Citadines Amigo Iloilo’s destination-centric property exudes the true spirit of Ilonggos

Experience Ilonggo hospitality, heritage, and more

For years, most travelers have had this idea of luxury accommodations as having massive rooms that are attuned with advanced technologies and extensive amenities. With the onset of the pandemic, this has shifted to the more important and relevant concerns, leading to the luxury of safety and security. 

During a recent trip to Iloilo, we found a serviced “apart’hotel” that not only champions safety and security protocols but also local culture, cuisine, and a whole lot more.

Citadines Amigo Iloilo (CAI), formerly Amigo Terrace Hotel, is a rebranded and restructured property by real estate giant CapitaLand and subsidiary The Ascott Limited Philippines. CAI is the perfect getaway companion if you’re looking into staying in a “home away from home” setting while ready to explore the beauty and culture of “The City of Love.”

CAI is located in the heart of downtown Iloilo City where markets, parks, banks, malls, and other essential establishments are accessible by foot or bike. Featuring over 120 rooms in a five-story building, the property promises leisure and business travelers not only the signature Ilonggo treatment but the assurance of safe and secure stay. 

The rooms are categorized into three units: the Studio, which includes a bedroom and bath; the Studio Executive unit, which includes one bedroom, living room, bath, and kitchen; and the One-bedroom Executive, which features a bedroom, living room, bath, kitchen, and launderette.

“We’re confident that when you stay here, you just don’t enjoy the warm Illonggo hospitality, but you’re assured that you’re safe as our Ascott Cares program is being implemented,” says Gerald Fontanos, residence manager for Citadines Amigo Iloilo.

The Ascott Cares program is a feature that is being executed by Ascott Limited and its partners. The program comprises a commitment to maintaining high levels of hygiene and cleanliness standards while making sure the property’s guests and employees are well taken care of. Aside from these essential commitments, Ascott Cares also delves into a greener future with its circular and sustainable practices being applied in the property.

As a destination-centric accommodation, CAI promotes locally-made products. They have partnered with Kape Iloilo, a home-grown coffee brand that sells “purely single origin coffees from different municipalities, or blends that contain authentic Iloilo robusta beans.” Also, the property uses one of the most famous products of Iloilo, the handwoven textile of hablon, displayed as accents in the interiors which guests can experience throughout the hotel.

Aside from these locally sourced products, Citadines Amigo Iloilo provides a taste of the local scene through wall arts and imagery captured by La Filipina Uy Gongco Group of Companies’ vice president Felipe Uygongco. Providing a personal touch to the estate, these photographs can be seen on the hallways, receiving area, lobby, and in all the rooms of the property.

These in-house promotions are just a taste of what Iloilo has to offer, and if you want to experience it first hand, you can just step out and be one of the locals in the vicinity. A few steps away from the property are local markets where you can find authentic Iloilo soup, the La Paz Batchoy, the famous Roberto’s siopao, biscocho, and other “pasalubong” centers. A block away is the Iloilo River Esplanade, which is a nine-kilometer waterfront leisure park where bikers and joggers can enjoy if they prefer to work out with a view. And as the bike capital of the Philippines, Iloilo has a pathway especially made for bikes which can be used to visit heritage sites in the city like the Molo Mansion, Molo Church, Casa Real, Museo Iloilo, and others.

If you prefer working out with gym equipment, Citadines Amigo Iloilo has a fitness center equipped with weights and cardio machines. For guests who enjoy going for a quick dip, there’s also a pool area on the same floor which is perfect for chilling and lounging.

The Dinagyang Festival is also one of the many reasons why travelers keep coming back to Iloilo and Citadines Amigo Iloilo knows how special this festival is. On its premises, CAI made sure there’s a spot where guests can occupy as a viewing deck for the festivity. 

“Ascott as a group, we want to be a brand-led company. We want to add value to our customers,” says Eunice Lodripas, The Ascott Limited associate director of marketing. “During the pandemic, when companies are closing, we are opening properties and that’s how courageous we are in terms of our stance in the hospitality industry. CAI, as one of our properties will experience that shift in brand. Not just in hardware but also in software.”

To know more about Citadines Amigo Iloilo, visit www.citadines.com or contact tel. no. +632 85503200.

Images by Poy Villamonte