Hefting a huge travel-worn backpack, I finally alighted in front of Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel after hours of traveling by air and land. It didn’t help that the tricycle drivers at Roxas City’s bus terminal were sketchy about the location of the hotel. But everything soon melted into the back of my head as I entered the inn’s stylish lobby and was promptly greeted by their beautiful receptionist.

Some months back, the tourism office of Capiz invited me and a couple of travel bloggers to check the sights at Roxas City and the rest of Capiz province. It was a travel-heavy month, swinging from the island province of Catanduanes to Negros Oriental, all the way up to Singapore. All that traveling wore me down to the bones, but I just can’t say no to Capiz.

So there I was, barely a day out of Dumaguete, looking out of a Tigerair Philippines plane from Kalibo, wondering about the ride to Roxas City once we touched land.

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I was an hour late for the start of the Capiz tour and my companions already went ahead to the Roxas City mangroves for the sunset. Although I regret missing the setting sun along the marshes of the city, I welcomed the opportunity that it gave me to rest my tired body for the day.

And I was even more thankful as I stepped into my room with a very cold welcome drink waiting for me.

Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel graciously provided me with their air-conditioned Deluxe Room. Furnished with an inviting double-sized bed, beautiful lamps, a cable television, safe, fridge, and most importantly, free wi-fi internet.

The room is really spacious. And what’s really surprising is that I have it all to myself.

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The en suite toilet and bath is a bit cramped but is clean enough even for the pickiest CR nazis. Hot water is also available which is a plus in my book.

After settling down, I immediately fixed myself a cup of coffee and quickly exited to my room’s balcony. It looks out to the road fronting Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel, so the view isn’t really that great. But if you know me, I’d take any room with a balcony anytime, view or no view.

True to its name, the hotel indeed has its own garden.

Located at the back of the inn, patio chairs and tables are laid out under a trellised garden. The brick-paved garden is mostly used as a dining area for guests. I also saw a few barkadas just hanging out, enjoying the free wi-fi.

Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel provides complimentary breakfast meals for all their rooms. Their menu consists mostly of traditional Filipino fares, but I opted to choose the more local ones, like their crispy espada served with fried egg and rice.

The owners of Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel are part Bicolanos and one can see its influence on a number of their restaurant’s offerings, their Laing sa Sugpo being the best example. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try it out.

I welcomed with relish my first hours at Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel, a very pleasant treat for my travel-weary body. I can’t help but get excited for the coming days though, getting to know the province of Capiz—exploring its every nooks and crannies.

The next day, I awoke very early but fully rested. I poured myself a cup of steaming coffee, went out into the balcony and looked into the still dark Roxas City morning. I eagerly awaited the warm greetings of the sun and the promise of Capiz province.

Lawaan Garden Inn Hotel ►ROOM RATES
Address: Km.2, Brgy. Lawaan, Roxas City
Contact Number: (036) 621-5208 | (0917) 312-1720 | (0909) 682-1752
Email: lawaangardenhotel@gmail.com | Facebook
GPS Coordinates Map:11.563314, 122.756866

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