La Trinidad Family Getaway: RR Homestay - Your Home Away From Home!
La Trinidad Family Getaway: RR Homestay - Your Home Away From Home!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes slightly chaotic world of La Trinidad Family Getaway: RR Homestay – "Your Home Away From Home!" – and let me tell you, it's a ride. I'm gonna spill the tea, the coffee, the maybe-a-little-warm-water-from-the-tap-because-it's-that-kind-of-homestay, and give you the real deal, with ALL the messy bits. This isn't some perfectly polished promotional brochure, this is me, unfiltered, after spending a weekend there. (Disclaimer: I’m not being paid to say any of this – just a weary traveler relaying the truth!)
Accessibility: The Reality Check
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. Gotta be honest, this is where the "home away from home" starts to feel a little more "home" in the, ahem, more rustic sense. They advertise Facilities for disabled guests, and that definitely needs a closer look. There's an elevator, which is a huge plus, and the staff seemed genuinely helpful (more on that later). But, and this is a big but, the overall layout isn't exactly engineered for a smooth, breezy experience for someone with mobility issues. Narrow hallways, thresholds… let's just say it's more "accommodating" than fully "accessible." So, if you need super-stringent accessibility, make sure to call ahead and thoroughly clarify expectations. They want to help, but the structure itself might pose some challenges. Be realistic.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: A Mixed Bag
I didn't see anything labelled specifically 'accessible' in terms of restaurants, but let's just say, the whole place is laid-back. Which could mean they'll happily wrangle a table to fit your needs. But don't expect perfectly manicured paths. The overall vibe is more like a family get-together, and that's a good thing, but also a thing you need to be aware of. So, call ahead and make sure they understand what you need.
Internet and Modern Marvels: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Thank THE WIFI GODS for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, thank you. This is non-negotiable for me, and it worked great. Now, about the other Internet options…Internet [LAN], Internet services… Look, I'm not going to pretend I even tried to understand all that. I used the Wi-Fi, it worked, and I was happy. Let's focus on what mattered: I could catch up on Netflix and avoid awkward conversations with my mother-in-law. And the Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, that too. Excellent.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa? Maybe…Mostly "Relax"
Okay, so here's where RR Homestay really tries to shine. They list a litany of relaxation options, so let's break it down:
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom… Whoa there, bucko! They list it, but don't go expecting a full-fledged pampering palace. More like a possibility of a massage arranged through a local provider if you're lucky. I'm pretty sure there was no sauna, steamroom, or body wrap. It's… homey. Ask about spa services before your trip. I think I might have seen a brochure for a spa elsewhere.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness… Again, don’t get your hopes up. I didn’t see one.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]… This is the good stuff. The outdoor pool is charming. It's not Olympic-sized, but it's clean and well-maintained, and the view is spectacular. I spent an entire afternoon there, and I'm not ashamed to say I may have dozed off in a sun lounger. Pure bliss.
Cleanliness and Safety: Comforting to Know
Now, this is important. The world's a weird place right now. So, let's see what they offer:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment – Okay, that's a LOT. And I'm going to say… they're trying. Did I see someone scrubbing every single surface with surgical precision? No. Did I feel like they were taking it seriously? Yes. They've clearly made an effort, and that's reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit – Always a good thing, especially when you're traveling with kids.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour] - Made me feel safer, even if it was just a little.
I had one particularly clumsy moment, when I tripped over a rogue sprinkler head (my own fault, I was too busy admiring the view). Instantly, a staff member appeared, practically leaping out of the bushes, and helped me up. He genuinely seemed worried. The genuine care was really lovely.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk about the most important thing: food.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant… Whew! That's a lot, right? Well, brace yourselves. The reality is a bit… less. There's a restaurant, and it serves a variety of dishes. The breakfast buffet is pretty decent. Coffee and tea are plentiful. I didn't see a huge selection of desserts or fancy cocktails. The snack bar is more of a grab-and-go thing. I think I had a pretty nice salad on the day. And the bottle of water – crucial.
Anecdote time! One morning, I was late to breakfast, because, well, travel. By the time I got there, the buffet was… tidied, but still had a decent amount. So I took a plate, got some bacon…. and then, the waitress went, "Oh, sorry, there isn't anymore bacon available" I was disappointed. But the staff member saw my face and then said, "I’ll get you some more." And, in a few minutes, I had some! And yes, it was delicious!
I wanted to eat breakfast every single morning. It was great.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks
- Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center - Okay, there's a lot here. They try to provide a LOT. The basics – the elevator, the daily housekeeping (which was fantastic), the luggage storage – were all excellent. The concierge was helpful. There's a convenience store, but don't bank on it having everything. The "Business facilities" didn't seem particularly extensive. The terrace area is really nice.
Anecdote alert! One day, I was desperately searching for an outlet to charge my phone. After a minor search, I mentioned it to the staff (who are wonderfully helpful). They immediately found one, and the little things really do help.
For the Kids: Family Friendly, But…
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal - The whole place feels family-friendly. There were other families around. I didn't use any babysitting service or kids facilities, so I can't personally vouch for them. But the pool alone is a huge draw.
Available in All Rooms: The Comforts of Home (and a Few Extras)
Now, this is the meat and potato of the stay…
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure. This is the REAL, messy, and wonderfully chaotic account of planning a family trip to RR Homestay in La Trinidad, Philippines. Think less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly capsized but still laughing."
RR Homestay: Family Fiesta - A La Trinidad Adventure (AKA, Pray for Us)
Pre-Trip: The "Are We REALLY Doing This?" Phase
- The Dream: Okay, it STARTED with a Pinterest board. Lush green hills, strawberry farms, cozy cabins… pure Instagrammable bliss. I envisioned us: a perfectly harmonious family, picking berries under a golden sunset, laughing over shared meals. (Narrator: Spoiler alert - the reality was… different.)
- The Reality: Booking flights took approximately three weeks and involved me yelling at the computer, accidentally booking for the wrong week and then fixing it, and a near-divorce conversation about the validity of carry-on luggage. (My husband, bless his heart, firmly believes in packing EVERYTHING. I, on the other hand, prefer the "travel light and buy later" approach. The debate rages on.)
- The Crew: Me (Chief Organizer, aka, Queen of Panic), Husband (Luggage Maestro, eternally optimistic), 10-year-old (Drama King), 7-year-old (Chaos Agent), and Grandma (the ultimate wild card). Oh, and our dog, but she's staying with Aunt Carol because packing her, too, was a step too far for this trip.
- RR Homestay: The Choice: We chose RR Homestay because the photos looked… well, they looked like a hug. Cozy! Family-friendly! And the reviews raved about the homey atmosphere. Plus, it’s close to all the La Trinidad fun, like the strawberry farms which is the top priority.
- The Itinerary (or, The General Idea of Things):
- Day 1: Arrival & La Trinidad Orientation (Pray for Our Luggage)
- Day 2: STRAW-BERRY HEAVEN!!!! (And Maybe a Breakdown)
- Day 3: Echo Valley Hike & Market Mayhem (Prepare for Sore Legs and Overspending)
- Day 4: Baguio City Exploration (and the Search for Cheap Souvenirs)
- Day 5: Goodbye, Sweet Mountains (and the inevitable family fight)
- (Note: This is all subject to change. Because kids.)
Day 1: Arrival & La Trinidad Orientation (Pray for Our Luggage)
- Flight: We survived the flight! Miraculously, no one threw up. The kids somehow managed to occupy each other for the most part, though I did have to pry my son off the back of the seat in front of us and explain that we were not "tagging." Our luggage, however, was a different story. Naturally, one suitcase was mysteriously "delayed" in Dubai (where it was never going to be).
- The Trip to RR Homestay: The drive from the airport? Breathtaking. (When my husband and I got a moment to look up from trying to stop the kids from fighting). The mountains! The rice terraces! The crisp, cool air… I needed a cigarette. (Just kidding, Mom! … Mostly.)
- **RR Homestay Check-In: ** We’d arrived! And it was exactly as the pictures showed, the place just looks lovely. We were greeted by the most lovely and kind person, the host, greeted us with smiles wider than a strawberry. We unloaded our luggage and the chaos began with the kids trying to pick the best rooms.
- Dinner: We were too exhausted and in too much awe of the trip, so, we decided to just order from a local small restaurant and had a good time with it.
Day 2: STRAW-BERRY HEAVEN!!!! (And Maybe a Breakdown)
- Wakey, Wakey, Eggs and… Strawberries! The morning started off well. The host cooked us a delightful breakfast and the kids managed to not spill anything except, you know, milk on themselves.
- The Strawberry Farm: This. Was. It. The moment I'd been fantasizing about! We arrived at the farm, overflowing with excitement. The kids, however, immediately took to the strawberry plants. My son picked and ate half of the strawberries before we even got to the payment counter. The 7-year-old, meanwhile, decided to use the strawberry patch as a hide-and-seek zone, disappearing for terrifying periods of time.
- The Breakdown (Mine): After the strawberry farm we decided to check out other local shops where my 10 year old did not want to go. I ended up scolding him for his behavior, and he ended up crying. I then had to deal with how mad my husband was for my outburst.
- The Silver Lining: We ended the day with some yummy Strawberry Ice cream. The kids got to play in the backyard.
Day 3: Echo Valley Hike & Market Mayhem (Prepare for Sore Legs and Overspending)
- Echo Valley Hike: After the strawberry fiasco, we decided to go for a hike. We took it one at a time and found a good pace. The scenery was gorgeous. My kids constantly asked if we were "there yet."
- Market Mayhem: We hit the local market, and I swore I would only buy the bare necessities. I ended up being like a bull in the china shop, buying everything I saw. My husband also started buying some things.
- Dinner and Debrief: Back at RR Homestay, we collapsed, sore and broke, but also filled with a weird sense of accomplishment. We ordered some pasta, and talked about the day.
Day 4: Baguio City Exploration (and the Search for Cheap Souvenirs)
- Baguio Bound: We hired a driver to take us to Baguio City, which turned out to be a wise (and expensive) decision. Traffic. Mountains. Traffic in the mountains.
- The City: We visited Burnham Park, which was chaos – in a good way. The kids rented bikes, nearly crashed into a swan boat, and generally reveled in the freedom of being… well, somewhere different.
- Souvenir Hunt: The quest for cheap souvenirs was a full-contact sport. Negotiating prices with the vendors was like a masterclass in bartering while simultaneously trying to keep your children from eating questionable street food.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: The day's highs and lows? Beautiful. Exhausting. Perfectly family-trip.
Day 5: Goodbye, Sweet Mountains (and the inevitable family fight)
Farewell Breakfast: A simple breakfast of eggs, toast and coffee . We were thankful for the beautiful and comfortable RR Homestay and the kind hosts.
The Drive While we were packing, the kids already started to argue. We separated them, and prayed for their sanity.
The Flight Back: Surprisingly, uneventful. The kids made it back safely, albeit a little whiny. We were all exhausted.
Final Thoughts: This trip was a train wreck, a joyride, a test of our sanity, and the best kind of disaster.
RR Homestay: If you're looking for a genuinely welcoming, family-friendly place to stay in La Trinidad, this is it. It’s not perfect, but it’s REAL. It’s a place where you can laugh, cry, and embarrass yourself in front of the entire family – and they’ll probably love you for it anyway.
Would I Do It Again? Absolutely. (After a very, very long nap.)
Okay, so... "Home Away From Home," huh? Is that just marketing fluff? Or is it actually...?
Alright, let's be honest. I went in fully expecting cheesy marketing speak. You know, the usual "We'll treat you like family!" And yeah, *technically*, they say that. But here's the thing... it kind of, sort of... ACTUALLY *felt* like home. Not the perfectly-Pinterest-curated home, mind you. More like a cozy, slightly-chaotic-but-loved-to-bits home. Think your eccentric Aunt Mildred's place, with all the good (and maybe some questionable) parts.
The food... is it good? Because let's be real, a bad meal can ruin a whole getaway.
Okay, so the food… My stomach still rumbles just thinking about it. So, it's not Michelin-star quality, okay? Let's manage expectations. BUT, it's *damn good* home-cooked food. Like, the kind that makes you loosen your belt a notch (or two). Remember those breakfasts? The smell of freshly made *tapsilog* wafting through the air? I could practically cry thinking about the crispy garlic rice. Oh, and the *coffee*! Strong enough to wake the dead. My kid, who usually turns his nose up at everything, actually *ate* his breakfast every single day. Every. Single. Day. That alone is worth the price of admission in my book.
What about the rooms? Clean? Comfortable? Or should I bring my own hazmat suit?
Look, I'm a bit of a clean freak, so this was a *major* concern for me. And honestly? The rooms were surprisingly good! Clean, comfortable beds (thank GOD, because after those hikes, I was *wrecked*). Nothing fancy, mind you. Think cozy cottage vibes. It's not the Ritz, okay? But it's clean, and it’s comfortable. And honestly, after a day of exploring, you’ll be too exhausted to care if the curtains are a *tiny* bit faded. You just want to collapse. Plus, the view from our window! Spectacular. Waking up to that...pure bliss. Okay, except for the rooster. That rooster. (More on him later.)
Okay, so the "Family Getaway" part... Is it actually family-friendly? Because I need some peace and quiet!
This is where it gets interesting. Yes, it's family-friendly. *Very* family-friendly. There were kids everywhere. My kid made a new best friend within five minutes, and I barely saw him the entire trip. Which was…amazing, honestly. The hosts are genuinely welcoming to kids. They're not *just* tolerating them, they *adore* them. BUT… and this is a big BUT… be prepared for the potential for noise and chaos. It's inevitable. If you're after a silent retreat, this might not be the best choice. Embrace the pandemonium, or you'll be miserable. (I chose to embrace it. After the first day, I started to enjoy it.)
Tell me more about this "rooster" situation. I'm intrigued (and slightly terrified).
Oh, the rooster. He's a character. A feathered, crowing, early-morning character. Look, he's a rooster. They crow at dawn. EVERY. SINGLE. DAWN. And he was *loud*. Like, "wake up the entire province" loud. The first morning, I swore I was going to strangle the poor bird. My sleep was important, seriously, who the heck crows at like, 5 am? I was like two seconds away from getting a hotel just to get some rest. But then... you get used to it. You learn to embrace the sound, or at least, ignore it. It becomes part of the charm, I guess. Or maybe I was just too exhausted to care. Either way, consider bringing earplugs. Seriously. EARPLUGS.
What's the wifi like? Because, you know, I *need* to stay connected. (And post Instagram pics.)
Okay, let's be real. The wifi is…spotty. Don't expect to stream Netflix. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds. Consider it a digital detox, a chance to *actually* disconnect. This can be a good thing, I'm here to tell you. You'll be forced to truly enjoy the experience. It's a lovely, kind of forced, break from the world. Embrace it or you won't last a day. Also, make some new friends. Be social. Your social life may be revived.
Anything else I should know to survive and thrive? Any hidden warnings?
Okay, a few survival tips. First, bring layers! The weather in La Trinidad can be unpredictable. Second, bring comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking. Third, don't be afraid to ask the hosts for recommendations. They know the area inside and out. They found my kid his new best friend for crying out loud! They can point you to the best local restaurants (try the strawberry taho - *amazing*), the most scenic viewpoints, and the places the tourists don't know about. And finally… just relax. Embrace the chaos. Be prepared to fall in love with the place. And maybe, just maybe, you'll start missing that darn rooster.
Overall, would you recommend it?
Absolutely. Yes, without a doubt. Flaws and all. It wasn't perfect. I would have never said it was perfect. But it was… special. It was real. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold. I’m already planning my return. (And yes, I'll be bringing earplugs.) Seriously, it's not just a homestay; it's an experience. Go. Just go.
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