Queen's Court Baguio: The Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Queen's Court Baguio: My Unfiltered Take on the "Hidden Gem" (and Why You Should Book… Now)
Okay, Baguio. The City of Pines. The place where you think you'll get away from the Manila heat, only to discover it's still chilly enough to warrant a jacket and a steaming cup of… well, let's get to the coffee soon. Because before I wax poetic about the weather (which, by the way, is a major selling point), let's talk about Queen's Court Baguio. They bill themselves as a "hidden gem," and honestly? They're not wrong. But the real question is, is it your hidden gem? Let's dive in, shall we? (Warning: I'm gonna be honest. Like, really honest.)
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Angle - Because We Need To Talk About This First!)
Finding Queen's Court Baguio? Easy peasy. Getting there? Traffic in Baguio is a beast, so factor that in. But once you're there, you're greeted with a relatively unassuming facade. This is where the "hidden" part hits you. You wouldn’t think much from the outside…and then you step inside.
Now, accessibility is HUGE for me. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I have friends who are, and I always judge based on how inclusive a place tries to be. Accessibility is a tick. They actually have facilities for disabled guests. Elevators are present and accounted for, which is a MUST in a city built on hills. The website doesn’t shout it from the rooftops -- which is a shame, because it really should! – but it's clear they've thought this through. Bravo, Queen's Court. Bravo.
The Internet, The Lifeblood of a Modern Traveler (and Some Annoyances!)
Let’s cut to the chase: Internet. You need it. I need it. We all need it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! YES! But… (inhales deeply) …it's Baguio. The Wi-Fi speed sometimes felt like dial-up. Okay, maybe not that bad, but it was definitely prone to moments of buffering agony. Thank God they had Internet access [LAN] too. I’d say, if you’re a digital nomad relying on a stable connection, bring a backup plan. They say they have "Internet services" but I'm not sure how much they will help you when the internet is unreliable in the first place.
And on the plus side: Wi-Fi in public areas was generally better. So, you know, progress.
Things to Do (and More Importantly, Things to Relax With… Or Not!)
Okay, so let’s talk about the good stuff. The stuff that makes you want to, you know… breathe.
Pool with view? Sadly, no. But hey, Baguio's climate is all the view you need, right?
Fitness center? Yup. Did I use it? (shifty eyes) Okay, maybe not. But it's there, and it looked…well-equipped.
Spa? HELL YES. Let's get down to brass tacks. The spa is where Queen's Court really shines. I splurged on a massage (duh) and the experience was… chef's kiss. Pure bliss. The masseuse had magic hands, melting away the stress of Manila traffic (and a day of exploring). This is where I REALLY felt the relaxation.
Sauna, Steamroom? Yep, both. I didn't try them, because, well… heat + already humid Baguio weather = disaster. But they are there.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath? Yes, yes, and YES. I'm officially putting Queen's Court on the "pamper me" list, because their spa really has my heart.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Bare Necessities (and a Sigh of Relief)
Let's be real, safety in the time of, well, everything. They're doing their best.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? CHECK.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? CHECK.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? CHECK.
- Hand sanitizer is EVERYWHERE.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it.
- First aid kit? Yep!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing? They are on board!
- Honestly, it all felt… safe.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Good.
- Shared stationery removed? Excellent.
They even have Doctor/nurse on call. Whew.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or the Nap)
Alright, food. Vital. I need sustenance.
- Restaurants? Yes! Plural!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant? Check!
- Western cuisine in restaurant? Check!
- Breakfast [buffet]? Yup. It was… adequate. Not the best, not the worst. Standard hotel buffet fare.
- Room service [24-hour]? AMAZING! A lifesaver after a long day of trekking around town.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop? Both! The coffee… again, Baguio coffee. I'm not putting it down, but it's not Manila coffee.
- Poolside bar? Nope… because no pool. Sigh.
- Snack bar? Yes. Convenient.
- A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Bottle of water, Essential condiments, Coffee/tea in restaurant? All present and accounted for.
- Alternative meal arrangement? Yep.
- Bottle of water, Breakfast takeaway service, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? All essential given the situation.
The Verdict? It's food! It's there!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and the Big Ones)
This is where Queen's Court really comes through. They've clearly thought about what makes a stay comfortable.
- Air conditioning in public area? Yes, thank goodness!
- Cash withdrawal? They got that.
- Concierge, Doorman? Check and check.
- Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service? All available and efficient.
- Elevator? Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests? Absolutely.
- Luggage storage? No problem.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Business facilities and Seminars? Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes? Always a good thing.
- Terrace? Yes, a pleasant spot.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking? You are covered!
- Contactless check-in/out: YES!
- Convenience store? Nope.
For the Kids and Other Important Bits…
- Family/child friendly? Seems like it.
- Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities? No information available.
I'm not a parent, so I didn’t look into the specifics of their kid-friendly offerings. But the overall vibe is welcoming, so I’d say it’s worth inquiring.
In Your Room: The Cozy Factor (or Not)
Okay, let's talk about the room.
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone,Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Honestly, everything you could ask for.
Getting Around (and Staying Safe)
- **CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your dry, sterile travel itinerary. This is my Queen's Court Baguio diary – warts and all. Prepare for flights of fancy, grumbles about traffic, and enough coffee-fueled rambling to make your head spin.
QUEEN'S COURT BAGUIO: A MESSY, GLORIOUS ADVENTURE (OR, WHAT I DID ON MY VACATION)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Baguio Blanket of Fog (aka, "Is the sun even real here?")
- Morning (7:00 AM): Ugh. The alarm. Why did I think getting up at 5 AM to catch a flight was a good idea? Honestly, the only reason I booked this trip was because I saw a picture of Queen's Court and thought, "Cozy vibes! Instagrammable!" I probably need another coffee, stat.
- Flight (8:00 AM): Plane food. The ultimate betrayal of flavor. Managed to snag a window seat, though. The view of the clouds was… well, cloudy. (Insert sad face emoji here).
- Arrival (11:00 AM): Touchdown in Manila. The heat hit me like a brick wall. The humidity. I feel like I've already started to melt.
- Bus Ride to Baguio (12:30 PM): The Victory Liner bus. The air conditioning is a frosty blessing. Traffic. Dear God, the traffic. I swear we spent more time parked than moving. My phone is losing signal like mad.
- Arrival in Baguio & Check-in (4:00 PM): Finally! Queen's Court! The pictures didn't lie. It's even cozier than I imagined. The lobby smells of pine and… oh my god, real fireplace! I'm already in love. This has more style (and personality!) than I do. Quick check-in went smooth, I was given my room key, and my luggage was carried to my room.
- Room Initial Impression and Quirky Observation (4:30 PM): The room is lovely. It's smaller than I expected, but charming as heck. The bed looks impossibly inviting. And the view! Okay, it's mostly a wall of fog. But it's Baguio fog, so it's… atmospheric? Is that the word? I'm beginning to think that I brought the wrong clothing.
- Afternoon - Exploration & Food (5:00 PM): The hotel restaurant is lovely. This food better be worth it. So I ordered the Baguio longanisa, and honestly, it was only okay. A little too sweet for my taste, and a little too greasy.
- Late Evening - The night is young? (6:00 PM): Because of the time, I decided to stay in my room. I decided to browse my phone and play some video games.
Day 2: Mines View Park & The Search for a Decent Coffee (and Sanity)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Okay, new day, new me! (Well, maybe not the "new" part).
- Breakfast (8:00 AM): The hotel breakfast buffet is… surprisingly decent, I guess. The coffee situation, however, is a disaster. Weak, watery, and tasting faintly of despair. Seriously, how can you mess up coffee? This is a crisis.
- Taxi Ride to Mines View Park (9:00 AM): The traffic is still a plague. The driver, bless his heart, is singing along to some terrible pop song. It’s actually… kinda endearing.
- Mines View Park (9:30 AM): The view is stunning! The mountains rolling away into the mist. The air is crisp and cool. I almost forgot about the coffee! The "almost" part is important.
- Souvenir Shopping (10:30 AM): This is a minefield of tourist traps, but I can't resist a little trinket. Found a cute little wooden carving. It's probably overpriced, but I don't care. I love it!
- The Coffee Quest (11:30 AM): Okay, coffee crisis. I need a caffeine fix. I've read there is an excellent coffee shop in town, so I asked my friend to go with me.
- Late Afternoon - Back to the Hotel (3:00 PM): Tired and very hungry. I wanted to eat dinner, but I decided to wait and just rest. The fog didn't lift today. I wonder if it ever does.
Day 3: Burnham Park, Shopping, and a Fleeting Glimpse of Sunshine (Hallelujah!)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Slept like a rock. Apparently, all that walking and coffee-fueled angst wore me down.
- Breakfast (10:00 AM): The breakfast buffet. Again. I'm starting to get used to the bland coffee. I'm also starting to feel like a Baguio local with my slightly-too-thick jacket.
- Burnham Park Exploration (11:00 AM): Crowded is an understatement. The air is alive with laughter and chatter. I almost lost my shoe when I was riding a boat. The lake is beautiful.
- Shopping Spree - Session Road (12:30 PM): Time to make my wallet cry. Found some cool vintage shops. The stores are absolutely packed, but somehow, I scored a perfect, slightly worn leather jacket. Worth every peso!
- The Elusive Sunshine (2:00 PM): The fog finally lifted! Briefly. For about 30 glorious minutes. I actually saw blue sky! I may have shed a tear.
- Dinner at Queen's Court Restaurant (7:00 PM): I tried the Grilled Pork Chop, and it was amazing. Finally, a meal that lives up to the hype. The ambiance is perfect, and the service is great.
- Nightcap and Rambling (9:00 PM): Back in my room, sipping some tea. Thinking about how short this trip is. Already, I don't want to leave. I'd like to just disappear into this cozy hotel and live here forever.
Day 4: Departure & The Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
- Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up to the familiar fog. Bittersweet.
- Farewell Breakfast (8:00 AM): One last breakfast. The coffee still sucks.
- Packing and Last Glance (9:00 AM): I'm surprisingly efficient and organized.
- Check-Out & Taxi to the Bus Station (10:00 AM): Smooth, quick, and easy. I could get used to this.
- The Bus Ride Back (11:00 AM): The ride back is a blur of exhaustion and sadness. The traffic is still the worst.
- Arrival in Manila & Flight Home (3:00 PM): Goodbye, Baguio. Goodbye, fog. Goodbye, cozy Queen's Court. I will be back, I promised.
See? Chaotic, honest, and utterly human. This isn't a polished travel brochure; it's a snapshot of me discovering Baguio, one slightly-overpriced souvenir, one terrible cup of coffee, and one glorious moment of sunshine at a time. And yes, I'm already starting to plan my return.
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Queen's Court Baguio: The Hidden Gem (Or Maybe Not So Hidden Anymore!) - Seriously, You HAVE to Read This.
So, what *is* Queen's Court Baguio anyway? Like, seriously, is it worth the hype?
Alright, let's cut the crap. Queen's Court is *technically* a hotel. But that's like saying the Mona Lisa is 'just a painting.' It's a vibe, a haven, a place where you can actually breathe in Baguio without feeling like you're crammed into a sardine can. For me? Absolutely worth the hype. I've stayed in places that cost a fortune and felt colder than the Baguio wind. Queen's Court, on the other hand? Warm. Welcoming. A little quirky, honestly. (More on that later, trust me.)
Is it REALLY "hidden"? 'Cause I've seen it mentioned on like, a *million* Instagram posts...
Okay, busted. "Hidden gem" is a bit of a stretch nowadays, isn't it? It's more like a well-loved secret that's slowly, lovingly being shared. The truth is, the word is out. But don't let that discourage you. Even with the buzz, it still feels... special. It's not *overrun* with tourists like the Session Road, thankfully! And that's a win in my book.
What's the best thing about Queen's Court? (Besides all the Instagrammable moments, obviously...)
Okay, lemme tell you, and I'm being *completely* honest here... the BREAKFAST. Seriously. I'm not a "breakfast person" usually. I grumble and drag myself out of bed. But their *tuyo* (dried salted fish) with garlic rice? I, a self-proclaimed coffee snob, practically inhaled it. The coffee itself is amazing too, by the way. Freshly brewed, strong enough to wake the dead. And then... there was this *one* time... ugh, I'm getting chills just thinking about it. The owner, this lovely woman named (I think) Ate Linda, saw me staring like a zombie and brought me a *second* plate. Bless her heart. It's that kind of warmth and attention that makes Queen's Court special.
What kind of rooms are they offering? What's the room like?
They offer a few different room types, from the more budget friendly to the ones that are a little more luxurious. They have the standard, the deluxe, and some suites with balconies (which you definitely want!). Don't expect super-modern, minimalist design. Think more... cozy, with a touch of vintage charm. Some rooms have fireplaces! A total bonus when that Baguio chill kicks in. One small issue? The walls aren't soundproof. Cough, cough, I could hear everything my neighbors were doing. It's a small price to pay for the overall experience, though. I'm just saying... pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Is it easy to get around from Queen's Court?
The location is pretty darn good, actually. It's near Burnham Park and Session Road, but far enough away from the absolute chaos. You can walk to most places, or grab a taxi or jeepney easily. Just be prepared for Baguio traffic! That's one thing no one can escape. I personally love walking to mines view park from the hotel. The walk may be long but the view is definitely worth it.
Do they have parking? Because parking in Baguio is a NIGHTMARE.
YES! They do. It's not the biggest parking area in the world, and it can fill up during peak season, but they do have parking. Huge relief, right? Seriously, it's one of the biggest stresses of driving in Baguio. So, yeah. Parking? Check. Now, let's focus on the important stuff, like the *tuyo*...
Anything I should be aware of *before* I book? Any potential downsides?
Okay, honesty time. As mentioned before, the soundproofing isn't the greatest. And, let's be real, it's not a luxury five-star hotel. Don't expect a butler. It's more of a homey, family-run vibe. Also, sometimes, the Wi-Fi can be a little spotty. But honestly, if you're spending your time online while you're in Baguio, you're missing the point. Put down your phone. Breathe the air. Eat the *tuyo*. Overall, the positives *far* outweigh the negatives.
**Another tiny issue:** The elevators sometimes take a while, and if you have any mobility issues, you might want to request a lower floor room. But seriously, the atmosphere and the people more than make up for it. And for the price? Phenomenal value.
What's the best time to go?
Shoulder season, baby! (That's right before the peak season). Think late September to early November, or maybe the tail end of the rainy season (though you might get a few drizzles). Avoid the super-peak times like Holy Week and Christmas, unless you enjoy crowds and inflated prices. I went in December once, and while it was magical (that Christmas tree!), it was also CRAZY busy. I'm a fan of a relaxed vibe. You've been warned!
What's the absolute MUST-DO while staying at Queen's Court?
Besides stuffing your face with breakfast? Ummm... just... *be*. Seriously. Sit on the patio. Drink coffee. Read a book. Chat with Ate Linda or the staff. They're genuinely lovely, down-to-earth people. Take the time to *disconnect*. Baguio is a place to slow down, to reconnect with yourself and nature. Don't rush around trying to hit every tourist spot. Just... breathe. And let Queen's Court do its thing. It's a place to relax, recharge, and leave feeling a little bit restored. And yeah, the *tuyo*. Don't forget the *tuyo*.
Is Queen's Court pet-friendly?
I believe they *are* pet-friendly, but always double-check with them directly, just to be sure. You know, things change. And even if they don't officially advertise it, I alwaysBook Hotels Now
