Why La Union Is the Coolest Place to Visit — And 5 Awesome Hotels You Should Stay At!
La Union is a special place in the Philippines. It’s famous for its big waves, so many surfers come here to ride them. But it’s not just surfers who love La Union. People who like to create art, start new businesses, and just enjoy nature also come here. When the world was having a hard time during the pandemic, many people went to La Union to breathe fresh air and feel free—and many of them didn’t want to leave!
One of the coolest places in La Union is a fun hostel called Flotsam and Jetsam. It’s close to a spot called the Great Northwest Philippines Travel Stop and Viewing Deck, where you can see the ocean and hang out at a popular coffee shop called El Union.
Because La Union is getting more visitors, lots of pretty and interesting hotels have popped up. Here are five cool hotels we visited:
1. Curbside Villa
At first, the outside looks small and plain. But inside, the hotel is big and open! The walls are gray and simple, which helps you feel calm. There are lots of green plants around, making it feel like nature is all around you. There’s a water feature that separates the rooms from the coffee shop — it’s so relaxing!
Near the front desk, there’s a huge old tree with outdoor seats. You can sit here while waiting or when you arrive. The hotel has a restaurant called Curo that serves yummy food, including meals for people who don’t eat meat.
The rooms are big and cozy. There’s a little lounge area outside where you can hang out, eat breakfast, or dry off after swimming.
2. The Lewis House
This hotel used to be the home of a mayor! Now, it’s been fixed up by famous architects Buji and Nikki Libranes, so it looks very stylish.
The Lewis House has furniture from the mid-1900s and pretty colored glass windows that keep the sun from being too bright. Even though the rooms aren’t big, the swimming pool and the cafe make it a perfect place to relax and feel lazy in the best way.
3. Eliseos
Eliseos is a fun place at the far end of the town called San Juan. It’s right on the beach, and it looks cool because it has a skate park near the pool!
There’s a bar separate from the main building, which has five suites and two cottages. The restaurant here, called Makan, serves delicious local Ilocano food you should try!
4. The Lark Inn
This is another hotel made by Buji and Nikki Libranes. The Lark Inn is in an old house built in the 1920s but now looks fresh and modern. It has Japanese-style design, like wooden furniture and natural decorations, making it feel warm and cozy.
It’s right across the town plaza, so it’s easy to visit. The hotel has a restaurant that serves yummy North African dishes and a bar with tasty drinks you might want to stay for.
Even though the rooms are small, they’re cleverly designed so you feel comfortable. The common areas make you want to slow down and enjoy the simple life in a small town.
5. Natalna
If you want to get away from the busy town, you can visit Natalna in a place called Bacnotan. It looks very fancy and peaceful, like something out of a movie set in the Hamptons!
Natalna has only 12 rooms, so it feels quiet and special. It has its own beach, a swimming pool, and a garden full of plants. There’s also a restaurant where you can eat delicious food.
Best of all, if you have a pet, you can bring them here because Natalna is pet-friendly!
La Union isn’t just for surfing — it’s a place full of good food, beautiful hotels, and friendly people. Whether you want to relax, explore, or try new things, these hotels will make your visit extra special!
