Boutique hotels are quaint sized hotels having more than 10 rooms with their cozy styles, or in this case, a service to accommodate pets. Hotels usually say no pets allowed, but Giraffe Boutique Hotel adds pet-friendly hotel in its promotions as its unique character.
This hotel uses the giraffe for its motif because it is the gentlest animal in the jungle that represents the attitude towards pets that have recently become part of families and part of travel entourages. The amenity added is the pet bed. In truth, the pets usually sleep with family members on the bed and do not really require additional facilities when they are toilet trained and have gone to behavior school.
There are rooms that are meant for families or parties with six or more persons with a loft and pullout beds. Some rooms have microwave ovens and basic kitchen cutlery and plates to allow guests to warm food and dine in the room. Some have bars for the basic needs of guests. There is a vertical fan to augment the overhead fans on the warmer summer days as additions to the Wi-Fi and television in each room.
Most rooms open to a small private balcony with a table for two. This is most applicable in Baguio City because of the cool air that one can enjoy while sipping on coffee or wine or for additional ventilation. Smoking is not allowed in this hotel which would have been perfect in this part. The view has been enhanced with potted plants because it looks out at a wall and a driveway.
Some of the rooms on the third level can look down at the lobby and the dining area. On the second level, there is a family room of sorts where sofas allow guests to talk or play the piano for some entertainment. There is a fireplace that is lit with wood for the rare experience suited only for the Baguio climes. Otherwise, there is a bonfire area in the lawn that charms chilly nights and small group gatherings.
The stairway that leads to the rooms has a painting of a giraffe on the landing that approximates the actual height of a giraffe with the legs and body on the second floor and the neck and head greeting the ascent to the third floor. The giraffe icon is also present at the lobby and dining area in bronze statues. Other safari animal accents are used as light fixtures on the wall of the stairwell.
Orchids are colorful natural decorations here that are visually delightful. The paintings on the walls of the rooms are still works in progress, according to the manager Richard Caragdag. The Cordillera touch is seen in the Kalinga tapestry painting at the entrance of the wrap around skirt embellished with mother of pearl and bead fringes.
Unlike the formal corporate aesthetics that large hotels use, Giraffe Boutique Hotel is like a home that has welcomed you to one of its family rooms as a guest. There is a friendlier air, apart from a more relaxing ambience when you check in. However, there are no lifts or elevators here for the physically challenged and aging limbs to access the lodging areas.
But everyone is welcome to dine at Mangiamo, the Italian restaurant and pizzeria of the hotel. This serves Italian cuisine that is prepared with Italian ingredients and condiments with local produce. Not to mention that coffee from local beans is free.
Manager Richard promises activities like the recent Halloween party for pets and with pets at the hotel. Pet lovers can look forward to other occasions that will be designed for both man and pets. Only at Giraffe can you bring your best friend.
