Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Blue Room Awaits in La Union!
Escape to Paradise: La Union - My (Mostly) Unfiltered Take!
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because “Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Blue Room Awaits in La Union” isn’t just a hotel, it's… well, it promises to be an escape. And after spending a week there, I'm here to give you the lowdown, the gritty details, and yes, the occasional rant (I'm only human!). This isn't your average fluffy review; this is the real deal.
First Impressions – And the Blue Room Dream:
The promise? A dream blue room. And yeah, the photos are pretty much spot-on. My room? Gorgeous. A calming oasis after a long day surfing. Comfortable bed, good AC (essential!), and that view… Oh, the view! Waking up to the ocean practically kissing your balcony is a serious vibe. So, initial score: high. The whole place has that "beachy-chic" thing down. Think crisp whites, pops of blue, and enough natural light to make you feel like a vitamin D fiend.
Getting There & Getting Around (Accessibility Rambles)
- Accessibility: Now, this is where things get a little… complicated. I didn’t specifically need wheelchair access, but I kept an eye out. The good news? There's some effort made. The elevator is a godsend if you're on an upper floor. The bad news? Paths to the beach can be uneven and sandy. Definitely check with the hotel beforehand about specific needs. Because, let’s be honest, having a "dream blue room" is no good if you can’t actually get to it.
- Airport Transfer: They do offer airport transfers, which is super convenient. Definitely book it! Driving in the Philippines can be… intense.
- Parking: Free parking is awesome! And plentiful. No circling the block for hours. Big win.
- Getting Around La Union: Taxis are available, or you can hire a tricycle. Pro-tip: Haggle! It's part of the fun (or the frustration, depending on your mood).
The Internet & That All-Important Wi-Fi (Oh, the Trials and Tribulations!)
- Wi-fi: Free! And thankfully available in rooms. This is huge because let's face it, we're all addicted to the internet. Now, the quality of the Wi-Fi? Let's just say it was… temperamental. Some days it was blazing fast, other days I felt like I was back in dial-up era. Frustrating especially when you're trying to upload those Insta-worthy shots.
- Internet [LAN]: Available, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore? Unless you’re running some secret government software, save the hassle.
Cleanliness & Safety – My OCD-Fuelled Observations
- Cleanliness: Overall, I'd say they were pretty good. My blue room was spotless upon arrival. The daily housekeeping kept things tidy, and the bathroom shines.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Good to know they're trying! But, is everyone wearing a mask? That's a different story. I did see staff constantly sanitizing common areas, which was reassuring.
- Hand Sanitizer: Plenty of hand sanitizer stations. (Thank God for that.)
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out? I didn’t see this advertised, but with the daily cleaning I didn't need to.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol. I’m sure they are. I saw plenty of mask wearing. They seemed well-enough prepared.
- Safety Boxes. I saw them in the rooms, and they were easy to use and seemed secure.
Let's Talk Food, Glorious Food! (And My Mid-Meal Meltdown)
- Restaurants: They have several restaurants and a Poolside bar which is AMAZING. You can order from a menu or grab food from the restaurant buffet.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: The Breakfast Buffet! The absolute highlight of my stay. And the DOWNFALL.
- The good: Everything. The bacon was perfectly crispy, the omelets were fluffy, the fruit was fresh, and the coffee… well, it was passable (I’m a coffee snob, sue me).
- The bad: Here's where the meltdown happened. One morning, I got down there only to find that the buffet was almost empty with staff shuffling about in a panic. A chef looked about as lost as a kitten. While the staff was very apologetic, I went without breakfast and had a bad start to my morning. While this was a bad experience, I have to note that the following days the breakfast service was perfect.
- Poolside Bar: Drinks are excellent. Snacks are good. The ambiance and the ocean view is the best part.
- A la Carte in Restaurant / Buffet: As described with the breakfast.
- Vegetarian/Asian/International Cuisine: Everything is available.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant / Coffee Shop: Coffee, coffee everywhere. They also sold decent pastries.
- Food Delivery: In room options available (but I didn’t try it).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – My Spa Day Debacle
- Swimming Pool: Gorgeous outdoor pool with an ocean view! Chilled the vibes.
- Spa: This is where things got… interesting. The spa is gorgeous, by the way. Super chill atmosphere. I booked a massage. I went in, blissed out, and then… well, let's just say the massage therapist had a heavy hand. It felt like she was trying to knead the tension out of my entire skeleton. I came out feeling more bruised than relaxed. It was a truly unique massage experience. I don’t want to discourage anyone, but I highly recommend communicating your comfort level to the therapist.
- Body Scrub/Body Wrap: They do them. I chickened out after the massage.
- Fitness Center: Gym. Functional enough. I saw a couple of people working out.
- Sauna/Steam Room: They have it. I didn’t use it, because, well, see "heavy hand" above.
- Beach: Easy access, close by.
- Things to do: Surfing! The whole of La Union is great for this.
- Wake-up Service: I loved this; it was so nice and convenient.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Air Conditioning: Essential. The AC works!
- Concierge: Super helpful. They arranged tours, taxis, and all sorts of things.
- Cash Withdrawal: On-site. Super convenient.
- Laundry Service: Available.
- Daily Housekeeping: A+. Always helpful.
- Luggage Storage: Yes. Useful.
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: If you were arranging a wedding.
- Doorman: There is a front door man.
- Gift Shop: They have a gift shop. Good to buy some souvenirs.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Vibes?
Family/Child Friendly: Definitely family-friendly. They have kid-friendly options at the buffet.
Babysitting Service: I didn't investigate this.
Kids meal: Yes, there are kid’s meals.
The Blue Room – My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
- Air conditioning?: Yes!
- Bathrobes/Slippers: Yes!
- Blackout curtains: Yes!
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes!
- Free bottled water: Water is important.
- Hair dryer: Yes!
- In-room safe box: Yes!
- Mini bar: Yes!
- Shower: Yes!
- Soundproofing: Yes!
Getting Around – Just the Facts
- Airport transfer: Book it!
- Car park [free of charge]: Free!
- Car park [on-site]: Yes!
- Taxi service: Sure!
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Paradise?
Overall? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups (hello, overzealous massage!), "Escape to Paradise" offers a fantastic experience. The blue rooms are dreamy, the location is perfect, and the staff are generally friendly and helpful. Is it perfect? No. But does it deliver on the promise of a relaxing getaway? Absolutely.
Here's my offer to you; and it's not just any offer:
Book now using promo code "LUESCAPE10" and receive:
- 10% off your stay on any blue room.
- A complimentary in-room bottle of wine and a welcome fruit basket.
- Free late check-out (subject to availability).
- This offer expires in 7 days, so escape to La Union before your time is up and the paradise is empty!
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Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Kupang Stay Near Eltari Airport
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're heading to the Blue Room. Near the beach. In La Union. And, honestly? I'm already imagining myself faceplanting into a plate of garlic noodles. This is gonna be glorious, or a glorious mess. Let's see…
The Messy, Honest, Hilarious La Union Itinerary (AKA, My Brain in Vacation Mode):
Day 1: The Arrival and the Garlic Noodle Obsession Begins
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Travel to the Blue Room. Okay, first things first. The dreaded traffic. Pray to the travel gods (whoever they are) that the bus isn't delayed. Last time, I swear I aged a decade just waiting. I'm picturing the windows down, the salty air, and… wait, is that already the faint scent of the ocean I can smell? Sigh - I haven't even arrived yet and I'm already feeling lighter.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Check-in at the Blue Room. Reviews said it was "rustic chic." Which, in my book, translates to "possibly charming, probably a bit rough around the edges." (Fingers crossed for actual hot water!). Let's hope the aircon works. I'm a sweaty mess; my hair never cooperates with humidity.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack, claim my territory. Okay, time to assess. Is the bed comfy? Is the bathroom clean(ish)? Does the view actually match the photos on Booking.com? This is critical reconnaissance, people. Because let's be real, a good room can make or break a trip.
**4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: The Great Garlic Noodle Pilgrimage. *This is the MOST IMPORTANT PART.* **Head straight to El Union Coffee. Seriously. Don't pass GO, don't collect $200. Just. Go. I've dreamed about those garlic noodles. Literally. Last time, I think I ordered three plates. Don't judge. It was *necessary* for my soul. Pray the line isn't too long. I'm already mentally preparing for a minor meltdown if they're out of stock. Deep breaths.
- Rambling Thought: I'm a garlic noodle evangelist. I could write a thesis on the perfect noodle-to-garlic-to-sauce ratio. The crunch! The flavor! Oh, the flavor… I will start a petition if I have to.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset Beach Stroll & Emotional Overload. Okay, time for the obligatory Instagram-worthy sunset shot. (I’m a cliché, I know.) But honestly? There's something about a La Union sunset that just hits different. The colors, the sound of the waves… it’s practically therapy. I'll probably get all sentimental, staring out at the ocean, maybe shedding a single, dramatic tear. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just be thinking about the garlic noodles again. It's a tough call.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at [Random Restaurant Name]: Still deciding, but something close to the Blue Room so a) I don’t have to walk too far and b) I can stagger back to my room when I'm food-comatose.
8:00 PM - Bedtime: Stargazing or Just Passing Out. Depending on my energy levels. One thing I know for sure - I'm setting my alarm to wake up for sunrise.
Day 2: Surfing, Sunburns, and Existential Dread (Kidding! Mostly.)
- 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Sunrise Vigil. Sunrise at the beach, with a coffee in hand. Pure bliss. I'm probably going to feel like a zombie inside, but the view will be worth it.
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Surf Lesson Attempt #1. Okay, this is where things get… interesting. I’ve surfed before. Badly. I'm more of a "fall-down-a-lot-and-get-sand-everywhere" kind of surfer. But I want to be good. The dream is to gracefully ride a wave, not to look like a beached whale. Pray for me.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. Because after flailing around in the ocean, I'll need sustenance. Probably another plate of …(you guessed it!)…
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Chill and Recover. Beach time. Sunscreen is my religion. I plan to read a book, nap, and generally bask in the glory of doing absolutely nothing. Maybe I'll build a sandcastle. Or just watch other, more competent people surf.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Something light. Gotta conserve energy for the afternoon.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Surf Lesson Attempt #2. More flailing. More sand. Maybe, just maybe, I'll actually stand up for longer than two seconds. Fingers and toes crossed.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore the local shops and cafes. I want to buy one of those trendy woven tote bags even though I probably won't ever use it after. Coffee and pastries await! Because carbs are my love language.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset and Drinks at [Specific bar name]. Time for some chill and catch up with friends. Maybe a bottle of wine, with a salty breeze and the sunset.
- 7:00 PM - BEDTIME: Dinner & The Great Debrief. Time to evaluate my surf skills. Are we improving? Are we even marginally better than yesterday? Probably not. But hey, we tried, right?
Day 3: Goodbye Blues (Room & Emotionally)
- Morning: Okay, quick breakfast. The last hurrah of garlic noodles and eggs. One final stroll on the beach. Last check of for shells and souvenirs.
- Late Morning: Pack up. (I'm probably going to regret the number of souvenirs I bought.)
- Afternoon: Depart for reality. Sigh. The comedown from the beach is the worst. I'll probably be counting down the days until I get to go back.
- Reflection: I'll take some time to go through the photos (the blurry ones I took in a hurry), the memories, and plan the next trip.
Important Notes/Disclaimers:
- The schedule is flexible. Very, very flexible. My moods change faster than the tide.
- Food is the priority. Garlic noodles. Coffee. All the carbs.
- Don't expect perfect Insta-worthy photos. There will be blurry shots, double chins, and questionable angles.
- I'll probably get sunburned. It's practically inevitable.
- I might cry. Happy tears, overwhelmed tears, possibly even garlic-noodle-induced tears. Who knows!
- Most importantly: enjoy the journey
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Blue Room Awaits (and Here's the Messy Truth!) – La Union Edition!
So, what *is* this "Escape to Paradise" thing, anyway? Like, is it actually paradise?
Okay, okay, first things first: "Paradise" is a *slight* exaggeration. Let's be real, nothing's perfect, right? Especially not after a 10-hour bus ride (I’m already planning my revenge on that broken aircon). "Escape to Paradise" is this cute little place in La Union, Philippines. It's got a bunch of cozy rooms, some of them painted this *gorgeous* blue (hence, the dream!), and it's right by the beach. Surf central! Think good vibes, sunsets, and hopefully, fewer mosquito bites than I had last time. (Seriously, they're ninjas.)
But here's the juicy bit: it's *not* just a resort. It's... an experience. It *tries* to be paradise, and sometimes, it really kinda nails it.
Seriously, that "Blue Room"? What's the deal? Does it *actually* make you feel zen?
Ah, the Blue Room. My obsession! Listen, I walked in there, dripping sweat from the heat, and BAM! Instant chill. It *is* blue, like, ocean-blue, which is a total mood lifter, especially after staring at grey Manila for weeks. The decor is simple, clean... and maybe a *little* basic? I’m not gonna lie. Think minimalist chic, not over-the-top fancy. The bed? Comfy enough, though one time, my window wouldn’t close properly. *Panic intensifies* (picture the ocean air – and the bugs – just *invading*!). But yes… I think the blue genuinely *does* help you chill out. I caught myself just staring at the walls for, like, a solid hour, decompressing from life. Highly recommend it. Just, you know, check the windows!
Pro Tip: Pack extra mosquito repellent. Always.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Cozy? Cramped? And what amenities are we talking about?
Okay, honesty time: the rooms are… compact. Not enough space to do cartwheels, unless you're exceptionally talented (and I am *not*). But 'cozy' is a good word! You get the basics: a bed, a bathroom (hopefully with hot water – sometimes it’s a gamble!), maybe a tiny table, maybe a balcony. They have AC, which is a lifesaver in the La Union heat. The amenities are what you'd expect in a moderately priced place: Wi-Fi (can be patchy, let's be honest), some basic toiletries… and hopefully, a decent towel. I’ve had some *questionable* towels in my travel life, let me tell you. But in all, I think good value for money. It’s the *experience* you’re really paying for, right?
And let’s not forget the *view*! If you score a room with a decent view (ask for it!), it’s worth a million bucks. Watching the sunset from your balcony… pure bliss.
Okay, but what about food? Is there a restaurant? And is the coffee decent? (Coffee is *crucial*.)
Yes! Thankfully, yes to both (mostly). They have a restaurant on site, which is super convenient. The food is generally pretty good – standard Filipino fare, with some Western options. Their breakfast is a definite highlight. I’m talking *longsilog* for days. It’s a no-frills type of place (don't go expecting Michelin Star dining). The *real* gold is the local eateries close by. Try the carinderias and get some of the best food you'll have in your entire life, promise!
And the coffee? Ah, *the coffee*. It’s… okay. Not the best coffee in the world, but definitely drinkable. I always pack my own instant coffee, just in case of a caffeine emergency. Priorities, people. Priorities.
Surfing Lesson! As a first-timer, how easy is it to surf there?
OMG, the big one. Ok, don't expect to be Kelly Slater on your first try. Surfing is HARD work! Even though La Union is known for its beginner-friendly waves, you'll eat sand. *A lot*. I'm talking a face full of salt water, hair plastered to your face, and a general feeling of "What am I even doing?". BUT! It's exhilarating. The instructors are super chill and patient, which is essential when you're a flailing beginner. You’ll get pushed around by the waves, nearly drown a few times, and probably swallow more seawater than you ever thought possible. But the feeling when you *finally* stand up, even for a split second? Pure, unadulterated joy. I’ll take sore muscles and sandy everything, any day. Just go for it! You won't regret it - even if you fall a million times.
How do I *actually* get there? And is it a pain in the butt?
Okay, here's where things get a little… *adventurous*. Getting to La Union typically involves a bus ride from Manila. It’s a *very* common rout, but plan on at least 6-8 hours on the road (or longer, depending on traffic – bless the gods for podcasts!). I've done it a few times, and it's... an experience. Bring snacks, water, a book (or a whole Netflix series downloaded on your phone), and a good dose of patience. The good news is that the bus isn’t *too* expensive, and it's the most common way to get there. You can also hire a private van, but those are pricier. There may be private cars or flights, but it's all in the city. You just have to research.
Once you get to La Union, getting around is super easy. Tricycles are the go-to, and they’re cheap. Just be prepared to haggle a little if you're not great with your Tagalog. Or just embrace the higher price; it's not *that* much more, and you'll be supporting a local business!
Besides surfing, what else is there to do? I'm not a surfer (yet!).
Okay, even if you’re a surf-sceptic, La Union has *so* much more to offer! Sunset watching is mandatory. Seriously. Every single evening. The sunsets are breathtaking. There are some lovely beaches to just chill and take a dip in the water. There are also some great restaurants and bars to explore –Book Hotels Now
