Plaza del Norte hotel& Convention center Northern exposure

MANILA, Philippines - Plaza del Norte Hotel & Convention Center has quickly established itself as the premier hotel in Ilocos Norte. It is easy to see why. It provides the most strategic location to Ilocos Norte’s leading and most exciting destinations. So if you need a place to stay after enjoying all that Ilocos Norte has to offer, you have come to the right place in Plaza del Norte.

Strategic should not be taken lightly in this case. Plaza del Norte has the advantage of being accessible to a variety of heritage and adventure tours in the province. For example, five minutes is all it takes to reach the Malacañang of the North, which in turn overlooks the famed Paoay Lake and is within sight of the popular Paoay sand dunes. The latter is just one of the four subdivisions of the Ilocos Norte sand dunes. The dunes offer adventure-seekers the chance to sandboard to their heart’s content, sliding down dunes that go as high as over 20 feet. For those who would rather ride than slide, the 4x4 should do the trick. Imagine being able to conquer all four sand dunes for the duration of your stay at Plaza del Norte.

Plaza del Norte is just at arm’s length — figuratively, of course — of the business center that is Laoag City. The city is host to Ilocos Norte’s beloved Laoag Cathedral, Museo Ilocos Norte, and a host of other commercial hotspots. How could you pass by Laoag without sampling its cuisine? Bagnet, empanada, longganisa, dragon fruit ice cream, and basi are just some of the treats you should not miss. There is another destination that is a must in any Ilocos Norte list.

With so many things to see, do and visit, the weary traveler will want to indulge and relax. Plaza del Norte ensures that the tourist will not just come to a hotel but to a home.

“That really is the idea: for Plaza del Norte to serve as home in Ilocos Norte,” says Daniel Jacinto, president of 88 Green Inc. which operates Plaza del Norte. “What we have is more than just atmosphere and amenities. We offer services delivered with sincerity, something typical of Ilocano hospitality.”

This hospitality is complemented by Plaza del Norte’s cozy and homey rooms, classified into superior, deluxe, and suite. Each room has basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverage set, TV, and mini-refrigerator. The superior room has a double bed while the deluxe offers twin beds. The suite has something extra: a kitchen facility so guests with a knack and wherewithal for cooking can prepare their own meals.

Even budget group travelers have their place in Plaza del Norte. “We have a dormitory-like facility in the hotel,” Jacinto shares. “We put up two buildings specifically for their use and enjoyment.”

Each building boasts of its own lounge and television, two sets of bathrooms, and six rooms per building with a capacity of eight guests per room. The two buildings can house 96 people.

Jacinto adds that as a convention center, Plaza del Norte has the best facilities in the north. “Our clients doing business or social events have a range of facilities to choose from,” he says.

The convention center hall is 1,000 square meters, easily the biggest in Ilocos Norte. “It can accommodate up to 1,500 people, so you can imagine how popular it is for business conferences, weddings, anniversaries, and conventions,” he says. The hall is divisible by five, making each function area ideal for smaller gatherings.

Jacinto volunteers that Plaza del Norte is currently offering exciting packages for Ilocos Norte travelers. “We have two packages at the moment, the Barkada Package and the Infinity Package.”

The three-day, two-night Barkada Package includes accommodation in the dormitory room villa, buffet breakfast for two days, welcome drinks, one round of drinks at the Border Bar, and a Laoag City tour.

The Infinity Package, meanwhile, is also good for three days and two nights, and covers almost the same inclusions as the Barkada Package, except that guests can choose between the Vigan and Pagudpud tour, inclusive of tour guide driver and entrance fees.

“At the end of the day, Plaza del Norte will be there to welcome and ensure your absolute comfort and convenience,” Jacinto says. “When you are too tired from enjoying Ilocos Norte, we are here to pamper you and allow you your personal space to truly make your stay more than worthwhile.”

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Plaza del Norte Hotel & Convention Center is located in Barangay 41, Balacad, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. For reservations or inquiries, call the Manila Corporate Sales and Marketing Office at (02) 812-3456 local 3529, 550-1311 or 804-3140 or e-mail at info@plazadelnortehotel.com. Photos by Fernan Nebres