A Trip to the 1880s at Hotel Luna in Vigan City
For many tourists, the historic city of Vigan is a must-visit when traveling to the Ilocos region. Aside from its cuisine, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its churches, old-stone houses preserved since the Spanish era, cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages (calesas), and rustic hotels like the one we're showing you today.
The First Museum Hotel in the Philippines | Hotel Luna in Vigan
At the heart of Vigan is where you can find the Philippines' first museum hotel- Hotel Luna.
According to an article from Alfred& by Kuoni, the establishment's story dates back to the 1880s, when Don Florentino of Vigan gifted his daughter the property as a wedding gift. Then, later, in 2013, a development corporation acquired the four-storey building and restored it as a hotel.
Where to Find It & How to Book your Stay
Address: Antonio Luna corner Ventura de los Reyes Street, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
You can book a room directly through their website or via the travel app Klook ⬅️
First Impressions
Hotel Luna isn’t hard to find because it’s only within walking distance from Calle Crisologo. You can walk from there or take a calesa to complete your Vigan experience. My first impression upon entering the establishment was that of amazement. The receiving area had a lot of paintings, art sculptures, and fixtures that go with their arched entryway. Of course, they have a grand chandelier (made of Swarovski crystals) to top it all off. Old elegance.
I love the carved ceilings and staircases! There are also art installations everywhere.
The Room | Guest Experience
We got the Queen Standard, and it was beautifully old-fashioned. It's a cozy, comfortable room ideal for resting. I find the space is too small for the price, though. The carpet also seemed past its date (hopefully, they can replace it). Compared with the rooms we booked at other hotels within the same price range, this one did not offer as much value, amenities-wise. I think you are paying more for the location than the accommodation. The property sits on a UNESCO heritage site, after all.
The great thing is that the bed was very comfortable, and the bathroom had a Japanese toilet. Of course, the courtyard pool was note-worthy. This area looks good in the afternoon.
What is UNESCO? What does it mean to be part of their Heritage List?
UNESCO is an agency that aims to promote “world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture”. It is under the United Nations organization.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are those considered to have an “outstanding universal value". Examples of other UNESCO sites in the Philippines include the Tubbataha Reef and Banaue Rice Terraces. In other parts of Asia, we have the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, and Yakushima Island, among many others.
Going back to where we were…
The Food
The plated breakfast was okay; the options were Longsilog, Tapsilog, and Hotsilog (the rest weren't available). They were filling but not that satisfying. We'd love to come back and try their meals from Comedor instead.
Since we still wanted to eat, we took a stroll and then had an early lunch at Cafe Bigaa (Vigan Plaza Hotel) near Calle Crisologo.
The Staff
I’ve read about unpleasant experiences from other guests about their staff, but thankfully, all the ones who assisted us were friendly. The guard was happy to welcome us, and the front desk lady checked us in quickly without any hassle.
The Guest Facilities & Hotel Interiors
Hotel Luna’s main guest facilities include the lobby, gym, their restaurant Comedor (which means dining room), a viewing terrace, and the pool.
At the viewing terrace, there is a three-dimensional mural representing the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. That is the work of the late Filipino artist Rene Robles, whose other creations belong to the private collections of Bill Clinton and King Juan Carlos. You can see it in the image above. The mural is the one on the upper right.
As you can see from the photos, the hotel interiors take inspiration from the Spanish colonial period, characterized by decorative tiles, dark wood, wrought iron railings, brick walls, and intricate designs. Hotel Luna ticks all those boxes and more.
The courtyard pool is a great spot to relax or read a book. It’s a quiet area where you can appreciate the sophistication of the place, whether you’re facing the scenic elevator or the building.
The Museum
Of course, it wouldn’t be a museum hotel if it didn’t have a museum. Here’s a photo of it. Feast your eyes with works from Fernando Amorsolo, Ben Cab, and other local artists.
Final Thoughts
It’s a beautiful hotel, and I am glad we got to stay here. Overall, I would give it an 8/10. I would recommend the place to my family, friends, and those who want to escape the busyness of modern times. It is also ideal for photoshoots and special events.
Hotel Luna is perfect for those who crave a different experience.
Trivia
The hotel's name takes inspiration from Filipino painter Juan Luna, who hails from Ilocos. He's the man behind the painting “Spoliarium”.
