Vigan is one of the favorite destinations of both local and international tourists yearning for culture and history.
Heritage Home
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic city has successfully preserved its legacy, which it gladly shares with the world via tours of its churches, houses, museums, and other notable spots.
For visitors, an entire day of exploration becomes even more memorable when they can stay at a hotel where Vigan’s historic charm lingers. Hotel Luna is that hotel.
Located very near Calle Crisologo, Hotel Luna is within the heritage city itself, just a short walk from many of the tourist hang-outs on that main cobblestone road.
The property upon which Hotel Luna rests was originally built in 1882 by Don Jose Florentino. He then gave it to his daughter, Doña Carmen, as a wedding present. Through the decades and centuries, it was passed on to the family’s succeeding generations, until it was sold in the ‘90s. Nonetheless, it has maintained its classic Spanish-style architecture, paying homage to a genteel era long past but surely not forgotten.
Art is everywhere
“Hotel Luna is the first and only museum-hotel in the Philippines,” Mark Tandoc, Hotel Luna’s affable hotel manager, remarks. “There is no other hotel like this anywhere else in the country.”
This distinction is one of the best reasons Hotel Luna is a destination in itself. Named after the famous Ilocano artist, Juan Luna, unique artworks and priceless pieces created by renowned Filipino masters like Napoleon Abueva, Ramon Orlina, Vicente Manansala, Fernando Amorsolo, BenCab, HR Ocampo, Mauro Malang Santos, Romeo Olazo, Cesar Legazpi, and of course, Juan Luna, are on display like precious jewels eliciting gasps of wonder and appreciation.
Masterpieces are generously spread all over the entire hotel. The visual feast begins at the lobby, then the reception area, and stairs landing. It flows into the grand sala foyer and the meeting room, then steps up into the grand sala itself. Art also reigns at the veranda, where an outdoor mural by Rene Robles highlights Vigan’s historical landmarks. Even the hotel’s 70 spacious and elegant rooms have not escaped this sublime aesthetic expression, for paintings hang upon their walls.
‘Hotel Luna is the first and only museum-hotel in the Philippines. There is no other hotel like this anywhere else in the country.’
Speaking of rooms, Mark shares that even if the old-world atmosphere permeates the hotel’s design and setting, the rooms are all fully air-conditioned, equipped with ultra-comfortable orthopedic beds, a flat-screen LED TV, a mini-refrigerator, and a luxurious en suite bathroom. There is also a high-tech Japanese-style toilet that allows for a hands-free clean-up process via jet water streams that wash the intimate parts, as well as a rush of warm air to dry up after that business is done.
Another service that the hotel is set to roll out soon is a mobile convenience called Handy. It works like a mobile phone that allows guests to make international calls. It also gives information about Vigan’s destinations and attractions, as well as details about Hotel Luna and its events and promos.
“Hotel Luna is a perfect combination of the old and new,” says Mark. “The old structure and new facilities have blended well to create an awesome experience.”
Dining on Ilocano and Spanish classics
Aside from providing a nostalgic ambience, Hotel Luna is also a foodie’s dream as it serves some of the most delightful Ilocano and Spanish inspired food this side of town. Its main dining room, Comedor, offers a hearty breakfast buffet that highlights Vigan’s signature longganisa. Lunch and dinner spreads feature other Ilocano favorites (bagnet, sinanglao, pinakbet) side by side with Spanish classics (paella and croquettes). The delightful menu is designed and created by acclaimed chef, Robby Goco.
For those who like their chill-out time, the rooftop lounge called Azotea presents a magnificent view of the Vigan skyline. At the Choola Saloon, guests can drink up on their choice of wine, craft beers, and single malt whiskey.
Beyond all these features and facilities, Hotel Luna makes guests feel quite at home with the warm and gracious service of its staff. And apparently, this is well received by loyal balikbayan families, barkadas, corporate clients, and global travelers who keep coming back to what has become their favorite hotel in Vigan.
“We try our best to satisfy our guests,” Mark says. “We give them the best that we can give when they are here.”
Hotel Luna is located at Gen. Luna street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. For inquiries, call (02) 373 3333 or visit hotelluna.ph/