Another good thing about Baguio is Hotel Veníz. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is a true find for those coming from the lowlands desperate for a place to stay during one of Baguio’s more festive weeks.
This is none more demonstrated than in the opening parade of the Flower Festival itself. Because Hotel Veníz is located at the bottom corner of Session Road, those having breakfast at the hotel’s own resto, the Veníz Grill, are treated to a nice view of the marching bands and floats that have become the trademarks of the festival. In fact, anyone who stays at Veníz can take advantage of its strategic location, a walking distance to every major mall and transport service and the marketplace.
Owner Mike del Rosario specifically chose the name "Veníz" after a trip to Venice, Italy. He wanted to capture the essence of good, comfortable living and to bring this to Baguio.
Barely a year in operation, the hotel has had its share of ups and downs but all indicators point to a successful future. "We opened on Holy Thursday last year, with 13 rooms," recalls general manager Susan de la Nela. "It was more of a gradual opening."
Now, Hotel Veníz boasts of 72 rooms, a café, a restaurant and eight function rooms for special events. Rooms vary from Junior Standard to Premiere. Whatever you take, the experience will be worth it. Staying at the standard rooms, you can see the attention to detail afforded to five-star hotels. Hotel staffers are available 24 hours a day to serve your needs.
Not surprisingly, the impeccable service and facilities stem from a tightly run ship. "We are the only hotel in Baguio which uses the Micros-Fidelios, a property management system used by five-star hotels," asserts Susan. Micros-Fidelios is a system that ensures fast check-ins and checkouts and better, more efficient service because of a constantly working system that keeps track of every guest’s needs.
Every hotel in Baguio, even something as good as Veníz, is rated as a standard hotel. Del Rosario remedied this by having a standard-rated hotel with five-star facilities and amenities – and it shows. Note cards that explain the hotel’s services are everywhere, fresh towels and linens are embossed with the hotel logo, bathroom toiletries are complete, and there are heater and various personal effects to help you have a comfortable stay. In terms of service, the hotel staffers are very efficient and accommodating; from room service to getting a cab, you get the feeling that each and every aspect is given extra attention to take care of you personally. For security, the housekeeping staff will only make your room at your request – an added security measure to protect the guests as well as the hotel.
Guests who spend their first morning at the hotel are given free complimentary breakfast at the Veníz Grill, the buffet consisting of the traditional tocino and fried rice to one of the best-made pancakes this side of the country.
Having dinner at the hotel’s restaurant is also a truly wonderful time, especially when Flower Festival activities continue outside. Looking at Burnham Park through the glass windows, guests are treated to a fabulous view of the fireworks display that lights up the early evening sky.
Hotel Veníz complements Baguio’s serene and relaxed lifestyle. The city itself has changed in recent years. Walking along its now highly commercial thoroughfares, one may need to visit the places up Session Road to savor the old quaint character of the city. Places like Pwesto, a small shop inside the Porta Vaga building, still reflect the cultural and artistic aspects of the province that promise to take you to the Baguio of old. As a city old-timer, the changes are itself very noticeable, what with the wellspring of various businesses and the infamous ukay-ukay outlets that were once just relegated to the foot of Burnham Park. The surplus clothing industry has exploded so much that noted artist and director Martin Masadao has come out with his own contribution to this unique phenomenon, the complete Ukay-Ukay Handbook.
Whether you’re there for business or pleasure, Hotel Veníz is the perfect place to stay. You won’t find a more proper venue that is right in the heart of everything that is uniquely Baguio City.