Ilocos Sur's Hidden Gem: River House Loft w/ Breakfast! ✨
Ilocos Sur's Hidden Gem: River House Loft - My Slightly Messy, Utterly Honest Review! ✨
Okay, so you're thinking about escaping to Ilocos Sur, huh? Smart move. And you've stumbled upon the River House Loft. Well, let me tell you, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average sterile hotel review. This is going to be…well, me. And I get a little scattered sometimes. So, here we go!
First Impressions (and the Drive There)
Finding the River House Loft was a mini-adventure in itself! My trusty Google Maps led me astray, once or twice, and the road… well, let's just say it tested the suspension of my rented sedan. (Honestly, I swear, Filipino roads are a whole different beast!) But the moment I saw it, right on the riverbank, all the minor frustrations immediately dissolved. Picture this: a stunning, almost ethereal, modern structure nestled amongst lush greenery. That's the River House Loft. Pure visual relief after the drive.
(Getting There & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag)
- Accessibility? Okay, so here’s the thing. This is not a fully accessible place. While there's an elevator (thank God!), the pathways to some areas, like the pool, are a bit… well, uneven. If you have mobility issues, definitely call ahead and be super specific about your needs. The staff, by the way, are incredibly helpful, which helps a lot, but physical limitations are very real here.
- Getting around: Car park is on-site and free, which is a huge win! There's also taxi service, and, interestingly, bicycle parking. I didn't see anyone biking, but hey, options are good!
The Room: Loft Living & My Existential Crisis Over the Bathtub
We booked a loft (duh!), and it was glorious! Seriously, the high ceilings made me feel like I could breathe! The decor was modern, clean, and stylish, all whites and grays, and felt very chic. The giant windows offered amazing light and views of the river below.
- What's in the room? Air conditioning (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), a super comfy bed with an extra long bed, a mini bar fully stocked. Free Wi-Fi (thank God for that!), and a coffee/tea maker, which was a godsend in the mornings when the world felt too much. It's all available in all rooms.
- Amenities Rundown:
- Bathroom Shenanigans: Oh, and the HUGE bathtub. Seriously, it was almost too big. I spent a solid 30 minutes just staring at it, contemplating my life choices. Was I worthy of such bathtub grandeur? The bathrobes were ridiculously soft, and the complimentary toiletries smelled amazing. I literally considered smuggling them out. (Okay, I'll admit it. I did.)
- The Small Stuff: They had blackout curtains! Bless! And a safe box for my valuables (and, let’s be honest, my secret stash of chocolate).
- Connectivity: Internet access – wireless? Check. Internet access – LAN? Check. It’s great that there's options. I even used my laptop workspace for some writing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Smelling Like Citrus)
They are taking all the right steps to be as safe and clean as possible.
- The staff consistently wore masks, and they made it clear they take the safety very seriously. And bonus they use anti-viral cleaning products!
- Rooms sanitized between stays is very reassuring!
- They had hand sanitizer everywhere!
- It's good that they adhere to physical distancing of at least 1 meter
Food, Glorious Food (and My Near-Disaster with Spicy Chili)
The food was… a mixed bag. Let's just say some hits, some misses. But the setting? Unbeatable.
- Breakfast: Breakfast is included, and you can get it in your room. They also offer takeaway - very convenient!. The buffet was adequate. There were Asian and Western options, but nothing incredibly special. On the plus side, the coffee was strong, and the fruit was fresh.
- Dining Adventures: Their restaurant does it all - a la carte choices, Asian cuisine and Western cuisine. Warning: I ordered something with chili one night. Let me just say, my mouth was on fire for about 20 minutes. They do have a bar, a real pool side bar. You can grab a bottle of water, or a coffee/tea in the restaurant. Desserts, soups and salads are available too.
- The Snack Bar: I hit up the snack bar by the pool multiple times. Perfect for a midday nibble or a cocktail. They also have room service [24-hour] – a lifesaver when you’re feeling lazy.
- Convenience store: I believe there is a convenience store.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation (Or, My Quest for Zen)
I was ready to relax!
- They have a fitness center, a gym, and a sauna!
- Massages: They offer massages! I had a massage by the pool, and it was amazing. Honestly, I think I almost fell asleep right there. One of the best spa experiences I’ve had.
- Pool with a view: Okay, the pool. It's an outdoor swimming pool with a view, people! Absolutely gorgeous. I spent hours just floating, staring at the sky, and pretending to be sophisticated.
- Spa: They offer a spa/sauna, and a steamroom, which is great.
- Things to do: Not a ton of activities on-site, but the staff is super helpful with recommendations for local tourism.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter (and They Do)
- Helpful Staff: The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly. The concierge helped me arrange for a taxi, they helped me with my laundry (thank you, thank you!). They were all trained in safety protocols.
- Essentials: They had a convenience store! Daily housekeeping was impeccable.
- For the Business-Minded: They do have meeting/banquet facilities and can host events.
- Other Practicalities: Safety deposit boxes are available. They also handle currency exchange, which is convenient.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because, Let's Be Real)
- Soundproofing: The soundproofing could've been better. I could sometimes hear the music from the bar below.
- Lack of Soul? The hotel had the bones of a very charming hotel, but it sometimes felt a bit too polished. I felt like it needed a little bit more personality.
- Pets: Pets are unavailable.
In Conclusion: Should You Go? YES! (With a Few Caveats)
The River House Loft is truly a hidden gem. It's beautiful, relaxing, and a great base for exploring Ilocos Sur.
- Positive Vibes: I loved the location. Sitting by the river, getting a massage, amazing!
- Room for Improvement (and Reality):
- I hope they continue to improve the accessibility options.
- There's room for the restaurant to level up a bit more.
- Final Verdict: Seriously, go! But temper your expectations a little. It's not perfect, but it's damn close. And that view… that view is worth the price of admission alone. 8.5/10 for me!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel brochure. We're diving headfirst into the chaos of a weekend at The River House | Loft Unit in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Think of it less as a rigid itinerary and more like a chaotic, caffeine-fueled stream of consciousness. Here we go…
The River House Rhapsody: A Weekend of Sun, Sisig, and (Hopefully) Sanity
Day 1: Arrival, Architecture, and Agony (of Mosquitoes)
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: The Big Arrival - Or, "God, Did We Pack Enough Snacks?"
- Okay, first things first: getting there. The drive from Manila… Ugh. But hey, the moment we step out of the car and the salty air hits us, it is so worth! That car ride, though? I swear, my bladder has a better stamina than me. The River House… It's even more charming than the photos. Nestled right on the riverbank. The loft unit is cute as hell. Rustic, modern, with a view that makes you want to spontaneously combust with joy. We spend a ridiculous amount of time just ogling the architecture. So much wood! And exposed brick! Swoon.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Settling In (and Panic-Checking the Wifi)
- The first order of business? Unpacking…well, half-heartedly. Mostly, we just want to plop down, breathe, and double-check the wifi. Gotta Instagram those river views, of course. Also, checking the fridge. Breakfast is included, sweet!
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring Vigan - Heritage Heaven (and Tourist Traps)
- Time to hit the town. Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. Cobblestone streets. Ancestral houses. Feels like stepping back in time. We're immediately swept up in the charm. Walking around, we're gawking at the houses, feeling like some old rich people. We jump in a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage). It’s a bit cheesy, but also, you know, authentic. The driver, Bless his soul. I was convinced he was going to be talking through the experience but, I had a good time. But the crowds! Oh, the crowds. It's like Disneyland, but with more empanada stalls.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: The Great Empanada Debacle
- We stop at a stall hawking Vigan Empanadas. Seriously, the smell alone is enough to make you weak in the knees. Crispy, savory, fried goodness. We devour them like we haven't eaten in weeks. And the chili vinegar? Dear God, it's better than your average vinegar. It's like a firework in your mouth. More! More! Then, food coma.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping and Bargaining Blues
- Okay, this is where the "real vacation" starts – the souvenir search. We weave through the tourist stalls, haggling for souvenirs. I'm not a haggler, and it shows. I probably overpay for everything. The vendors are good. They know you want that hand-woven blanket and you'll pay whatever it takes. My wallet is weeping softly.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset by the River (and Mosquito Warfare)
- Okay, this is where it gets messy. The River House has an amazing view of the river. We head back and plant ourselves on the balcony, the sun is setting, casting this gorgeous golden glow. Except, the mosquitoes. Holy mother of mosquito bites! We end up looking like we're suffering from a sudden outbreak of chickenpox. We retreat indoors. And that's the end of me.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Sisig and San Miguel – The Culinary Redemption
- Dinner at a local restaurant. We order sisig. Oh. My. God. Crispy, fatty, spicy, everything delicious. Wash it down with a San Miguel. Forget the mosquitoes. Forget the haggling. This is what life is all about. We overeat. And love every second of it.
9:00 PM onwards: Stargazing and Bedtime Bliss (or the Lack Thereof)
- Back at the loft unit. We collapse in a heap. Maybe, just maybe, we'll last a little while longer. We look at the stars. Oh, they are so beautiful! It is so serene. But, wait. Something is missing. We head to the bedroom. There it is. The AC is broken. Oh, no. We are melting in our sleep.
Day 2: Sunrise Serenity, Surprises, and Sundown Sendoff
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast Bliss (and Coffee Coma)
- Okay, breakfast. Included, remember? They bring a massive feast. Eggs, toast, bacon, fruits, coffee, all the goodness. We devour it. The coffee is strong. Very strong. Fueling us for the day ahead. We lounge around for a while, enjoying the tranquility.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Secret Garden and The Story
- We'd read somewhere there was a "secret garden" nearby, and so it was. The story about the house that has been passed down from generation to generation. A love story. The story made me think about my family. It was heartwarming.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach Bumming and Sunset Serenade
- We spend the afternoon at the beach. Swimming, sunbathing, and generally being lazy. We come back just in time to see the sunset. A perfect end to a crazy, imperfect, and utterly lovely weekend getaway.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Packing Up and Departure Dramas
- Packing. Ugh. The dreaded task. We try to cram everything back into our bags, which, of course, is a physical impossibility. We double-check for forgotten items. We're running late. But hey, some things you can't rush.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Goodbye, Ilocos Sur (Until Next Time?)
- Driving away. We are exhausted, sun-kissed (and bitten, I might add), and utterly happy. The River House, the food, the sunsets… Definitely worth the trip. We’ll be back!
Final Thoughts:
This weekend was a mess. A beautiful, hilarious, food-filled, mosquito-infested, soul-nourishing mess. I wouldn't change a thing. And now, I need a nap.
Escape to Germany's Hidden Gem: Wengerterstube & Gastezimmer Kern Awaits!
Alright, Spill the Tea: Is the River House Loft REALLY a "hidden gem?" Because I’ve seen a LOT of Instagram pics lately…
Okay, okay, the "hidden gem" thing is getting a *little* overused, I'll admit. But hear me out. Yes, it's popping up on Instagram, which is a double-edged sword, right? More visibility, but also more… well, people potentially. BUT! It still holds that magic. It’s not some soulless resort. It’s a proper, *lived-in* house, and that’s where the charm lies. Imagine waking up to the river, the rooster crowing (yes, it's real), and not some sterile hotel room. It *felt* like uncovering a secret, even with the influx of, shall we say, *enthusiastic* photographers. Seriously, I swear I saw someone bring a drone the size of a small car. Let's just say my chill morning coffee got a little… interrupted.
The Breakfast: The Rumor Mill says it's… amazing. True or False?
FALSE!…(Just kidding, mostly). Okay, the breakfast is *legit*. It's not just amazing, it's… a *memory*. Picture this: I was utterly, irrevocably hungover after a particularly rambunctious night exploring Vigan (more on that later). And bam! A spread of fresh fruits, perfectly cooked eggs (however you like 'em!), *unbelievable* local coffee, and honestly the best *longganisa* I’ve ever tasted. And not just once! It's a daily highlight. It's the thing you wake up *for*. It was a true lifesaver. Honestly, after that breakfast, I felt like I could climb a mountain. Almost. I might have needed another coffee.
River Activities? Is it just… staring at the river? Come on.
Alright, fair point. Staring at the river is *part* of it. It's seriously relaxing, I could have sat all day watching the water. But they have kayaks! You can paddle up the river. It’s chill, scenic, and a great way to start the day, after that life-saving breakfast, of course! I did a little kayaking, felt like a proper adventure seeker. But I'm not gonna lie, I spent most of my time lounging on the porch swing, reading and occasionally dozing off. Perfect. Just perfect.
The Rooms: Are they actually nice, or just "Instagrammable"?
Okay, the rooms. Yes, they are Instagrammable, because they’re *beautiful*. But also, they are *functional*. They're not just designed for the perfect shot. The bed was comfy, the aircon worked (a HUGE plus in the Ilocos heat!), and the whole vibe is just… peaceful. Think rustic chic. Think exposed brick, high ceilings, that gorgeous wooden staircase… I'm a sucker for good design, and the rooms were a delight. I think I took about a million pictures, but they weren't just for the 'gram, they were just for me. I wanted to remember everything!
Help! I'm a Mosquito Magnet! Is the River House Loft a mosquito nightmare?
Okay, fellow mosquito-baiters, listen up. I am *also* a mosquito magnet. And yes, there are mosquitos. It's near a river, duh! But the room gets good ventilation and they provide mosquito nets, which is always a good sign! Bring bug spray, and you'll be just fine. Honestly, the beauty of the place far outweighs the potential for a few itchy bites. I did get a couple, but it’s worth it, trust me.
Location, Location, Location: Is it convenient for exploring Ilocos Sur?
Yes! *Mostly*. You will need a car, or at least be prepared to hire one (or tricycle). It's a bit outside of Vigan, which is a good thing, because it's quiet. The distance from Vigan itself is actually a pro. You can escape quickly from the hordes of tourists (no offense, fellow tourists!), come back to your little oasis, and relax. You'll need a car though to reach the historical sites, but the good thing is all the fun is worth the ride!
The Vibe: Is it a party place, or chill?
Chill. *Definitely* chill. It's about relaxation, enjoying the scenery, and good food. Think reading on the porch, taking a nap in the hammock, maybe a leisurely kayak trip. It's not a place for wild parties. Unless, of course, *your* party involves an early night, a good book, and maybe one too many cups of that amazing coffee! (No judgment here.)
Okay, Fine. Tell me your WORST Experience. The ONE thing you didn’t like. Dish!
Okay, alright. There was *one* minor hiccup. My first night, after a truly epic dinner in Vigan (I’m talking crispy *bagnet* and *poqui- poqui* to die for!), I got back, feeling all smug and satisfied. The lights in my room… flickered. *Annoyingly*. Like, on-off-on-off-on. I’m a person who needs a solid, dark room when they sleep, so flickering lights were NOT my friend. It took a few calls and a little bit of troubleshooting (the staff were super helpful, bless their hearts), and they fixed it. It was a small thing, but in the moment, sleep-deprived and bags under my eyes, it felt like the end of the world. Okay, maybe not. But still, it was an *experience*.
Would you go back? And, like, *really*?
OMG, YES! In a heartbeat. Flickering lights and all. The River House Loft isn't perfect, but that's part of its charm. It's real. It's beautiful. The breakfast alone would have me booking a return trip. Seriously, that *longganisa*… it haunts my dreams in the best possible way. It’s an experience. Not just a place to stay. Run, don’t walk, and book it!
