Pamulinawen Hotel

The staff were helpful and friendly, and the indoor areas were clean and relaxing. Rooms are standard in size, with the basic things you need for a comfortable rest. The view over open green or golden rice fields, with mountains on the horizon, is relaxing. It's a sort of refurbished 3-stars hotel on the northwestern national hi-way, just south of Laoag city, Ilocos Norte’s provincial center. It's marketed under the reddoorz brand, though there's no distinctive neon sign. Parking is ample, but frontage spaces are limited, and the lower car park is somewhat musty and dark. Pricing is average.

Behind the hotel, the rice fields made for a lovely view in the morning, and the pool looked inviting. The service was amazing, breakfast was complimentary and delicious, and the rooms were exceptionally clean and comfortable. A nice place to spend a day or two while traveling through the area. I'd recommend staying here.

Don't expect the standards of an international big city, but this is a fine hotel. Service was great, probably because there were very few other guests. The clean pool was perfect for swimming laps since nobody else was using it. Air conditioning worked okay, and the showers were hot with good pressure. Breakfast was good but simple, with a choice of bacon, sausage, or bangus.

The buffet was only hotdog and egg, and you weren't even allowed to go back for more. It was far from the central area. Key cards didn't work, and there was a long wait for the elevator because one was under maintenance. Toiletries weren't included and cost extra. You have to pull the shower handle up quite hard to get it working. The teaspoon and cup they provided were dirty, with black marks.