Le Monet Hotel – Baguio City

Me and my buddy were strolling around Camp John Hay in Baguio City and spotted this very modern and chic hotel in the middle of some great foliage of pine trees. My buddy went on with his stroll while I stood motionless on the paved sidewalk. I was smiling and uttered, I wanna stay there… That was a year ago, at Le Monet Hotel.

Four hours, it took us that amount of time to reach one of the most favorite holiday destinations in the country (thanks to TPLEX). The fresh scent of pine trees and the cool winds welcomed us that chilly Friday evening. And then we entered the grandiose lobby of our home for four days, the Le Monet Hotel. After a year and two months my wish came true, very serendipity-like.

It was plain and simple; me and my buddies will be chilling out at Le Monet Hotel for four days to do nothing; the perfect definition of staycation.

Le Monet Hotel opened up February of 2012 and started to make buzz since then. Tucked inside Camp John Hay, this is literally the perfect backdrop for a wonderful holiday. The hotel is dedicated to one of the greatest French Impressionist painters, Claude Monet thus, the very artsy feel to the place.

The hanging crystal chandelier welcomed us at the lobby, the interchanging colors that reflected on this art piece was such a stunner. We went to the front desk to process our reservations and the staff immediately assisted us. It was a breeze and in a matter of minutes, we were ushered to our appointed rooms for three nights.

We were assigned to a Deluxe Twin room (check room types and rates). Our room is equipped with a ceiling fan (selected rooms do have air-conditioning units), cable T.V., D.V.D. player, personal in-room safe, work table with lamp and a reliable complimentary WiFi.

The two queen-sized beds were divine. The comfy duvet and the fluffy pillows were very inviting. I instantly wanna jump into the bed and tuck myself inside the thick layers of the sheets.

There’s an en suite toilet and bathroom. I immediately noticed the T.V. inside. The rain-type showerhead was also nice (hot and cold shower equipped). Towels and bath amenities are all provided for. Plus, the toilet was fully automated. Think about heated seat, fake flush and the works (just like the toilets in Hotel Luna at Vigan).

And then the veranda. It was nighttime and all I could hear was the hissing sound of the chilly wind that was blowing. Pine trees and all. I could imagine myself lounging here first thing in the morning.

The group then headed to The Lobby, the resident restaurant of Le Monet Hotel for the buffet dinner (every Fridays and Saturdays only). We feasted on fresh veggies, strawberries, Japanese fares and the works.

The night was still young so we asked if we could use the Malt Room, the bar inside the hotel, to cap the night off with some booze. The bar has this classy feel with all the furnishings and light effects. Some of the guys went on and unleashed their singing prowess on a videoke with a huge screen. It was a totally fun night.

Waking up the next day was refreshing. The sound of Ifugao gangsa (gongs) echoed from somewhere so I listened and was lulled for a few minutes. I then realized that I needed to know where it’s coming from. I pulled myself out of my comfy bed and went immediately to the veranda where the sound became clearer. So I sat on one of the lounge chairs and began to look for it. It was from the park somewhere where I saw some locals probably rehearsing for a show. I shut my eyes and started to feel the melody. It was very relaxing.

I made myself some coffee and just chilled at the veranda. The smell of the fresh pine trees was dreamlike. It was chilly but the sun was starting to peep and I allowed myself to bathe under its majestic gleam. And then my tummy grumbled.

The gang (minus Kirk)

The group gathered at The Lobby for the daily complimentary buffet breakfast. A huge spread of continental and local favorites is offered every day. I frequented the Baguio longganisa and bacon stations and devoured like it’s my last meal.

The egg station was also a surprise. They served us some Eggs Benedict and everyone was impressed. The egg was perfectly poached, the English muffins and bacons wasn’t overwhelming (you better try this at Le Monet).

Eggs Benedict

Le Monet also has a heated indoor swimming pool which we didn’t get to try. It was friggin’ cold at that time (December) and although the pool was heated, everyone was so sluggish to move. And then the staff offered to drive us around Camp John Hay by using the hotel’s shuttle (electric jeep). Everyone in the hotel was so nice and the service was impeccable.

Le Monet Hotel's Electronic Jeep

Indoor heated swimming pool

Le Monet Bakeshop

It's snowing at Le Monet!

And then lunch at The Lobby. And then dinner at The Lobby. And then boozing up sessions at the Malt Room. That cycle went on for days. We really didn’t feel the need to go out and explore the city for we were all craving for this kind of relaxing break. This is truly an escape from everything and everyone.

Team Red Horse with Ms. Ana and Ms. Karen

In those four days, we did nothing but just laze around the hotel and experienced Baguio City's soul. It may sound too ambitious but we did it anyways. And as we cruise back to our crazy world, I realized how important it is to, once in a while, be still and be serene - Le Monet is just the perfect place for achieving it. Maybe it’s just the perfect hunch or pure coincidence, but the way I stopped a year ago on the sidewalk looking at this hotel was destiny, really.