and Convention Center, is still unmatched to this day, more than three decades after it was born.
Located at the heart of Iloilo City, Sarabia Manor has become one of Iloilo’s foremost landmarks, blending the old and the new and capturing the province’s rich culture, unique traditions, and fluvial festivities.
No wonder that it was named Hotel of the Year for Western Visayas by the Department of Tourism in 2000 and has become the favorite destination of the country’s chief executives including President Arroyo when they visit the province.
As if Iloilo’s unique history and tradition, architectural and artistic legacies, rich heritage as shown by its beautiful churches, and its famous Dinagyang festival weren’t enough, Sarabia Manor has become one of province’s famous landmarks and has managed to lure local and foreign tourists alike who after having experienced Iloilo hospitality at its best now consider the hotel their second home.
And why not? Despite having facilities and amenities that rival the best in the country (the hotel has a Clark Hatch fitness gym, an Olympic-size pool, specialty restaurants: Filipino, Japanese, American and Mexican, Italian, Thai, including a global bistro), Sarabia Manor’s management and staff make each and every guest feel at home, a feeling not common in big hotels.
So when Sarabia Manor president and CEO Dr. Sandra Sarabia Gomez says they always treat guests like family, it is no mere lip service. After all, the Manor Wing (old wing) used to be home to the Sarabia family. Even the family matriarch at 82 still spends her mornings in the hotel, greeting guests and touching base with the staff. Other family members behind the hotel, including Gina Sarabia-Espinosa, Dr. Melvin Sarabia, and Rosalie Sarabia-Trenas, the gracious better half of Mayor Jerry Trenas are also familiar sights.
Salvador eventually relinquished his position to eldest sister Dr. Sandra Sarabia-Gomez, who has aggressively and with unmatched determination created the "premiere" image of the hotel. Rooms were upgraded to international standards, a marketing office was set up in Makati, facilities and services were expanded, amenities were increased, and linkages with airline and shipping companies multiplied. Seasoned hotelier Bobby Laygo was tapped as general manager.
"These developments are in line with our goal to sustain our position as the premier hotel in Iloilo and our way of intensifying efforts to promote the city as a premier tourist destination," Dr. Sarabia-Gomez, a doctor of optometry and an active business and socio-civic leader, pointed out.
The 184-well appointed hotel rooms and suites in two buildings – the Manor Wing and the Corporate Wing – provide guests with unmatched comfort and satisfaction. The hotel’s ballroom is the biggest in Iloilo while numerous specialty restaurants offer a wide selection of international and local cuisines. For sushi lovers, they have Suehiro which is the first-ever Japanese restaurant in Iloilo. Freddy’s Bar and Restaurant is an all-American and Mexican bar and resto for those who go for steaks, pizzas, baby-back ribs, tacos and charbroiled burgers.
For those who want to swing the night away, there is Club Bwana which is the city’s favorite night haunt. Recreational facilities are likewise unmatched, what with an Olympic size pool, a Clark Hatch gym, a hair and beauty center (Pelo Salon). For those who brought their work with them or simply want to check on their e-mail, there is Perk Central which is a total business center.
So the next time you’re visiting Iloilo, either for business or pleasure, make Sarabia Manor your second home. For inquiries and reservations, call (33) 3351021-32 in Iloilo or (02) 8894620 in Manila, or email at reservation@sarabiamanorhotel.com.