CENTURIES-OLD cathedrals, historic mansions, vibrant festivals, the food, Iloilo is rich in its culture and cuisine. The scenes, like they say, “never grow old.” The next visit will be as thrilling as the last.
To say everything interesting about Iloilo comes from its past hasn't been to the city recently. The “City of Love” gives us more reasons to fall in love with it even more.
Iloilo’s environmental charge and commercial progress are quite impressive. And creating the biggest buzz in the city is the new Megaworld Corporation project— the Iloilo Business Park, at the old airport in Mandurriao district. The 72-heactare integrated urban township development is poised to be the biggest business and tourism hub in Western Visayas.
The first Megaworld township in the region is a live-work-play habitat. Along the three kilometer-long once a runway, now named Megaworld Boulevard, residential and business towers have risen and are rising. And there’s a whole lot of areas to “play” in as well, like the integrated lifestyle mall complex and an outstanding contemporary art museum.
Positioned at the center of Megaworld’s development is the 149-room Richmonde Hotel. Inaugurated in 2015, it is the pioneering first-class hotel in Iloilo City and it’s the sweet spot to live life richly while in the city. Here’s why.
1. Global appeal + regional hospitality
The hotel was designed by Gettys, an internationally-renowned firm with 5-star hospitality brands in its resume. Richmonde showcases global interior design trends fused with thoughtful references and homage to the Ilonggo culture, history, and lifestyle throughout the hotel.
“These details lend a warm and friendly vibe that reflects the famously jovial and affectionate personality of the people in Iloilo City. Guests can experience world-class facilities and services with the signature Ilonggo hospitality,” said resident manager, Natalie Lim.
Must see: the 7th floor pool deck presents a view of the glorious sunset and a vista of the city and; and for the hotel’s most interesting design detail—the atrium, head to the 5th and 6th floor.
2. The gift of space
The guest rooms are the most spacious of all Iloilo City hotels. The standard floor area of the guest room is 36 square meters. Just imagine how much bigger the suites are.
Within the generous area of the room is Richmonde’s signature Luxe bed and duck-feather pillows, which guarantee you a good night’s rest. The modern traveler will give his nod to the other room amenities.
Tip: If you’re a big fan of big windows and natural lighting like I am, request for the room sans the support post, otherwise you only get half the share of light and view as the other rooms.
3. Food, the fresh and the sweet of it
“The Granary, the hotel’s restaurant, has become a platform for Richmonde hotel to showcase the finest Ilonggo cuisine and delicacies as part of its thrust to support locals with seafood and vegetable produce harvested from nearby towns,” said Ms. Lim.
Across the resto through the lobby is Biz Bar. It may be a watering hole that offers mixologist-crafted cocktails and live entertainment, but the bar chow is not to be missed. Spanish, Indian, and Thai-influenced bites make for the perfect match for the drinks, but I won’t be surprised if the Asian in you requests for rice. Yes, that’s how good it is.
Slowly getting there, the Richmonde Ensaymada will be as popular as the region’s sweet delicacies. While the piaya, barquillos, and butter scotch bars are available around the city, this ensaymada can only be obtained at the hotel.
Must try: the Pan-fried Lapu Lapu with fried banana in lemon butter sauce at The Granary and the Beef Salpicao at Biz Bar.
4. Location
Say it three times, like they always do, and Richmonde Hotel will nod to it each time.
If you’re in town to work, right next-door is the Iloilo Convention Center and across are the BPO offices. No excuse to be late for an appointment.
For leisure, take 30 steps (give or take a few) from the hotel entrance and you’ll find yourself at Festive Walk Mall. It’s the most beautiful mall in the city to date and houses specialty shops, boutiques, movie theaters, restaurants, and more. Or head to the 1.1-kilometer Festive Walk Parade, where there are more dining and entertainment options.
Must visit is the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA). More than the idea that it’s the first of its kind in Visayas and Mindanao, it’s the contents (all on loan) of the museum that will wow you.
Points of interest: The outdoor garden and chapel on the mall’s top floor, and the butler-attended movie house.
Life is rich, that’s Richmonde Hotel’s mantra and they will go the extra mile to make you experience la vida rica in Iloilo City.
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Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com