Balay da Blas Hotel

We needed to extend our stay, so we moved from Balay de Blas I to Balay de Blas II. The second room was large and clean, though it had no refrigerator. Before that, we spent two days in the Deluxe Suite at Balay de Blas I. It felt more like a little house than a hotel room, with a bedroom, living room, bathroom, dining space, and kitchen. Even in the heat, it stayed surprisingly cool. The staff were very accommodating. I was feeling unwell when we arrived, and the heat made things worse. Trying to catch my vomit in a plastic bag didn't work, and some got on the sheets. As soon as I was able to get up, they changed them. The food was great. They also own Saramsam, one of the best restaurants in Laoag, so the hotel menu is the same as Saramsam's. They were planning to move the restaurant beside Balay De Blas II. There are plenty of tricycles nearby, and a 24-hour convenience store sits at the corner of P. Gomez and Gen Segundo Avenue. Parking is limited, there’s no bidet, and a toothbrush kit wasn’t available.

Room 8 is the one to look for if you care about the bathroom. I swear, you'll like it. The staff were friendly and helpful, and stayed patient while we kept changing our check-in dates and pickup time. They also gave the PWD discount without the usual unforgiving look.

We ended up canceling because we couldn't get the truck into the parking area. The inn only has room for about two vehicles, and its entrance is a very tight alley. My truck wouldn't fit through the smaller gate on the right. There was a wider fence, but it was closed, and a van was blocking that space. The attendant even had to ask for the van to be moved. If there had been an available parking spot, it would have worked.

My mother and I had a really positive stay, and I hope people consider this place in Ilocos Norte. We were in Laoag City and the surrounding area because that's where my mom grew up, and we stayed here for about two weeks. We got the executive suite, which was much bigger than I expected, with charming décor and enough space for a family of four to six. It was clean and had a TV, a fridge, and a generously sized bathroom. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and it was easy to walk to markets, places to eat, and local sights. There's a place down the street with some of the best pan de sal I've ever had, just a couple of seconds from Balay Da Blas. A great way to start the morning with coffee or tea.