Java Hotel

The hotel offers a unique Bali-style ambiance and a distinctive layout, making it a memorable destination in Ilocos Norte. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and efficient staff, the excellent food served at the Eagle's Nest restaurant, and the overall cleanliness of the property. The hotel's spacious rooms and convenient location also contribute to a positive experience. It is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a relaxing getaway, families looking for comfortable accommodations and accessibility to local attractions, and sightseers eager to explore the area. Many guests are returning visitors, attesting to the hotel's consistent appeal. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room in the recently renovated wing for a more modern experience, and be aware that the hotel does not have an elevator, which might be a consideration for some.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a swimming pool that guests generally find pleasant, though some note it could benefit from more sunbeds. The gym is available, but many guests report that its equipment is outdated, basic, and often broken, with a lack of air conditioning making it uncomfortably hot. Wi-Fi connectivity is a recurring concern, with guests frequently experiencing slow speeds, spotty coverage in rooms, and sometimes needing to go to the lobby for a better connection. A significant point of feedback is the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests staying on higher floors. Additionally, some rooms lack an in-room safe for valuables, and complimentary water bottles are limited. Guests also mention a scarcity of charging ports in older rooms and that the TV channels are not in high definition, with some services requiring payment.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel for its general cleanliness, describing rooms as well-maintained and orderly. However, feedback on room comfort and condition is mixed. While some guests praise the comfortable beds and spaciousness, many describe the older rooms as dated, dark, and in need of renovation, with issues like peeling walls and dim lighting. A recently renovated wing offers newer, brighter rooms, which are highly preferred. Some guests report noise from the road, nearby dogs, or even construction work, impacting their rest. Specific room issues include non-functioning toilet lights, a lack of electrical outlets, and a damp or sewer smell in some older ground-floor rooms. The bathroom setup, particularly bathtubs, can be challenging for showering, and some older towels are noted as frayed.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's main restaurant, Eagle's Nest, receives consistent praise for its delicious food and improved quality, with many guests highlighting the tasty dishes and knowledgeable staff. The restaurant also offers a pleasant atmosphere, often featuring live music in the evenings, making for a memorable dining experience. However, feedback on breakfast is more varied. While some guests find it tasty and quick, many note that the complimentary options are limited to a few choices, becoming repetitive for longer stays. Breakfast is typically served à la carte, with additional options and items like a fruit plate incurring extra charges. Some guests also mention slow service during breakfast hours, particularly when the restaurant is not busy, indicating a need for more attentive staff in the dining area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient and strategic location, situated just outside the busy downtown area of Laoag. Guests appreciate its proximity to the town center and various stores, making it easily accessible to everything within a 5-10 minute drive. The hotel also offers a complimentary airport pick-up service, adding to its accessibility. While the area is generally perceived as safe, a common observation is the hotel's placement directly behind or in front of a gas station, which some guests find detracts from the aesthetic and can lead to the smell of gas fumes in hallways. Parking is available but often described as limited, though guests usually manage to find a spot. Its central position makes it an ideal base for exploring local attractions.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Many reviewers highlight the staff's warm smiles and cheerful greetings, noting their attentiveness to questions and requests. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as quick and seamless. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to assist with various needs, from providing local information to efficiently handling room changes when issues arise, such as with internet connectivity. While most interactions are positive, a few guests experienced isolated instances of less attentive service, particularly regarding specific requests like obtaining utensils or during breakfast service, suggesting some areas for minor improvement in responsiveness.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing construction work, which, while contributing to new and improved rooms, was not always advertised during booking and occasionally led to early morning noise. The hotel's unique design and ambiance, often described as having a Bali vibe, make it a popular choice for events and photography, with many finding it "Instagram-worthy" and "perfect for weddings." While the property is generally well-maintained, some guests note that the furnishings in older rooms and the gym equipment are quite dated, suggesting a need for updates to match the hotel's overall appeal. Despite some minor inconveniences like older towels or the occasional issue with service water availability, the overall consensus points to a relaxing and pleasant stay, with many guests expressing a desire to return.