown city port and is known not only for it's delicious mangoes but for its beaches which are said to be almost as white as the beaches of Boracay. Two popular white sand destination would be Alubihod in New Valencia, which is an hour away from the Jordan Port and Guisi Beach which is a good place for a peaceful vacation.

Alubihod is lined with Beach Resorts and a small Hotel where you can check in for a night for 800 to 1000 pesos. Also in Nueva Valencia is the Guisi Beach, a very relaxing and serene place that is perfect for those who wants to escape the hassles of urbanity. The sole manager of the Guisi is  Clear water Beach Resort where you could have a cottage to stay overnight for 400 pesos, 1200 pesos or a better spacious airconditioned one for 1600 pesos. Clearwater Beach Resort is also visited by tourist because of the ruins of the Old Spanish Light House on the top of a nearby hill-cliff.

Hotel Del Rio

Situated along the Iloilo River, Hotel del Rio in Del Pilar Street, Molo is one of the premiere hotels there is in the city. Its most spectacular feature that no other hotel in Iloilo can offer is the view of the magnificent and tranquil Iloilo River. It is a recommended place for jam packed travelers who need a peaceful place to stay.If you are searching for great food, comfortable rooms, friendly and hospitable staffs, then Hotel del Rio is your stop. You don't need to travel far to find malls, schools, historic and touristy sites in the city. Hotel del Rio is so accessible to the public that you can reach your preferred destination in no time.

The Castle Hotel

A Mansion for a Hotel? Yes.
The Castle Hotel located in Bonifacio Drive isn't just a beautiful old house. Restored to the nines it is a perfect place to stay as it exudes an old world vibrance as manifested by its Medieval inspired architecture. Each room is well furnished, air conditioned and equipped with facilities of comfort, warmth, and privacy.

It is located near the Provincial Capitol, The Atrium Mall, The Gaisano City Mall and the Days Hotel. For more information and for reservation please contact Tel No: (033) 338-1021/338-3280/338-3281 or Fax No: 338-1021.

So why should tourist stay in the Castle Hotel? Well, I guess one of the reasons is that it is situated in one of the most accessible places in the city and the best part is that it is just a few steps away from one of the Major routes of Dinagyang Festival's 'Ati' street dancing. Indulge yourself with the best that the Castle Hotel can offer and you'll realize it's not just the outside that's pretty about this historical destination.