So few sites in the country inspire awe like Mayon volcano. It is a massive natural wonder distinct for its iconic shape and solitary setting in the province of Albay. It is everywhere, especially in the city of Legazpi.
Nowhere is this more apparent than with tourists flying in for the first time. The volcano’s majestic profile welcomes visitors on the plane coming in and, as you land, Mayon’s presence is seen everywhere across the urban sprawl, Sitting on a hill with just the perfect View that takes everything this natural wonder has to offer is The Oriental Legazpi.
Located at Taysan Hills in the village of Sto. Nino, The Oriental Legazpi is a mere 10 minutes away from the airport and has, arguably, the best View of Mayon. The hotel sits on a hill overlooking the volcano, the city, and the equally majestic waters of the Gulf of Albay.
The Oriental is like a jewel of white concrete and glass and is considered the finest hotel resort for leisure and business travelers in the Bicol region. Formerly known as Mayon Imperial, the hotel has been renovated, revitalized and offers the only absolute first-class luxury facilities in the province. Inside, the structure makes full use of natural light as it streams through the glass walls and high ceiling of the lobby. The bright interiors are enhanced by energy- saving LED lights and there’s a sense of freedom with the wide corridors and hallways. As a testament to its luxury facilities, The Oriental, earlier this year, hosted the lunch of Queen Sofia of Spain when she paid a visit to the province.
“The Oriental redefines the landscape with its stylish architecture and interiors by utilizing glass, metal and modern appointments,” says Wilbert Lee, president and CEO of The Oriental Hotels and Resorts “The hotel offers a refreshing slant in hospitality and accommodations who would have ever thought that one could find ultimate bliss in a rural setting?”
The Oriental has 115 impressive deluxe rooms and executive suites as well as a Governor’s Suite. Accommodations are spacious with comfortable beds and superb amenities. Wi-Fi in every room connects you to your social networks and a 32-inch LED TV will keep you entertained. Guests may choose to have a room with a splendid View of Mayon or a quieter, calmer scene of the cityscape and far-off mountain range of the province. All rooms are out-fitted with a modern electronic energy saving device which is a Green Hotel Initiative.
Guests opting for Mayon side rooms are treated to views of the gulf and the volcano which changes color rom morning to afternoon to night as the sun dances across its face. Below, an infinity pool is situated at a far corner over-looking the volcano. Beside the pool is a wide Jacuzzi for numerous people to enjoy at once. Relaxation goes further with the spa and gym at the basement level. Massage services can be availed of right, there, but an in-room service can also be had for a small additional fee.
Near the hotel are malls, markets, shops and restaurants. A shuttle service provides rides into the city for all guests. The Oriental also offers tour packages – with prior arrangements — to guests, ranging from ATV ride tours to swimming with whale sharks at the gulf.
Tourists are not the only people discovering The Oriental Legazpi. Business travelers have found much value with the hotel’s deluxe conference and meeting facilities. The Leyte, Pagsanjan and Legazpi function rooms can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 400 people for any function.
The Manila Executive Boardroom can host up to 30 people for business meetings and the Jasmine private VIP rooms by the dining area can comfortably seat up to 70 people. For massive events, The Oriental Legazpi Grand Ballroom at the ground floor can accommodate thousands of seats and can be divided into two separate function rooms.
The Oriental offers a superb dining experience with the Jasmine, located at the lobby. The restaurant is all you need for a fine dining experience with international dishes and local cuisines. Try out its delectable crispy puta, the spicy shrimp stuffed with laing and a traditional serving of adobo rice.
The Oriental Legazpi is a beautiful, modern and environmentally conscious deluxe hotel that is slowly becoming the pride of Legazpi. As Lee says, “The Oriental Hotels and Resorts aim to ‘fully maximize the experience and flavor of localities’ for anyone who wants to experience new discoveries without having to compromise on deluxe liv- ing.” Waking up to a view of Mayon every day at The Oriental is a perfect manifestation of these discoveries.
*****
A special thank you to Cebu Pacific’s Nerissa Alejandra forthe boarding assistance.
*****
The Oriental Leguzpi is located at Taysan Hills, Stu. Niño Village, Legazpi City, Albay. For more information, call (+6352) 742-8888, (+6352) 435-3333, (+6352) 435-5555 or (+6352) 435-2869. E-mail at inquiry@theorientalhotels.com or reservations@heorientalholtes.com Visit its website at http://www.theoriental-legazpi.com
