MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

North Luzon, Philippines

Accommodation Types

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hostels and Guesthouses

    These provide economical lodging, with dormitory beds or basic private rooms. Many offer a simple, comfortable stay, sometimes in renovated older homes. Consider Hostelworld for options.

  • Heritage Houses

    Many accommodations are converted ancestral homes. They retain Spanish colonial features and offer an authentic ambiance.

  • Vigan La Feliza Tourist Inn

    A good value choice for basic, clean lodging.

  • Camping/Outdoor Lodging

    Not available within Vigan City itself. Vigan is an urban heritage site.

Mid-Range to Luxury Options

  • Mid-range Hotels

    These locations offer comfortable rooms, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. Many close to the heritage district provide convenience. Check Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Luxury Hotels & Heritage Homes

    For an opulent stay, consider beautifully restored colonial buildings. These blend historical ambiance with modern comforts. Hotel Luna and Ciudad Fernandina Hotel are examples.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Specific vacation rentals on platforms like Vrbo are limited. Some guesthouses provide apartment-style rooms.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Formal homestay options are not widely advertised for general tourists. Informal opportunities may arise through local connections.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area of Vigan has a distinct character, from bustling historic streets to quieter outskirts.

Historic Core

Benefits
  • Walkable to major attractions.
  • Unparalleled historical ambiance.
  • Many dining and souvenir shops.
  • High safety due to tourist presence.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy from crowds and kalesas.
  • Higher accommodation prices.
  • Limited vehicular access.
  • Peak hours can be very busy.

Near Public Market & Bus Terminals

Benefits
  • More budget-friendly lodging.
  • Easy access to local transport.
  • Diverse, affordable local food.
  • Convenient for onward travel.
Considerations
  • Further walk to Calle Crisologo.
  • Less picturesque than historic core.
  • Standard urban precautions regarding theft.
  • Can be very bustling and active.

Outskirts & Rural Areas

Benefits
  • Lower accommodation prices.
  • More serene, peaceful environment.
  • Spacious properties, countryside views.
  • Quieter atmosphere.
Considerations
  • Requires transport to attractions.
  • Limited dining and shopping nearby.
  • Quieter at night with fewer people.
  • Less spontaneous access to city life.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Historic Core:

Expect lively sounds from crowds and kalesas, especially in the evenings.

Seeking Tranquility:

Consider properties slightly outside the main thoroughfares or in the outskirts.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Dec-Feb & Holidays): Book 2-3 months ahead. Popular places fill quickly, prices higher.
  • Shoulder Season (Nov, Mar, Apr): Book 1-2 months ahead. Good selection and competitive prices.
  • Low Season (May-Oct): Walk-in deals possible due to fewer tourists. Still, a few weeks ahead is wise for specific properties.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are notably higher during high season and major holidays. Expect 20-40% lower prices in low season.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • Online Travel Agencies: Agoda and Booking.com are widely used in the Philippines for Vigan properties.
  • Hotel Websites: Larger hotels and heritage properties often have their own sites for direct booking.
  • Negotiation Customs: For smaller guesthouses, respectful negotiation for walk-in rates is sometimes possible during low season, especially for longer stays.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Always check specific policies. Many offer free cancellation before check-in. Understand non-refundable clauses.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top Picks:
  • Budget: Grandpa's Inn (classic heritage feel, various rooms), Vigan Plaza Hotel (near heritage zone), Vigan La Feliza Tourist Inn (good value)
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Felicidad (charming, historic building), Ciudad Fernandina Hotel (well-preserved ancestral home), Hotel Veneto de Vigan (modern, comfortable, near center)
  • Luxury: Hotel Luna (first museum hotel in PH, modern comforts), Palacio de Vigan Hotel (colonial charm, good location), Gordion Hotel (heritage design, pool)
Traveler-Specific:
  • Family-Friendly: Grandpa's Inn (family rooms), Hotel Felicidad (spacious rooms), Hotel Luna (pool, larger suites), My Vigan Home Hotel (good value)
  • Solo Traveler: Vigan La Feliza Tourist Inn (basic, good location), Grandpa's Inn (single rooms), Casa Herminiana (charming, quieter)
  • Long-Stay: Vigan La Feliza Tourist Inn (offers weekly/monthly rates). Dedicated long-stay facilities are less common.
  • Cultural/Historic: My Vigan Home Hotel (traditional design), Ciudad Fernandina Hotel (authentic heritage), Hotel Luna (restored colonial building)

Important Advice

Reviews:

Review recent comments on booking sites to confirm property standards.

Amenities:

Verify specific features like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, or private bathrooms.

Booking Direct:

Sometimes direct bookings with hotels feature exclusive deals.

Other Accommodation Insights

A closer look at specific types of lodging that shape your Vigan experience.

Unique Stays

Ancestral Homes Turned Hotels

These properties let guests sleep within Vigan's history.

  • High ceilings and wooden floors.
  • Ornate windows and antique decor.
  • Charming, authentic atmosphere.
  • Part of the cultural experience.
Guesthouse Immersion

Some offer a glimpse of local living without premium costs.

  • Simple, clean, and comfortable.
  • Often renovated older homes.
  • Basic amenities provided.
  • Common areas for socializing.

Practical Considerations

Online Booking Platforms

Websites like Booking.com and Agoda are useful for finding and comparing Vigan accommodations.

  • Wide selection from budget to luxury.
  • Customer reviews for informed choices.
  • Often competitive rates.
  • Easy reservation management.
Direct Hotel Websites

Many properties maintain their own websites for reservations.

  • Exclusive deals sometimes available.
  • Direct communication with staff.
  • Latest information on amenities.
  • Secure booking process.

Convenience & Access

  • Historic Core: Best Balance

    Staying within or very close to the Historic Core offers the most convenience and immersive experience. This allows for spontaneous walks.

  • Budget-Friendly Proximity

    For those with budget considerations or prioritizing onward travel, staying near the Public Market/Bus Terminals presents a practical choice.

  • Transportation Hub Access

    Areas near the market give easy access to local transport like tricycles and long-distance buses for travels beyond Vigan.

  • IHG Hotels and Resorts

    While a global chain, specific IHG properties may not be in Vigan itself. Check their site Ihg.com for broader Philippines options.

Specialized Stays

  • Pet Sitting Exchanges

    Platforms like TrustedHousesitters.com involve house and pet sitting arrangements. These are less common for general tourist stays in Vigan.

  • Guest Accommodations

    Budget guesthouses often provide simple, clean, and comfortable stays. They are a suitable choice for a glimpse of local living without high costs.

  • Community-Based Tourism

    While focused on supporting local crafts, direct lodging through these initiatives is less common for general tourists.

  • Apartment Options

    Some guesthouses or smaller hotels may provide apartment-style rooms or larger units suitable for families or longer stays, offering more space.

Important Booking Notes

Review Specifics

Always check the particular deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your reservation. This prevents unexpected issues.

  • Understand non-refundable clauses.
  • Many properties offer free cancellation.
  • Check cancellation deadlines carefully.
  • Confirm booking details upon receipt.
Value Seasons

Prices can reduce significantly during the low season. This brings great value for travelers who don't mind the rain.

  • Lower tourist crowds.
  • More relaxed atmosphere.
  • Good for spontaneous trips.
  • Check weather forecasts for planning.

Overall Experience

Immersive Stay

Staying in Vigan's heritage homes transforms your visit into a journey through time.

Local Connection

Choosing smaller guesthouses often means a closer connection to local life.

Modern Comforts

Luxury hotels blend historical ambiance with contemporary amenities.