Baguio City in Benguet is conducive to taking long walks, snuggling under the covers, and doing nothing while admiring the peaceful scenery and taking in the fresh, chilly breeze—so when staying for a couple of days, it’s only apt that you choose an accommodation that represents the city’s laid-back atmosphere and timeless charm. Such is presented by Lucia’s, a quaint bed-and-breakfast situated in St. Joseph Village along the Navy Base Road Extension.
You came to Baguio for the perfect weather, for the food, and for the relaxation, and all these are offered at Lucia’s Bed and Breakfast. What was once a family dwelling was converted into a B&B—a cozy, shabby-chic lodging offering Baguio tourists a home away from home, a comfortable place to stay without having to break the bank. Situated in an even quieter side of Baguio (as if the busier areas aren’t quiet enough), Lucia’s is a peaceful abode set amidst lush foliage, a house with comfy rooms, calming views, and exquisite food—the perfect formula for a Baguio vacation.
Lucia’s exudes the feel of a cottage hidden amidst the woods—a secret to discover, yet one you would want to keep to yourself. From the simple, hand-painted sign canopied by leaves and flowers, to the garden adjacent to the colorful breakfast area, and to the artsy interiors, everything at this B&B spells perfection and instantly invites and relaxes.
Home away from Home
Lucia’s B&B has 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a living room, a recreational area, a dining area, and a kitchen. Outside, there is a garden as well as a breakfast area that can accommodate around 16 people. The ambience of the place is so alluring—but wait until you step inside.
The doorway leads to the living room on the left, which is filled with colorful furniture, artsy decors, and intriguing knickknacks. The orange sofa is definitely an eye-catcher, and the wall behind it—decorated with frames of varying colors, shapes, and textures—will hypnotize your camera. Snooping around the pretty area, you can’t help but wonder who the owners are, what they do, and they’ve been through.
To the right is the spacious dining area with an adjoining kitchen. The dining table can accommodate six at a time; the kitchen has basic cookware, utensils, plates, glasses, a water pot, a microwave, and a refrigerator. I loved the small island with 2 bar stools.
Another table sits near the recreational area, but instead of for eating, I found this one more ideal for reading or getting some work done. Beside it is a foosball table, and nearby, a sofa littered with travel magazines. This communal area is perfect for meeting other guests of the B&B. I have experienced being in a homestay once (in Batanes) and I loved hanging out at the common areas so I could chat with fellow travelers.
The Rooms
With names like “Learn”, “Listen”, and “Live”, the bedrooms have distinct designs and personalities—some perfect for couples while others arranged with big groups or families in mind. I stayed in Listen 2, which fits a twin bed with a pullout, a couch, and a closet. I didn’t mind the minimal furnishing at all! The room was cozy with enough space for one or two people. There was no air-conditioning unit, but who needs one when you’re in Baguio?
Listen 1 is right across—a bigger room more ideal for a couple with its King-size bed. This room had a closet, a bookcase, and a blackboard with a wooden stand—the walls and fabrics showcase contrasting colors and patterns similar to Listen 2’s.
A common bathroom is wedged between the Listen rooms, equipped with a sink, a toilet with bidet, and a shower with heater. Toiletries and towels are also provided.
Live Room features a double bed and an en suite bathroom, and, apt for its name, is dominantly green. There’s a chair near the door, a desk with shelves and drawers, and a closet.
Rooms Looney and Luscious are even bigger and offer adequate spaces for families and barkada. With room rates ranging from PhP2,400 (room for 2) to PhP6,400 (room for 7), Lucia’s definitely offers value for money as the house is comfortable and equipped with all the necessities. For families on vacation or for groups of friends who are on a budget, Lucia’s is certainly an ideal choice.
Lucia’s B&B reminds me of Grandpa’s Inn in Vigan—both have rooms that are uniquely designed; both are bedecked with interesting ornaments; and both are incredibly charming and homey. On a luxurious scale, it is comparable to Hotel Celeste in Makati. Out of the three, Lucia’s is the most modest, but it is certainly as remarkable as the others. In fact, it’s one of the loveliest places I’ve ever stayed in.
Dining
In my Baguio Food Trip article, I said that the food from Lucia’s was the most memorable from our 2-day gastronomic adventure. I wasn’t lying, nor exaggerating.
The complimentary breakfast here was unlike anything I’ve ever had anywhere. Every dish was made from scratch, and every ingredient was sourced from organic gardens or from local vendors. Home-cooked, fresh, and delicious, the food at Lucia’s is a reflection of the owners’ high regard for healthy eating and for providing guests the best experience possible.
When we woke up to our first morning in Baguio, we got greeted by a lovely table set-up in the outdoor breakfast area by the garden. No two placemats were the same. Plates of different shapes and designs were carefully laid out, flanked by blue-grey cups and utensils dressed in cute crocheted covers. A separate table holds the brewed coffee and tea selections, both of which you can have unlimited servings of.
On Day 1, we had the Homemade Longganisa served with fried egg, black rice, and sayote tops salad with chopped tomatoes and salted egg. Unlike the typical longganisa cured with sugar, Lucia’s uses strawberry jam—utilizing the fruit that Baguio is abundant of. Not only was it ingenious, it was also healthier! And yes, in case you’re wondering, it’s so delicious!
Another dish was the Homemade Sausage with muffins (baked in-house), vegetable quiche, and strawberry granola. I loved every component of this beautiful plate! The sausage was tasty and filling; the quiche creamy and savory; and the granola cup delicate and delicious.
The next day, we got to try two more set breakfast plates that were just as sumptuous as the previous day’s. Mine was the Chicken Fajitas—sliced chicken breast served with homemade tortilla wrap and a broccoli and strawberry salad. I loved how this dish was balanced in terms of flavors and components.
The other dish—which my friends chose and which I also ate, LOL—was the Breakfast Pizza with spinach and strawberry salad dressed with strawberry cider. For dessert, there was a plate of mini-pancakes crowned with whipped cream and homemade strawberry jam. Everything tasted as delicious as they looked!
Breakfast is served anytime between 6:00AM and 10:00AM—you just have to let the cooks know of your preferred time. I don’t know how to break this to you gently, but right now, Lucia’s only serves food to checked-in guests. No walk-in diners! You have to stay here to be able to try their food—and believe me, even if the house wasn’t so pretty, I probably would choose to stay here again—for the food.
Other Amenities (or lack thereof)
Before you go and start complaining or misinterpreting my subhead, listen to this: the absence of amenities like pools, spas, or whatever at Lucia is something you would thank them for. It forces you to enjoy the beauty around you, to get the chance to think deeply and appreciate, to actually talk to your friends or family without thinking of an activity to do but instead be there in the moment, to reconnect, to reflect, and to just sit back and realize how wonderful life is. It’s amazing how the humblest places do this to you—not the 5-star hotels.
There isn’t even a TV—which is AWESOME, as I hate watching TV—but then again, who the fuck watches TV while on vacation in Baguio?
A Warm Home in Cold Baguio
Sometimes, with all the dining options, soaring hotels, and fun activities out there, it’s as if we have forgotten how to truly be in a vacation—to completely relax and disconnect. Our days are so packed with tight itineraries—with must-sees and must-tries—that our trips end up feeling like a race, like a rush to tick off items from our bucket lists. But this is not something you’ll feel at Lucia’s Bed and Breakfast.
Walk past the tall buildings and go for rusticity—this is the way to go in Baguio. Lucia’s is as charming as it is artistically designed, as comfortable as it is cheery. The food is unrivaled, the staff courteous and friendly, and the ambience warm. The house is not only a place of rest, but also a sanctuary that reminds you of the fondest memories from your own home. Indeed, Lucia’s serves as the perfect venue for an unforgettable vacation in Baguio.
Criteria
Facilities
Service
Dining
Ambience
Location
TOTAL |
Rating
3/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
4/5
4.2 |
Comments
House and rooms are spacious, and have all the basic necessities. No TV, air-con.
Staff members are genuinely friendly and warm.
Unforgettable breakfast experience set amidst scenic Baguio.
Lush greenery for backdrops, colorful decors, quiet neighborhood.
In the quiet street of Navy Base Extension. Near restaurants along Leonard Wood.
A homey, quiet choice for a Baguio accommodation. |
Points for improvement:
- Perhaps a bit more lighting in the alfresco area during nighttime (but this is only because I get spooked easily, LOL)
Important notes:
- 75% down payment required to confirm reservation
- Curfew is at 11:00PM. Gate is locked after this, so better to be considerate with the caretakers.
- Minimal noise is encouraged as you are sharing the house with other tourists.
~*~
Lucia's Bed & Breakfast
7 Navy Base Road Extension, Baguio City
+63915.412.1213
Do you love Baguio? Which is your go-to hotel there? What do you think of Lucia's Bed and Breakfast?
Our stay was sponsored by Lucia's Bed & Breakfast. All opinions, however, are my own.
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