파인스 뷰 호텔(Pines View Hotel)

When a special non wokling holiday was declared for the election the surprise long weekend brought a booking frenzy. All the well-known hotels were fully-booked so we took a chance with Pines view. Bad reviews and all. I must say it didn't deserve the bashing. The room we got surpassed all expectations. It was huge probably 80 square meters with a spacious CR and hear this - not one but two verandas. I must say the view alone should be worth twice the published rate. Simply fabulous. It's the only hotel room I've been in baguio that offers a vantage point for both sunrise and sunset. That's how beautiful and spectacular it was. Since I decided to sleep on the additional bed, I had it placed near the large window, from where I watched the stars and the full moon until finally dozing off. I've read complaints about hard mattresses and molds but they really don't bother me. Soft beds actually aggravate my backaches and I really didn't see molds although we must remember this is Baguio so things can get a little bit moist and moldy. Complaining on things so trivial would ruin anyone's holiday and that's not how I wish to waste my time. If I'm the type, I'd be better off at the Manor but even then I might still find reason to rant and complain. I do agree that the hotel had seen better days but before I blame all that to its keepers, I must add the competitive hotel industry and the visitor's taste have levelled up thanks to social media. However, this doesn't take away the built-in advantages Pines View already had to begin with - big rooms, beautiful location, a character that develops over time, and a no-frills honest to goodness service. What it lacked in some fancy trappings are more than compensated for by the hotel's caring and dedicated staff. Shout out to Ashley and Jo who went out of their way to listen and respond immediately to our needs. Like sending us water. I had a car problem and they helped me out. Ashley never left her desk from the time we checked in until late in the evening of the same day. The management must have found a real treasure and angel in person. For the staff alone - people who struggle to make an honest day's pay for an honest day's work - I couldn't bear to give this place a bad review. In fact I would recommend to my friends to try it. And hope the hotel would get back to its feet and realize its full potentials. To claim its rightful place among Baguio's very best.