Hotel Asuncion

A real gem in the heart of Laoag. The price is very affordable, yet the hotel can exceed expectations. The staff are what make the stay so worth it.

There’s plenty around the hotel: a grocery store in the same building with its own entrance, a wet market nearby, Mr DIY across the street, and a small department store, bank, and pharmacy close by. Mr DIY came in handy when I forgot things like slippers, a charger, and a comb. You can order through Grab or Foodpanda, too. We also went to Robinsons Laoag, which has a supermarket, department store, fast food, restaurants, and even samgyup. SM wasn’t open yet when we visited. The hotel itself isn’t fancy, but we were comfortable and the breakfast was delicious. The staff were friendly, and our room was spacious enough for my son to run around. The old AC struggled to cool the room, though. I didn’t regret staying in Laoag City instead of Vigan, partly because of the distance to and from the airport. Tricycles are the main way to get around. Our tour coordinator said there were only 20 taxis in Laoag City, though I haven’t checked that. We rode tricycles and the van for our tour, and saw just two taxis.

For our work trip, Hotel Asuncion was an easy place to stay, about four minutes by car from the Capitol and plaza. The parking may be elsewhere rather than in front. Staff were accommodating and let us check in early before our itinerary. There are five floors and one working elevator that fits around 3-4 people per ride. There was a second elevator, but it may be for staff use. The rooms were ample and had what we needed. The TV had no cable or Wi-Fi access, though the Wi-Fi worked well on our own devices. Breakfast starts at 7 am and can be ordered the night before. Coffee and free-flowing water are available. Breakfast was alright, nothing special. Everything was fine, though the stay didn’t exceed my expectations.

The hotel is handy for exploring the city, and the staff are helpful. There’s 24-hour security, and breakfast is good. If you want a package tour, staff can contact an agency. We booked a one-day trip to Pagudpud and other places through the hotel for 4,000 pesos. The hotel is under renovation at the moment, so the elevator can’t be used, and the bathroom sink is clogged. Even so, I’d still recommend staying here.