Baguio City —Once upon a time, Filipino and international travelers flocked to the same beaches and mountain destinations—taking long road trips and cramped flights, photographing the same coastlines and historic sites.
With the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, country-trotters are looking beyond the obvious places for richer experiences and hopefully, smaller crowds that offer a multitude of sites and experiences without the laborious schlepping from one region to the next. In short, travelers are hankering to the rediscover the cool and enigmatic city of Baguio, high up in the Cordillera mountains, now easily accessible via the world class, NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX super highways.
Bucolic town with a bustling flair
The cool, crisp air of Baguio sets it apart from the rest of the tropical country, earning the moniker “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” But make no mistake about it: Baguio and its varied idyllic and commercial offerings are travel hotspots all year long. Take in the sight of pine trees as you travel through the landscape for perennial tourist favorites such as Mines View Park and Camp John Hay. Baguio also has its own heritage of crafts and folk art, which recently earned it another distinction as a UNESCO Creative City. The city also has a vibrant thrifting scene at the Baguio Night Market where you can find the best vintage items.
Bucolic Baguio is not the same without its iconic strawberries, which thrive in Benguet’s unique topography. From celebrating the crisp mornings with strawberry taho (a Pinoy snack comprising soft tofu, syrup, and small tapioca balls called sago) to toasting family gatherings and romantic trysts with strawberry wine. A staycation in the highlands will surely be a core memory for the whole family and lovers alike.
Straightforward, uncomplicated stay
Enter SotoGrande Baguio, a new addition to the city’s hospitality landscape, which opened its doors recently, offering a distinctive experience to both local and international guests. The property, strategically located at Leonard Wood Road in Teacher’s Camp, sets itself apart by prioritizing convenience, functionality, and a commitment to guest satisfaction.
“We believe in delivering a straightforward and uncomplicated stay for our guests,” Jayson Robles, Project Development Head of Sta. Lucia Land, told the Manila Standard. “Our commitment is to provide a comfortable and functional environment that caters to the needs of modern travelers, whether they are here for business or leisure.”
The grand opening of Soto Grande Baguio kicked off last weekend with a hotel tour and a cultural dance presentation, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Thomas Wenger, Senior Vice President of Enderun Hotels, led the opening remarks, lending gravitas to the occasion.
‘Amuse bouche’ of local, international fare
The event was spiced up with a food and beverage kitchen parade, featuring the culinary offerings of the hotel’s chefs. The guests were then feted with a special dinner, where both local and international flavors beguiled many a palate. Indeed, an amuse bouche of dishes such as succulent bangus, herbed natïve lechon and a filet of tender beef, paired with the finest wines.
SotoGrande Baguio has 188 well-appointed rooms equipped with essential amenities, as well as all-day dining, and function halls for all kinds of events. Enderun Hotels, a hospitality management solutions provider, oversees the overall strategic direction of SotoGrande Baguio and supervises the sales, marketing, and revenue management of the property.
“We’d like to believe that SotoGrande Baguio is set apart from other establishments in Baguio City by its dedication to providing genuine hospitality without unnecessary embellishments,” opined Wenger. “The hotel embraces the core elements that matter most to guests—a restful night’s sleep, efficient service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
Sotogrande Baguio aims to become a reliable choice for travelers seeking a value-driven accommodation option in the city. It offers convenient access to the city’s highlights while providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore Baguio’s rich cultural and natural attractions.
SotoGrande Baguio is the seventh property built under the SotoGrande Group. Other hotels are located in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Neopolitan (Fairview), Katipunan, and Batangas and Palawan.