For the past 10 months, the entire world has drastically changed our way of life with the pandemic taking its toll on the economy. Many have lost loved ones or even jobs and businesses, and people have sometimes become so desperate that some even think there is nothing good that will come out of the pandemic.
The twist of fate came at the start of 2021 when the vaccines arrived. This has become a positive development among all of the bad news and the thought alone augers well as it engenders hope for all of us.
In our city, perhaps the biggest positive emerging hope is for the economy to recover. There are good and beautiful things in our midst, and one of them, we take a look at – Lafaayette Luxury Suites along Loakan Road and Military Cut-off which has boldly decided to open its doors on March 28.
Lafaayette Luxury Suites is the second hotel of Pradeek Paul Lalwani and his wife, Weng. The first one is in what used to be a sleepy but now developing town of Bauang, La Union.
Because of their constant travel to Europe, the couple must come across General Marquis de Lafayette and named their hotels in his honor. A French aristocrat and military officer who played an important part during the Revolutionary War, Lafayette became known as “The Hero of the Two Worlds,” a parallel to Paul being a business leader of two worlds – Baguio and La Union.
By the way, Paul came over from India in the 80s and his initial venture in this strange land was not exactly a bed of roses. Starting out as a salesman, he travelled to Buguias, Benguet and the outskirts of the mountain provinces to sell the wares of his employers. When he was able to save a little from his salaries and wages, he went into buying and selling and through his own industry, hard work, and of course inspirations, he made it big time and the rest is history.
He remains humble as a person, a loyal friend, and religious, praying reverently and regularly at Pink Sisters or in Manaoag with his big brother, Manoj Tank. He shares his blessings with the poor and downtrodden for which he has a soft, open heart. During the crisis, he helped the people of La Union, Benguet, and Baguio with food, face masks, and shields. He donated a classroom building at Quezon Elementary School and maintains college scholars. They are the reasons why the Lalwani family is lucky and blessed.
Lafaayette Luxury Suites will be the newest luxury boutique hotel of classic and intricate European design located at the heart of Baguio. Weng supervised the finishing works with her artistic touch. It has Lee Majors Fajilan as its general manager, a distinguished professor in Hotel and Restaurant Management.
It took years of blood, sweat, and tears for its owners to build, but it has paid off. Being a firsthand witness to its evolution from day one, a more vivid description would be: 55 well-appointed guest rooms complete with all the amenities of a five-star hotel, which includes 500-thread linens spread over the most comfortable bed made of memory foam; fashionable bathrooms designed with high-end tiles and brass metal fixtures complemented with top of the line and environment-friendly bathroom amenities. The elegantly designed guest rooms are equipped with a 55-inch smart TV, WiFi connectivity, and room cooling equipment. Guests will be transported to sheer sophistication while enjoying the comforts of home because of its mahogany hard-wood floors, embroidered wall papers, and signature hand-painted wooden furniture and fixtures.
The grand ballroom is high ceilinged, adorned with stunning chandeliers and an amazing panoramic view of the city’s mountains and trees. It has a lot of function rooms perfect for round-table discussions, boardroom meetings, or seminars.
The ground floor has an exquisite café that serves sumptuous pastries, delicatessens, and mouth-watering afternoon high-teas. A cozy bar lounge serves fine spirits, delicious wines, and other beverages. A picturesque restaurant, perhaps the highest in the city, serves hearty and satiating international cuisines prepared by local kitchen talents coached by celebrity chefs. Their roof deck is a must-see, a fountain and a vertical garden adds to the spectacular view of the city backdropped with breath-taking horizons of the mountains and forests. It is perfect for memorable gatherings, ceremonies, intimate dinners, and special events. The hotel has ample basement parking, 24/7 front desk service, and soon, promo packages.
All these and more, Lafaayette Luxury Suites will be the city’s newest gem, a pleasing landmark inside and out, a destination in itself, truly Instagram-worthy.
Sigh.
April 27, 2024
