A super quick Baguio break done right
Not every summer story has to come with sand on your toes.
Some are better enjoyed in the mountains, where a light jacket makes sense and a cup of steaming hot chocolate still feels perfectly in season in the country’s famed Summer Capital.
That was the mood as I headed to Baguio City for the latest leg of Inquirer Campus Talks at Saint Louis University. It was technically a work trip, but that easy four-hour drive up the mountains felt more like a much needed quick break.
Easy drive
Getting there was already a treat. We took a red Honda HR-V, which made the climb comfortable and surprisingly easy. It was steady enough for the mountain drive and compact enough for the city roads of Baguio. It helps, too, that it was hybrid because those huge gas savings for a 260-km trip was definitely a big win for me.
We left our home in Pasig early and by lunch time, we found ourselves at Camp John Hay. It’s still every bit as familiar and peaceful as I remembered from our last visit—towering pine trees, crisp mountain air, lush expanses, and that easy pace, reminding me again why this part of Baguio remains my favorite.
Our home for the night was a two-bedroom suite at the Garden Wing (formerly The Manor) of John Hay Hotels, and honestly, it made the stay feel much more indulgent than I expected. There was room to settle in properly, stretch out after the drive, and enjoy the space instead of just dropping our bags and rushing off—not to mention, some free snacks too!
John Hay Hotels is now being managed by Landco Lifestyle Ventures, which continues to shape the John Hay experience into something more complete. That means building on what guests already love about Baguio and bringing its expertise to add its own layer of hospitality and curated leisure.
Polished feel
The Garden Wing still carries that polished mountain-lodge feel it does so well: elegant but not intimidating, cozy but not sleepy.
From the lobby alone, that character comes through in its rich wood finishes, stone accents, warm lighting, and tasteful décor, details that have helped the hotel keep its luster through the years, without losing the warmth of its old-world highland charm.
There’s also plenty to enjoy within the property. By the entrance, a souvenir shop offers local crafts and keepsakes, while guests can make time for the spa, the gym, the outdoor playgrounds, or a leisurely walk around the scenic Dap-Ayan Park.
The Fireplace Lounge, just within sight from the lobby, caught my eye. It looked warm and cozy, like the kind of spot that feels right for an afternoon cocktail or an evening drink.
That evening though, we did what any self-respecting Baguio visitor should do: we went to Choco-laté de Batirol, located just a few minutes from the Garden Wing and still within Camp John Hay. There’s really something about having that thick, warm traditional hot chocolate in cool mountain weather that feels almost cinematic.
The next morning, before heading to Saint Louis University, I got to enjoy the amazing breakfast spread at Le Chef, the Garden Wing’s flagship restaurant led by the renowned Chef Billy King.
Sweater weather in the summer
John Hay Hotels indeed makes a very good case for you to enjoy a cooler kind of summer.
In fact, it makes this highland escape even more tempting with its Summer Stunner offer: 25 percent off all room types, available from March 22 to June 6, 2026.
The promo is open for direct and online reservations, with terms and conditions applying. Guests will also receive a 25 percent discount voucher for any Landco Lifestyle Ventures-managed property, valid from March 22 to October 31, 2026.
I almost didn’t want to leave. John Hay Hotels truly lets Baguio do what Baguio does best, then adds just enough comfort to make the experience feel easy and worth repeating.
