By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Perhaps, many were surprised to learn that Iloilo City has earned the honor of being the first city in the Philippines to be included in the list of creative cities for gastronomy cited by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
It is also interesting to note that no less than the Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines, Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines Răduţa Dana Matache put Iloilo City in the spotlight during Romania’s National Day Celebration last November 29.
We can give a rundown of what would make your stay in Iloilo City unforgettable and comfortable, and you’ll certainly find out why UNESCO accorded Iloilo such a great honor to be one of creative cities for gastronomy in the world and the first in the Philippines.
And since the most-awaited season of the year is here, you only deserve the best! Because there’s so much to love about the holidays—the cooler weather, the decorations, the parties, the food, the gifts, the get-togethers, and so much more. As magic and love fill the air this Christmas, plan your celebrations with a fabulous stay at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.
LOVE HOLIDAY STAYS. From homecomings to staycations to explorations, Iloilo is a must-visit destination this holiday break. Delight in its cultural attractions, natural wonders, and most especially, its mouthwatering delicacies that would make you personally validate why Iloilo City earned the city its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy recognition.
Book your stay at Richmonde and enjoy its premier location within the modern and vibrant township of Iloilo Business Park. Right next door are Festive Walk Mall and Iloilo Convention Center and just a few steps away are the ILOMOCA (Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art) and Brandy Museum. Other popular tourist spots are just a few minutes away.
Room rates start at only PhP 6,200 nett from December 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024 (except December 24 & 31) and include breakfast buffet for two. For a hassle-free extended vacay, the 3-night package with rates starting at PhP 23,400 nett is the best choice for accommodations because it comes with breakfast buffet for two, roundtrip airport transfers, holiday drinks, in-room massage service for two, 15% discount on city tour packages, and complimentary entrance to ILOMOCA and the Brandy Museum.
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve stays are even lovelier with special packages on December 24 and 31, 2023 that include the lavish Holiday Luxe Dinner Buffet and hearty breakfast buffet for two priced from PhP 9,150 nett. Got other Noche Buena and Media Noche plans? Room rates with just breakfast buffet for two start at PhP 6,500 nett. All room rates are inclusive of Wi-Fi access and use of the pool and gym.
LOVE FESTIVE FEASTS. Iloilo is a foodie’s paradise and Richmonde is an unmistakable hotspot for gourmets looking for unique fusions of the region’s heritage cuisine and contemporary culinary trends. At The Granary, Richmonde’s all-day dining restaurant, expect a splendid spread of holiday fare ranging from traditional comfort food to an array of global cuisine at the Holiday Luxe Dinner Buffets served on December 24, 25 and 31, 2023 from 6pm to 10pm. Each buffet is priced at only PhP 1,650 nett per person. On January 1st, recover from a night of partying as you continue with the celebration while relishing The Granary’s filling New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet served from 11am to 2pm for PhP 1,250 nett per person. Children 6 to 12 years old get 50% discount and children 5 years old and below eat for free.
LOVE YULETIDE GATHERINGS. The season of revelries calls for glitz, glamour, and some serious party planning for a fun and memorable event. Let the Richmonde Hotel Iloilo team handle the meticulous planning and execution of your parties and reunions when you book this year’s party packages at rates starting at PhP 1,800 nett per person which include a holiday-themed lunch or dinner buffet. A minimum attendance of 30 persons is required. Make the buffet extra special and add carvings like cochinillo, turkey, or lamb; DIY action stations like gourmet sandwich bar, oyster bar, pizza bar (outdoor), and kids’ grazing table, plus a decadent selection of premium desserts.
LOVE LOCAL BAKED GOODIES. Richmonde pays homage to childhood panaderia favorites with classic bakery staples given an interestingly yummy twist for a taste of both novelty and nostalgia. Check out new bread creations like Spanish Croissant (PhP 225), Hopia Turnover (PhP 175), Pan de Pancho (PhP 235), Cheese Roll Croissant (PhP 295), Coco Bun (PhP 150), and Ube Bar (PhP 220) available for dine-in and takeaway at The Granary. Not to be missed are Richmonde’s famously big, cheesy and buttery Signature Ensaymadas (classic, PhP 200; ube, PhP220; pork floss, PhP235). Make sharing easy with mini ensaymadas sold in boxes of 6 at prices starting at PhP 385. Other must-try items include the hotel’s premium doughnut collection in inspired flavors of dragon fruit bilberry, white champorado, tablea champorado, turon, and bandi, and the newest specialty cakes—Choco Moist and Carrot Cakes which both come in 4” (PhP 550), 6” (PhP 1,250) and 8” (PhP 1,850) sizes. These freshly baked treats make the perfect gift for family, friends, and colleagues. Bulk orders are accepted with a lead time of 2 days.
For inquiries, reservations, bookings and orders, call +63 33 328 7888 or contact stay@richmondeiloilo.com for room accommodations; +63 917 563 3973 / sales@richmondeiloilo.com for banquet bookings; and +63 917 563 3558 to order baked goodies. Bookings may also be made online at Richmonde’s official website, www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph.