Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: OYO 865 Blythe Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, and potentially slightly disappointing world of Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: OYO 865 Blythe Suites Awaits! I'm talkin' the real deal, the good, the bad, the "wait, did I just step in something?" – all exposed for your voyeuristic pleasure. And yes, this will be messy. Like, a toddler's spaghetti-eating competition messy. But hopefully, also helpful.
Let's get this accessibility thing out of the way FIRST.
(Sticks out tongue, pretending to be a doctor.) "Accessibility… hmmm… Let's see…" (Fumbles with imaginary clipboard.) Okay, so accessibility is a tricky one. While OYO 865 mentions facilities for disabled guests, that's vague as heck. They do have an elevator, which is a HUGE plus in Baguio (those hills are killer!). However, based on the info, I can't confidently say how smoothly everything rolls for a wheelchair. I’m guessing it might not be super duper accessible, so DEFINITELY call ahead and grill them on specifics if this is crucial. Be that person. It's your right. Your RIGHT!
Internet & Tech Jungle:
Okay, real talk. The internet situation is generally decent. They promise free Wi-Fi in all rooms, which is basically a requirement in this day and age. And they even have LAN (Internet [LAN]) which, bless them, is a throwback. It's like, "Hey, remember physical wires? We got 'em!" (But seriously, sometimes wired connections are faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. Something to consider if you work from home or are streaming like a maniac.) They also have Wi-Fi in public areas. Which is cool, unless you're trying to avoid the public and binge watch something in peace.
The Things You Think You Want to Do (and Possibly Won't):
Okay, here's where it gets interesting. "Things to do" is a MASSIVE category, but I swear to God, sometimes these lists are more aspirational than factual.
Ways to Relax: Ohhh, the relaxation promises… Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage. Sounds amazing, yeah? But here's the uncomfortable truth: the presence of these things doesn't mean they're actually good. And often… they’re not in the hotel itself! (I’ve booked places that promised a spa, and it turned out to be a dude with a massage table in the basement. True story.) SO, double, triple check if these amenities are truly ON-SITE. If they are available, read reviews on the actual quality of the spa services. My gut (and past experience) tells me to temper expectations.
Fitness Center/Gym: They say they have a Fitness Center. Excellent! If you can actually wake up at 6AM to lift weights while you're on vacation, that is.
Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Well, they have at least one pool, outdoor. That sounds pretty nice, especially when you want to chill and watch the world go by.
Cleanliness & Safety: The New Normal
Okay, this is CRITICAL right now. Look, pre-pandemic, a clean room was a bonus. Now, it's essential for survival.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, phew. This seems like they are trying, which is a good start. The opt-out for room sanitization is a nice touch if you, like me, are paranoid about cleaning products. The individually-wrapped options are also reassuring.
First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: A lifesaver in case I forget my inhaler.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking -- The Fuel of Our Adventure
Alright, food! This is where things can get very hit or miss.
Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Snack bar, Poolside bar: They got options! I'm intrigued by the multi-cuisine restaurant. The "soup in restaurant" comment has me wondering what kind of soup we're talking. Is this a "bowl of ramen" or a "cream of mushroom"? Big difference. Also, who doesn't love a coffee shop?
Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: Sounds like the breakfast situation's pretty well covered.
Bar, Happy hour, Bottle of water, Room service [24-hour]: Booze and convenience? My kind of getaway!
Services & Conveniences: The Comfort Factor
This is the good stuff: the little things that make a stay pleasurable (or not).
Air conditioning in public area: This is crucial in Baguio, even though the weather's generally cool. Sweaty tourists are not happy tourists.
Air conditioning, Room decorations, Slippers: Nice little touches.
Business facilities: Okay, these can be useful.
Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: These are all nice things to have.
Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars: That's quite the bag of tricks!
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Well, they are trying.
Access, Security & Getting Around
Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: The basics are covered. Security is always a plus. The Proposal spot?! Hmm… maybe they know their target audience.
Getting around (Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking): Baguio's traffic is notoriously terrible. Free parking is a HUGE win.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
This is where we get into the actual details of the rooms.
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Lots of standard stuff, which is GOOD. The extras (bathrobes, etc.) are a nice touch.
The Emotional Rollercoaster (AKA My Actual Thoughts)
Okay, here's the deal. This place sounds pretty decent… on paper. But here’s where my gut kicks in. Places like this can be either hidden gems or slightly disappointing. It really depends on the details. My biggest worry is about the quality. Are those "massage" services actually any good? Is the pool…clean? Are the staff actually friendly and helpful? The lack of specific details can be either a sign of something to hide, or a sign of nothing at all.
The "Unbelievable Baguio Getaway" Offer (My Attempt at Persuasion):
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a breath of fresh mountain air?
Then you need a Baguio escape! And OYO 865 Blythe Suites could be your ticket, especially if you're looking for a base of some sorts. Here's why:
- Location, Location, Location (with a caveat): Bagu
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to plan a trip to Baguio City from the supposed comfort of OYO 865 Blythe Suites. Keyword: supposed. Knowing my luck, "suite" probably means "a room with a wonky window and a questionable air freshener." But hey, Baguio! Let's do this!
Baguio Beatdown: A Rambling Itinerary (AKA, Praying to the Travel Gods)
Pre-Departure Disaster (or, How My Stomach Betrayed Me)
- Day 0 (aka, the day before): Okay, this is crucial. I'm currently in planning mode, fueled by instant coffee that tastes suspiciously of dirt and pre-gut-rot of a meal. First, gotta pack. My suitcase is usually a chaotic explosion of "I might need this!" and "What if it rains sideways?". I'm already regretting overpacking, but I will, no matter what, shove in a sweater to ward off the cold and my travel anxiety.
- Afternoon: Gotta find my passport!. Now, I have a habit of "safeguarding" important documents…which usually means they're locked away in some super-secret location, known only to my brain…which has the short-term memory of a goldfish. The search is on! Pray for me and wish more coffee.
- Evening: Food poisoning?! Oh dear, oh dear. I ate something last meal. Now my stomach feels like a mosh pit of angry teenagers. I've guzzled Pepto-Bismol hoping it's just a bad taco and not a full-blown "stay-in-bed-and-curse-the-world" situation. This could throw EVERYTHING off! But the adventure must go on.
Day 1: Baguio or Bust (and Possibly, My Stomach)
- 8:00 AM - Wake Up (Maybe): If the Pepto-Bismol gods are kind, I'll be upright and somewhat functional. If not… well, I hope the Blythe Suites has a decent first-aid kit. I will try, however, to be alive.
- 9:00 AM - Travel Time! Let the journey begin! From the airport and to Baguio. Expecting a six-hour bus ride. If I survive the bus ride without exploding or losing my lunch, I count this as a victory.
- Quirky Observation: The bus driver is blasting the most random, slightly off-key Filipino pop music. I love it. It's like a sonic baptism into Baguio culture.
- The emotional response: I want a nap. Also, I am already tired of the traffic.
- 3:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In at OYO 865 Blythe Suites: Find the hotel (fingers crossed Google Maps doesn't lead me astray!). Pray the room is relatively clean and the "suite" part isn't just a sad, single room with a slightly bigger bed.
- Messy Thought: Okay, let's be real, I'm picturing a room with a flickering light bulb, questionable stains on the sheets, and a view of a brick wall. But hey, it's BAGO!
- 4:00 PM - Smelling the City: Find the nearest Burnham Park for a brief stroll around and to breathe in some crisp mountain air to cleanse my lungs. Maybe rent a bike and embarrass myself trying to navigate those paths.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster: Explore Session Road. The food options are plentiful. Will try to eat anything.
- Emotional reaction: The people are so lovely and it is starting to be dark
Day 2: Culture Shock and Coffee Fails
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Debrief: Hopefully the hotel breakfast isn't instant noodles masquerading as "Filipino breakfast." Find a local eatery and order something entirely unfamiliar.
- Rambling Thought: I swear, Filipino breakfast staples are an enigma. Some sort of "tapsilog" for the win!
- 10:00 AM - Cultural Immersion (sort of): Visit the Baguio Public Market. I will get lost, I will stumble on piles of produce, and probably buy something I can't identify.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch with a view! Visit the Mines View Park to grab lunch there.
- 1:00 PM - Art Attack: Visit the BenCab Museum. I like his paintings, so I will take all time to view them.
- 3:00 PM - Coffee Quest: Baguio is famous for its coffee. I have to track down the perfect cup.
- Quirky Observation: Coffee shops in Baguio are like little havens of hipster-dom. Expect lots of plaid shirts, strong opinions on brewing methods, and slightly pretentious coffee names.
- Emotional Reaction: This is heaven.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and maybe some ghost stories. If feeling adventurous.
Day 3: Pine Trees, Panic, and Packing
- 9:00 AM - Hike to Mount Santo Tomas? This is ambitious, depending on my physical state. I want to see the views, but I also value my kneecaps. This is a maybe.
- 12:00 PM - Good Bye Lunch
- 1:00 PM - Panic Packing: Time to shove everything back into my suitcase.
- 3:00 PM-Travel Time! The journey to the airport begins.
- Emotional Reaction: I can't help but smile. I'm ready for the home.
Post-Trip Disaster (Or, The Aftermath)
- Day 4: Back home! Laundry, unpacking, and a deep dive into post-trip depression. Will I remember the trip? Who knows.
- The lasting impression: Baguio, you magnificent, messy, coffee-fueled beast. You were everything I expected and nothing I anticipated. I loved it. Even the slightly questionable air freshener.
Important Notes:
- Always have cash: ATMs are not always reliable.
- Embrace the chaos: Baguio is not a place for perfection. Roll with the punches.
- Take more photos than you think you need: You'll want them later.
- Have Fun! (And maybe bring some extra Pepto-Bismol.)
Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: OYO 865 Blythe Suites Awaits! (My Rambling Thoughts)
Okay, seriously, what *is* Blythe Suites anyway? Is it worth the hype?
Alright, alright, let's cut to the chase. Blythe Suites. It's an OYO. Which, let's be honest, gave me pause. OYO. You always picture, you know, *that* kind of budget accommodation. But Baguio! Baguio is magical, right? So I figured, hey, a place to crash after a day of sniffing pine trees and eating *sizzling sisig* (more on that later, trust me). Is it worth the hype? Depends on your definition of hype. Is it a five-star resort? Honey, no. Is it a clean, relatively comfortable place to experience the Baguio vibe? Absolutely! And, and this is a big AND, it's affordable! That's a win in my book. Especially when you're looking at prices in Baguio during peak season... Yikes!
The rooms: cozy? Tiny? Ghost-inhabited? Give me the lowdown!
Rooms. Okay. The rooms. I booked a 'double delux' or something fancy sounding. Turns out, 'delux' probably translates to "slightly bigger than the shoebox I kept my childhood toys in." But! It was clean. And the bed... the bed *was* surprisingly comfortable. The blankets were thick, which is ESSENTIAL in Baguio because, brrr! It gets chilly. Now, I *did* hear some creaks at night... maybe the plumbing? Maybe a particularly enthusiastic tree outside swaying in the wind? Or, you know, a ghost. Baguio is old, after all. I *didn't* see any ghosts myself, but I did make sure to sleep with the lights on. Better safe than sorry, right? Also, the Wi-Fi was... hit or miss. Prepare to embrace the digital detox, or learn to tether from your phone like I did. It's an adventure!
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually near everything?
Location. The Holy Grail of Baguio stays. Blythe Suites is... well, it's not *right* in the thick of things, but it's a good walk (or a quick, affordable taxi ride) to Session Road, Burnham Park, and all the good stuff. I'm talking about SM City Baguio, you know, where you buy souvenirs and stuff. I'm a girl who loves to buy, and the location was perfect for getting to the main tourist spots . I’d say, the location is convenient enough to get to where you want to go. Like, you can walk to the nearest restaurant, especially if you're willing to go up and down a few (many) hills - Baguio is hill central. Did I mention Baguio has hills? Yeah. But hey, the views are great... and it makes you feel like you're actually *doing* something, exercising while experiencing your vacation. And the fresh air? *chef's kiss*.
Okay, the *real* question: Is the *sizzling sisig* situation nearby? Because that's all that matters, right?
YES! YES, YES, A THOUSAND TIMES YES! Okay, breathe. The *sisig*. Baguio *sisig*. It's a religious experience, I tell you! So, Blythe Suites itself doesn't have a restaurant, but there's a fantastic little resto nearby. It's not *exclusively* sisig, but the sisig... Oh, Lord! Perfectly crispy, a little bit spicy, and served with a mountain of rice. I went back three times. *Three times*! My arteries might hate me, but my soul is happy. The place is called... um... I'm drawing a blank! But ask the staff; they'll point you in the right direction. Just... save room. Because you’ll want seconds. And maybe thirds. Don't judge. I was on vacation! And if the sisig wasn't enough, I was close to another place that had great garlic rice and adobo.. it was heaven!
What about parking? I *hate* trying to park.
Parking. Now, *this* is a valid concern. Baguio is notorious for its parking woes. Blythe Suites *does* have parking, but it's... well, let's just say it's cozy. And tight. I watched a poor guy try to maneuver his giant SUV in there for a solid five minutes. It looked like a game of Tetris. If you're bringing a car, call ahead and confirm availability, especially during peak season. Otherwise, taxis and ride-sharing apps are your friends. Embrace it. Let someone else deal with the parking stress. It's part of the Baguio charm... or maybe just the Baguio chaos, haha. At one point, I said "forget it" and just took a taxi everywhere. So much less hair-pulling!
So, overall, would you recommend OYO 865 Blythe Suites? The honest truth, please!
Okay, the *honest* truth. For the price, and if you're not expecting a palace? Absolutely! Blythe Suites isn't perfect. It doesn't have a pool (sniff), and the Wi-Fi could be better. But it's clean, the beds are comfy, and you'll have a decent base to explore the magic of Baguio. Plus, the *sisig*! Seriously, that alone is worth the price of admission! If you're looking for a budget-friendly place to crash while you soak up the Baguio atmosphere and stuff your face with amazing food? Go for it! Just manage your expectations, embrace the imperfections, and get ready for an adventure! Just remember... take a jacket. It gets cold. And bring some cash for taxis, because sometimes those ride-sharing apps aren't as reliable as you’d like them to be. Oh, and tell me if you see any ghosts. And for the love of all that is holy, eat the sisig! Tell them I sent you... maybe they'll give you an extra helping! (Don't quote me on that.)
Any little things you *didn't* like? Be brutally honest!
Okay, brutally honest time. The toiletries were, let's say, minimalist. Think tiny, generic shampoo and soap. Pack your own, or be prepared to raid the nearest mini-mart. Also, the noise. Baguio is a bustling city, and while the suites weren’t located near a busy street, I could hear the occasional car horn, some people talking in the hallway, etc. It wasn't *terrible*, but if you're a super light sleeper, bring earplugs. And here’s a small nitpick: the water pressure in the shower wasn't exactly Niagara Falls. But hey, lukewarm showers with a great view aren't the worst thing in the world, especially if the weather is lovely. So, there you have it: the unvarnished truth! Not dealbreakers, but things to be aware of.
Post a Comment for "Unbelievable Baguio Getaway: OYO 865 Blythe Suites Awaits!"