The Best Hotels to Book in Vigan, the Philippines

Ideal for a romantic getaway, this boutique occupies a magnificent colonial home right in the heart of the Unesco-recognised historic centre, with Saint Paul Cathedral and Plaza Salcedo just a few blocks away. Four arched walls enclose an interior pool that will be the envy of your Instagram followers; rooms, too, are in keeping with the Colonial style. The cellar-like restaurant serves a lavish Filipino and continental buffet. The biggest draw, however, is the on-site art gallery honouring Filipino artists.

One of the most charming hotels in Vigan, this rustic home offers classy four-poster beds and loft-style suites in a plum spot two blocks south of Saint Paul Cathedral. Kick back with an ice-cold beer in the bamboo-panelled bar and sample Vigan longganisa (sweet pork sausage) and empanadas in the restaurant. It’s advised to book ahead during the Binatbatan festival – usually the first week of May.

This 26-room hotel near historic Crisologo Street is built in a tasteful Filipino neocolonial style. Regular rooms come with air conditioning and complimentary bottled water; suites sleep up to seven and come with a refrigerator and microwave. Work out in the fitness room before tucking into a Filipino breakfast, with options such as bangsilog (milkfish with garlic rice and egg), longganisa sausages or conventional continental options such as cereal and yogurt.

On Crisologo Street, the main street and beating heart of historic Vigan, this 150-year-old hotel stays true to its roots while adding a contemporary twist. Rooms feature ornate carved wood headboards and capiz-shell room dividers; large family groups should opt for the dormitory rooms with six to seven single beds. Café Bigaa serves Ilocano favourites including longganisa sausages, bagnet crispy pork belly and Igado pork soup.

Spread over three floors of a smart townhouse on Cor Gomez Street, this member of the Zen Rooms budget hotel chain has the smart, unfussy rooms you’d expect of the brand. Add in free high-speed wifi, air conditioning and hot showers and you’ve got all the ingredients for a restful stay in Vigan. Tuck into a buffet breakfast before heading out – the RG Jar Factory pottery experience and Saint Paul Cathedral are both within a 10-minute walk.

Hugging the north bank of the Govantes River, a five-minute ride from the historic centre, the Orange House lives up to the name with a vibrant orange exterior and accents throughout the interior. With 20 people you can rent out the entire villa, for a maximum of 32 people, or you can rent rooms non-exclusively. Whip up a Pinoy feast in the kitchen, or just chill with friends and family in the living room. In the evening, check out the glorious light show at the Plaza Salcedo Fountain.

With more than 100 years of history and a prime location on a quiet street just off Crisologo Street, Hotel Felicidad exudes old-world charm. Suites carry echoes of history, with kamagong wood four-poster beds carved in the style of venerated Chinese-Filipino craftsman Ah Tay, and genuine antique dressers and wardrobes. The Filipino breakfast features Vigan longganisa pork sausage and bitter melon dinoydoy stir fry.

This homely inn sits on the east side of the historic centre, two blocks from Crisologo Street and three from Arce Mansion. Interiors have an old-world feel, with carved dark-wood furniture and plenty of exposed brick. Opt for the Vigan room for a novel single bed on an old-fashioned cart. All rooms except the Ordinary tier include air conditioning and a morning meal. Filipino breakfast in the restaurant includes crispy pata pork and longganisa saussage.