Last weekend, Outside Slacker and I had a fun time at the Batangas Earth and Water Festival 2015. He got to ride his bike and run around scenic towns in Mataasnakahoy and Balete during the duathlon, while I got to row a kayak at the picturesque Taal Lake. The sporting events were organized by First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) and Lima Park Hotel, a luxury hotel in Batangas which hosted our weekend stay. With the 4 to 5 am call times for the duathlon and fun run the next day, it was definitely a treat to go back to the hotel and chill out instead of having to drive back to Manila at once. If you’re looking for a comfortable hotel with world-class facilities in the Batangas area, Lima Park Hotel is a great option.

LOCATION

Lima Park Hotel gets its name from the combination of Lipa and Malvar in Batangas, since it lies on the boundary of the two towns. The hotel is located inside an industrial zone and caters mostly to expats and business clients in the area.

Located about 65 kilometers south of Metro Manila, Lima Park Hotel is accessible via the South Luzon expressway connecting to Southern Tagalog Access Road (STAR) tollway. I was expecting a long drive, but it took us less than two hours to get there driving on a Friday night from Quezon City and just over an hour driving back on a Sunday morning through scenic roads.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Everything about Lima Park Hotel is elegant and business-friendly, yet comfortable. The hotel is huge, with 136 rooms renovated to meet five-star luxury standards, and meticulously landscaped grounds.

We were booked in a Superior Room, which had Queen size double beds with very comfortable sheets and down pillows as well as a Full size Executive Desk, Cable 32″ LCD TV, mini bar and in room coffee and tea facilities. The bathroom had a bathtub in private toilet and bath, hot and cold shower facilities and bath amenities.

During the hotel tour, we got to see the different configurations of rooms, including De Luxe (which has poolside access or a connecting room) and the Executive Suite (which has its own in-room dining and kitchen facilities). It was nice to see that the hotel has 3 PWD-friendly rooms, with lowered beds, wider hall space and handicap-friendly railings in the bathroom.

But the best room in the hotel is the lavish Governor’s Suite. The room has a corner view of the pool, two separate bedrooms, a living room, dining room and two bathrooms. The Master’s bathroom even has its own built in Jacuzzi and rain shower! Just check out that Double King-sized bed! Perfect for those who like to roll around in their sleep.

All the rooms in the hotel come with unlimited wireless internet access, though the signal was much stronger in the lobby, restaurant and by the pool, rather than in our particular room. Some rooms also offer scenic views of Mt. Makiling and Mt. Malarayat.

HOTEL AMENITIES

Lima Park Hotel offers five-star facilities for large celebrations, business events, functions, and weddings. It has a ballroom and several large air-conditioned, first-class function venues that can accommodate as many as 1,000 guests. Their outdoor function hall even has roll up doors so that cars can be brought into the venue, which is perfect for expos and motoring events in Batangas.

One of the best draws of the hotel is the Olympic-length horizon pool in the middle of the grounds and a couple of kiddie pools, where you can take a dip during the day. I was expecting the weather to be hot, but the climate is surprisingly cooler in Malvar, and really dips at night and early morning. We literally just chilled out at the poolside lounge chairs at night.

The hotel also has a gym and fitness center and is planning to set up a spa in the near future.

DINING

Lima Park Hotel’s Asian Flavours Restaurant offers Asian inspired dishes with a twist. We enjoyed a variety of meals here during our stay including Tonkatsu, Adobo sa Gata, Spring Rolls and Pakbet with Bagnet.

The Tinolang Buko, Monggo Soup, and Turon with Langka drizzled with Coco Jam were particularly good. For breakfast, the Beef Tapang Batangas and Kape Barako offered a taste of provincial specialties.

Right outside the resto, fronting the poolside is the al fresco-dining Italian restaurant La Terraza, which serves thin crust, brick-oven pizzas, pasta and other house specialties. The Patio Bar, meanwhile, offered alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK IN:

Because of its location, size and faciliites, Lima Park Hotel is an ideal base in Batangas for corporate events, team-building sessions and large celebrations. The cool and refreshing weather in the area and family-friendly facilities will also appeal to family or couples looking for a relaxing staycation. Leisure travelers can explore popular tourist spots near the hotel including Mount Malarayat, Golf and Country Club, Summit Point Golf and Country Club, The Farm of San Benito, Mt. Carmel Church, Taal Volcano and Tagaytay.

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO:

Lima Park Hotel, Lima Technology Center, Malvar, Batangas, Philippines

Tel: (043) 981-1555, Fax (043) 981-2555
Mobile: 0917-5042385, 0925-5042385
Email: limaparkhotel_reservations@yahoo.com
Website: www.limaparkhotel.com
Facebook: Lima Park Hotel

RATES:

Superior Room – Php 5,300
De Luxe – Php 7,200
Premier Luxe – Php 8,800
Suite – Php 10,500
Executive Suite – P12,500
Governor’s Suite – Php 25,000

HOW TO GET TO LIMA PARK HOTEL:

From Magallanes Interchange, take SLEX all the way through the Star Tollway. Take Malvar Exit. Turn left on Bulihan Road and then right on Pres. Laurel National Highway. Follow the road until you reach a 7-11 on your left and the welcome Arch to Lipa City right ahead. Lima Technology Center is just before the arch. Turn left to enter, then stay on the right and take the tunnel to get to Lima Park Hotel. [MAP]