Forest Hotel opens in Camp John Hay area

BAGUIO CITY – Tourists wanting to avail of the 30-50 percent discount on hotel room rates up to the end of this month will have a reason to come up to the Summer Capital and enjoy the amenities offered by the newest hotel, the “Forest Lodge” of the Camp John Hay Leisure Corporation, which is an added high-end accommodation facility in the city.

The “Forest Lodge,” which is located within the 247-hectare John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ), is a 208-room 4-storey hotel which was constructed right below “The Manor Hotel” in order to increase the accommodation capacity of hotels located within the former American base.

“It’s still business as usual inside John Hay,” AflredoYniguez, executive vice president of the Camp John Hay Development Corporation, said amidst the current conflict between the developer and the State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

 The “forest Lodge” sits on a sprawling area inside John Hay away from the big city hustle and bustle of downtown Baguio. One can enjoy the rare cool temperature in the middle of a pine forest which forms of the city’s vast watershed. Nature lovers can take time to bask in romantic sunsets and indulge in a casual stroll along quiet, tree-lined roads.

Robert John Sobrepena, chairman of the Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), said with the full-scale operation of the “forest Lodge,” the number of hotel rooms which is now offered to the public has grown to over 400 rooms including those in “The Manor” thereby greatly contributing in the city’s high-end accommodation facilities to boost the local tourism industry.

 “We are committed to put up at least 1,000 hotel rooms within John Hay, thus, we will pursue our proposed development plans amidst the prevailing conflicts to help boost the city’s high-end accommodation facilities and provide tourists with more attractions in the future,” Sobrepena told Manila Standard, adding that the new accommodation facility took them ten years to build because of numerous problems that they have encountered along the way.

Sobrepena asserted CJHDevCo will continue to fulfill its commitment under the original contract and revised agreements considering that their primary objective is to convert the former American rest and recreation center into a world-class tourism destination with sufficient high-end accommodation facilities to cater to the high-end tourists coming from the different parts of the global village.

 For his part, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said the operation of the new hotel inside John Hay will help address the city’s inadequate high-end accommodation facilities, especially during the peak seasons, particularly the Yuletide and Panagbenga seasons, where all accommodation facilities in the city are fully booked.

 “We are not favoring either the Bases Conversion and Development Authority or the CJHDevCo in their current conflict but what we are supporting is the legitimate provisions of the original contract and the revised agreements that define the obligations of both parties,” Domogan told Manila Standard, asserting that both parties should consider that the city government is also a party in interest in their agreements considering that it is mandated to get 25 percent from the annual lease rentals of the JHSEZ.

From the “Forest Lodge,” holiday makers can take pleasure from the other attractions inside John Hay. Those in the mood for some retail therapy can heed to Mile High and shop in any of the retail outlets such as the Nike camp and Designer Rack that sell the latest fashion issues from a host of brand labels.

Moreover, restaurants and cafes like Carlos Pizza, Mile High Diner, Dencio’s Brother’s Burger and Little John’s as well as Everything Nice offer everything from authentic Italian treats to Filipino all-time favorites.

  

On the other hand, the Baguio Ayala Land Techno Hub invites visitors to its selection of charming cafes and specialty restaurants for quiet meals and snacks. Among the prominent establishments in the hub are Star Box, Army+Navy, Yellow Cab, Seafood Island and ROX outdoor equipment. Convergys, one of the prominent call centers in the city is also situated in the hub.

Golf aficionados and beginners can test their mettle on the fairways of the Camp John Hay Golf club with its 18-hole, par 69 golf course designed by Golden Bear International of Jack Nicklaus.