Beinte Singko De Marso 304: Your Dream Ilocos Sur Getaway Awaits!
Beinte Singko De Marso 304: Oh, Ilocos Sur, You Beauty (And a Few Tiny Hiccups!) - A Review for Real People, By a Real Person.
Right, buckle up, buttercups! I've just gotten back from a whirlwind trip to Ilocos Sur, and the Beinte Singko De Marso 304 (yes, I'm still trying to wrap my tongue around that name!) was my base camp. Let me tell you, it wasn't all smooth sailing (more on the minor drama later!), but overall? Your Dream Ilocos Sur Getaway Awaits!? Well, they're not entirely wrong. It's a solid contender.
Accessibility - Easy Peasy (Mostly!)
Getting to Beinte Singko De Marso 304? Piece of cake. I mean, from Manila it's a bit of a trek (a flight, then a drive, and then you're probably just ready for a nap!), but finding the place itself? Easy. They even have Airport transfer, so you can just flop in the car and let someone else worry about the navigating. Bless.
Now, wheelchair accessible? They do have elevator, which is a HUGE plus. Honestly, not everywhere in the Philippines is built with accessibility in mind. I didn’t scrutinize every inch, but signs point to them making an effort. The devil's in the details of course (like, are the ramps smooth enough? Are the public spaces actually easy to navigate?), which I unfortunately didn’t get to thoroughly test. But a thumbs up for the elevator and a general feeling that they care.
Internet - Pray Your Wi-Fi Gods Are Kind
Okay, let's talk internet. This is where things get… Philippines-y. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and it is there. Technically. In theory. Sometimes. It's a lot better than nothing, and thank god for Wi-Fi in public areas when your room connection decides to take a siesta. There is also Internet access – LAN in the rooms, which is a godsend if you, like me, have a desperate need for speed. But honestly, the speed is… well, let's call it "rustic." Think dial-up, sometimes. Bring LOTS of offline entertainment. I’m just sayin’.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Secure, At Least!
This is where Beinte Singko De Marso 304 shines. And I'm not just saying that because I'm still slightly paranoid about, you know, the world. They clearly take hygiene seriously. We're talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere (yes!), and Rooms sanitized between stays. They even say the staff are trained in safety protocol. Frankly, it felt very… safe. Which is a comfort in today's world. I saw CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Smoke alarms aplenty. So yeah, they seem to be doing everything they can.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Buffet Bonanza (and a Few Quirks)
Food! Important. So, they have Restaurants. Plural! And, yes, they're on-site. There’s a Breakfast [buffet], blessedly so. The Asian breakfast was a particular highlight – delicious, spicy, and all-you-can-eat (which is important when you're fueling up for exploring!). They also have Asian cuisine in restaurant. Now, I thought I saw a Vegetarian restaurant, but maybe I dreamt that? I had a great salad at one of the restaurants. Salad in restaurant? Check. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Double-check. A Bar, too, which is always a bonus for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. They offer Room service [24-hour], and while I didn't use it, the option is there. There's also a Poolside bar.
BUT. And there’s always a “but,” isn't there? The Breakfast [buffet]. Lovely, mostly fresh, with those incredible Filipino flavors. But… it can get a bit crowded. Like, elbow-to-elbow crowded. And the coffee? Let’s just say I’m not sure what bean they use, but it wasn't exactly a gourmet experience.
Services and Conveniences - Pretty Darn Good!
The list here is LONG. We're talking Daily housekeeping. Cash withdrawal. Concierge. Doorman. Dry cleaning. Elevator. Facilities for disabled guests. Gift/souvenir shop. Ironing service. Laundry service. Luggage storage. Meeting/banquet facilities. Honestly, they've thought of most things. They even have Currency exchange, which is super helpful. The staff – generally lovely. Always smiling, always trying to help.
The Rooms - Comfy Cocoon (Mostly)
My room? It was a haven. Clean, spacious, filled with essential amenities. I got a Air conditioning (thank god), a Desk for working (okay, more like pretending to work), a Free bottled water, and a Refrigerator for keeping the beers cold. There was a Mini bar, too. The Bed was crazy comfortable, with an Extra long bed which, thank you, Beinte Singko, for recognizing that people come in all shapes and sizes. Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleep (needed after the early morning sun rises). A Seating area to lounge. a private bathroom. Mirror. Shower and a Separate shower/bathtub. The internet access, as I said, was, you know… but there was Internet access – wireless.
Now for the Slightly Less Shiny Bits
Okay, remember that minor drama I mentioned? One day, the air conditioning conked out. Disaster! I mean, Ilocos Sur is HOT. So, I called the front desk. They were apologetic, sent someone up, but it took a while to fix. And it was a bit… stuffy. But they fixed it, eventually.
Another thing: the location, while convenient, isn’t perfectly central. You'll probably need to take taxis or use the free Car park [free of charge] to get around, which is fine.
For The Kids - Family Friendly, They Say!
I didn't have kids with me, but the hotel screams family-friendly. They have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and even a Kids meal. Score! That Family/child friendly, it seems.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax - Your Ilocos Sur Adventure Starts Here!
Here's where Beinte Singko De Marso 304 really shines. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] – and it's gorgeous. Think, that quintessential "pool with view" – you know, that Instagram-able shot? Check.
And if you need to unwind? Oh, they have options. A Spa, a Spa/sauna, a Sauna, and a Steamroom. I indulged in a Massage. Divine. I might have drifted off. Body scrub? Yes, you can. Body wrap? Yep. Foot bath? You bet!
Fitness freaks, fear not! There's a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. Even a Poolside bar if you prefer to relax.
Getting Around - Easy Breezy!
They organize Airport transfer. They have Taxi service. And yes, a Car park [on-site].
Overall Verdict: Go, But Manage Your Expectations (and Pack a Backup Book!)
Look, Beinte Singko De Marso 304 isn't perfect. The internet can be a bit wonky, and sometimes things take a little longer than they should. But the staff are friendly, the rooms are comfy, the food is good, and the amenities are plentiful. And, most importantly, it’s a great base for exploring the stunning Ilocos Sur.
My honest assessment? It's a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's a great choice for families, couples, and anyone looking for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively luxurious stay in Ilocos Sur.
My Recommendation and Offer – Book Now, Before I Do!
Are you dreaming of golden beaches, ancient churches, and delicious Filipino food? Look no further than Beinte Singko De Marso 304! This isn't just a hotel; it's your gateway to experiencing the authentic charm of Ilocos Sur. Picture yourself waking up to a delicious buffet breakfast, spending your day exploring historical sites, and then relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand.
Here's the deal: Book your stay now using the code "ILOVESUR" and receive a 15% discount on your room rate, a complimentary welcome drink (a delicious mango shake!), and a free late checkout (because you deserve it!).
**But wait
Escape to Paradise: Dorint Resort Baltic Hills Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a gloriously chaotic, slightly hungover, and deeply opinionated itinerary for a stay at Apartment 304 in Beinte Singko de Marso, that famous address in Ilocos Sur. Forget your perfectly-organized itineraries, this is the real deal.
Day 1: Arrival, Regrets, and Empanadas (lots of empanadas!)
11:00 AM - Arrival & Apartment Inspection (aka, the "Oh God, Did I Pack Enough Snacks?" Phase): Landed at Laoag International. The air, as always, is thick with humidity and the scent of adventure. Or, you know, maybe just the nearby fish sauce factory. Getting to Beinte Singko de Marso involved a tricycle that definitely thought it could handle a few potholes. I was clinging on for dear life, my carefully curated travel outfit slightly askew. Finally, we're at apartment 304. Okay, the photos online might have been Photoshopped a little, but it's livable. The AC is running, which is all that matters right now. First instinct? Check if the Wi-Fi works… and then immediately unpack my emergency stash of instant noodles. Priorities.
12:00 PM - Lunch & Preliminary Empanada Investigation: Found a local "carinderia" (hole-in-the-wall eatery, the best kind) and attempted to order in Tagalog. My vocabulary is about as extensive as my patience when stuck in traffic, so I ended up pointing and grunting until a plate of savory goodness appeared. Okay, I'm famished and this is better than I expected!
2:00 PM - The Empanada Quest Begins: This is where it all gets serious. We need to locate the legendary Vigan Empanada. We hit the famous "Calle Crisologo" (the main street with history galore!) and the aroma of frying dough hits you like a brick of deliciousness. Every stall seems to offer the "best" empanada. It's a brutal competition, I tell you! The first few I tried were… okay. But I'm here to find the perfect one. I'm talking crispy shell, flavorful filling, perfect balance of savory and sweet. This is going to be a long day.
4:00 PM - Attempted Stroll & The Great Sunburn Scare: Strolled along Calle Crisologo, taking photos, dodging tricycle traffic (which by now is its own form of entertainment). The architecture is beautiful, but the sun is brutal. Like, brutal. I may have underestimated the SPF situation. Big mistake. Huge. Now I'm redder than a firetruck and regretting my choices.
6:00 PM - Empanada Round Two & Sunset Shame: Back to the empanadas! I'm getting serious now, taking notes, critiquing the crust-to-filling ratio. I'm basically an amateur empanada sommelier. The sunset at the Plaza is beautiful, but I'm too busy wallowing in my sunburn and deep-fried dough to fully appreciate it.
8:00 PM - Dinner & Reflection (on My Life Choices): More food. (Are you sensing a theme?) This time, a decent restaurant with a romantic vibe. I order a glass of wine. I'm still a little pink, both from the sun and the amount of empanadas I've consumed. I think maybe I overdid it on the cheese…
9:00 PM - Apartment Relaxation (and application of aloe vera): Back at Apartment 304. Finally, a chance to recover from the sun, the food coma, and the existential dread that always seems to creep in on vacation. Aloe vera is applied liberally. Sleep is the only option.
Day 2: Historical Hysteria, Pottery, and a Desperate Plea for More Empanadas
7:00 AM - Wake Up & The Great Coffee Crisis: Woke up feeling like I'd been run over by a tricycle. The aloe vera helped, but the lingering smell of deep-fried goodness is starting to haunt my dreams. The coffee situation is dire. The instant coffee in the apartment is… let’s just say it leaves something to be desired. Must. Find. Good. Coffee. Before. Anything. Else.
9:00 AM - History Time! (Maybe?) Headed to the Syquia Mansion, a historical ancestral house. Okay, this is actually interesting. The stories about the family are fascinating, and the house is beautiful. But the heat is getting to me. I'm starting to hallucinate empanadas.
11:00 AM - Pottery & Emotional Breakdown (Kidding… mostly): Next, the Pagburnayan pottery jars. I try my hand at the pottery wheel. Let's just say my artistic talents are… limited. My clay creation looks more like a lumpy blob than a functional jar. I swear I saw the pottery instructor stifling a laugh.
1:00 PM - Lunch & The Lament of the Missing Empanada: Lunch. Again. I'm starting to realize that I'm mostly eating because I'm bored. I'm missing the perfect empanada! It’s a void in my life. A culinary catastrophe.
3:00 PM - Attempted Beach Relaxation (and Sudden Realization of a Grave Mistake): A small, local beach to cool down a bit. The water is lovely, but I forgot my sunscreen! This situation is getting to me. I needed to remember.
5:00 PM - Empanada Recovery Mission & Post-Travel Therapy Session: Back to Calle Crisologo. My mission is clear: Find. The. Perfect. Empanada. I'm starting to develop a complex. I think I even dreamt of empanada-related court cases last night.
7:00 PM - Dinner & Meltdown (Mostly kidding): Dinner at a nicer restaurant. I order the same thing I ordered before.
9:00 PM - Apartment Meditation & The Future of Empanadas: Back at Apartment 304. Trying to process the day. Did I find the perfect empanada? No. Did I learn anything about myself? Maybe. Did I get a sunburn again? Possibly.. What's the meaning of life? Is there an afterlife where empanadas flow like wine?
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Lingering Smell of Dough
8:00 AM - Breakfast, Coffee Improvement, and the Final Empanada Attempt: Thank goodness, the instant coffee has improved. I have no idea how. Had a local vendor's version of the famous 'longganisa' sausage and rice. Its fantastic. And more empanadas. One last attempt to conquer the culinary mountain. Was this "it?" I have absolutely no idea.
9:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping & Sweet Sadness: Scrounged for some souvenirs to bring back. The locals that own the stores are very sweet and really help you with suggestions. Said goodbye to the apartment and its resident ants.
11:00 AM - Departure: Headed back to the airport, slightly sunburned, mostly full of empanada, and with a strange, newfound obsession with fried dough.
12:00 PM - Boarding & Travel Regrets: I am almost at the airplane. What I will remember? Definitely the heat. And the empanadas. And the sun burn. I definitely would say, I made a mistake. But also, no regrets.
1:00 PM - Landing & End
So, there you have it! A fragmented, slightly insane, and utterly honest account of my time in Ilocos Sur. It wasn't perfect. Far from it. But it was real. And that's what matters, right? Now, where's my next empanada?
Escape to Himalayan Heaven: FabHotel Le Masrana Inn Dhanaulti Awaits!
Beinte Singko De Marso 304: Your Dream Ilocos Sur Getaway - Frequently...ish Asked Questions (and the Ramblings!)
Okay, so... what *IS* Beinte Singko De Marso 304, and why should I care? Sounds like some crazy code!
Alright, alright, I get it. The name's… well, it’s a mouthful. But trust me, it's a *good* mouthful. Beinte Singko De Marso 304 is a boutique guesthouse in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Picture this: you, sun-kissed, sipping something cold (maybe a local iced coffee, mmm!), surrounded by history and charm. It’s not some sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. This place oozes personality. It's like staying in a really stylish friend's beautifully renovated ancestral home. And why should *you* care? Because you're tired of the same old boring vacations, aren't you? This is different. It's about slow mornings, genuine smiles, and that feeling of *actually* being somewhere special. Plus, the number? I think it's the street number. Or maybe the year the owner's great-great-grandmother met a ghost. Who knows?! Part of the fun is figuring it out!
Can I *actually* afford this? I'm not exactly a millionaire. Or even a *thousand-aire*.
Honestly? It's not budget backpacking, but it's also not "sells-a-kidney-for-a-weekend" expensive. For the experience you're getting – the personalized service, the cool factor, the delicious food (more on that later!), the *vibe* – it's actually pretty darn reasonable. Think of it as a "treat yourself" kind of vacation, the kind that feels worth it long after your tan fades. I did a little digging before I went. I found some packages that were great value. And hey, even splurging a little is okay sometimes! Just promise to send me postcards. (Kidding! (Mostly.)). Do book in advance though. Popular places fill up quickly! I learned *that* the hard way the first time.
What's the food situation like? Because, let's be real, I live to eat. And judge.
Oh. My. Goodness. The *food*. Prepare to gain a few pounds. And probably not regret a single one. (Okay, maybe regret the second helping *just* a little. But then you'll go back for thirds.) They serve traditional Ilocano dishes, and let me tell you, they are *authentic*. The bagnet… crispy, porky perfection. The longganisa… sweet, savory explosions in your mouth. The dinengdeng… a symphony of vegetables simmered to perfection. And the breakfast?! Forget your sad hotel buffet. Think fluffy omelets, fresh fruit, local coffee that'll make you wanna slap your mama (in a good way, of course). Seriously. It’s the food alone that makes me want to immediately book another trip. I'm drooling just thinking about it. They even made me try *balut* (duck embryo) - and I, a famously squeamish eater, *almost* enjoyed it! Almost.
Okay, fine, the food sounds amazing. But what's *there* to DO? Does Ilocos Sur have more than just sunsets and rice paddies? (I love those things, BTW).
Ohhhhh, honey, does it ever! Ilocos Sur is a goldmine. Vigan City, where Beinte Singko is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cobblestone streets, ancestral houses... it's like stepping back in time. Then there's the beaches – white sand, turquoise water, the whole shebang. You can go surfing, explore the ruins, chase waterfalls, visit the windmill farm (seriously, it's Instagram gold). And the sunsets? Forget Bali. (Okay, maybe *don't* forget Bali, it’s also amazing.) But the sunsets in Ilocos Sur… are *epic*. I remember one evening, standing on the beach, the sky ablaze with color... it was the most beautiful thing I've *ever* seen. I almost cried. I was a mess. It was just… overwhelming. In a good way! You can also rent a *kalesa* (horse-drawn carriage) and just soak it all in. It's the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
What about the rooms? Are they all cute-sy Instagrammy, or actually comfortable? Because I need a real bed and decent AC.
Look, I’m all about the aesthetic. But I also need a bed that doesn't feel like sleeping on a rock. Beinte Singko nails it. The rooms are gorgeous. Stylish, yes. Instagrammable, absolutely. But also comfortable. The beds are plush, the air conditioning actually WORKS, and the bathrooms are clean and modern. They’ve got that perfect balance of historic charm and modern convenience. I remember opening the door to my room, and just sighing with relief. *This* is what a vacation should feel like. There's no peeling paint, musty smells, or questionable stains. (Thank goodness!) The rooms are thoughtfully designed, with everything you need without being cluttered. And the little details... they really make a difference. Fresh flowers, local art, a little welcome note. It's these small touches that elevate the whole experience.
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep. (And by beauty sleep, I mean 12 hours.)
Vigan is generally pretty peaceful, especially away from the main tourist areas. Beinte Singko itself is a haven. The walls seem thick enough to block out just about anything. Plus, the owners are super mindful of noise levels, so you won't be kept awake by rowdy guests. I'm a light sleeper, and I slept like a baby! Which is saying a lot, especially when I'm in a new place and trying to adjust. No loud karaoke, no honking horns, no… well, you get the idea. Just tranquility. You can actually hear the birds chirping in the morning (and, yes, that sounds corny, but it's AMAZING!). It’s the perfect place to recharge and forget about the world. Except maybe, you know, the world’s *delicious* food.
What's the staff like? Are they friendly, or are they the sort that just want to get you in and out?
Oh. My. Gawd. The staff. They’re basically the reason I’m already planning my return trip. They’re not just friendly, they’re *genuinely* warm and welcoming. They remember your name, they anticipate your needs, they’re always ready with a smile and a helpful tip. They really make you feel like part of the family. I remember one staff member (I think her name was Maria? Maybe?) went above and beyond to help me arrange a tour. She even packed me a little *baon* (lunch) because I was running late. Coastal Inns
