Review: Casa Simeon in Bacacay, Albay
Have you ever tried staying in a heritage hotel? During our recent trip with the Tourism Promotions Board as part of their project Marketing Enhancement on Sustainable Community-Based Tourism, we had an interesting experience of staying for a night at Casa Simeon, an ancestral house-turned-hotel built in the 1920s. Yes, you read that right – as of this writing, it’s already more than a century old!
The house was owned by the late Simeon and Beatrice Alparce, who were a prominent family in Bicol. Many years later, the house was converted into a hotel.
Hotel Location
Interesting heritage hotel Casa Simeon is treated as a landmark of Bacacay in Albay, a province of Region 5. It’s a destination more than just a place to stay with the story that the place holds and the unique experience that comes with it.
It’s an hour away from Bicol International Airport so it’s best to roam Albay first and then check in in the afternoon to make the most of your day. It’s just a few minutes away from convenience stores, the public market, a supermarket, and also a couple of specialty restaurants in Bacacay.
Arrival Experience
It was a rainy afternoon when we arrived, and one of the hotel managers, a descendant of the late family who owned the house, welcomed us.
Guests will also be greeted with the heritage feel of the whole hotel almost immediately. The lobby, with wooden antique furnishings and clocks on the wall that show time from different countries, transports you to the old times. The check-in was easy – the front desk officers checked our reservations, and soon we were led to our rooms. No matter what time you’ll arrive, they will gladly assist you as the front desk runs 24/7.
Rooms
The rooms are surprisingly modern. I was wrong to expect that the hotel still has the old beds and cabinets, but everything is relatively new, fresh, and hotel-grade, such as the bedding and bathroom fixtures.
This is because although most of the architecture motifs were retained and preserved, many parts of the house were already reconstructed and improved to suit the guest’s needs. So, you don’t have to worry that the things inside your room are old and broken because the hotel definitely ensures the guests will have a comfortable stay.
I enjoyed the bed, the hot and cold shower, and the spacious area where I could fix my things. The air conditioner works well, and the rooms are safe with double locks. I slept soundly for the night and felt refreshed when I woke up. Casa Simeon promises a touch of home, and they made that happen to us for sure.
Food
We had dinner at their restaurant on the 2nd floor. We were served with Bicol specialties revived from their heirloom recipes, such as Tinutungan na Manok (chicken in roasted coconut milk), which requires a pre-order of at least 4 hours, Pinangat (taro leaves simmered in coconut milk), Tilmok (crab meat covered in taro leaves simmered in coconut milk), and of course, Bicol Express.
It was a filling dinner, and it felt perfect for trying to complete our Bicol experience. Every recipe from their menu has a story to tell. The next morning, I chose the signature Guinobatan Longganisa meal for breakfast, which came with rice and egg, in which the famous sausage of the province is the superstar. It’s sweet and savory, just right, and very flavorful!
Apart from these dishes, must-try are Casa Simeon’s Special Omelette, Baduya, and Keso (Albayano street food fried bananas paired with cheddar cheese) for dessert.
Resort Facilities
Casa Simeon features a library and mini-museum where heirloom pieces are displayed. You can lounge or stroll in their small garden after a long day of touring around Albay.
There’s also a veranda where you can relax and soak in the feeling of the peaceful rural area with the view of Mayon. You can also request for a massage service to be scheduled via appointment.
Departure
Within 5 minutes, the check-out process was done, and the staff assisted us with our bags to load in the van. It was a memorable stay, and I’d like to definitely come back again and bring my loved ones!
Aside from these, they also offer free Wi-Fi, airport transfers, a number of private parking slots, and room service. They are also open for events such as weddings, debuts, and other parties. Don’t forget to take a photo at the front of this iconic house before you leave! If you’re looking for an accommodation that offers a homey experience with the Albayano hospitality that amuses you, check out Casa Simeon.
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Casa Simeon
Hours: The restaurant is open from 8:00am-9:00pm
Address: 1 Bes Street, Bacacay, Albay
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/casasimeon
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