Unbelievable Ilocos Norte Studio: JOCANAI's Fully Furnished Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving HEADFIRST into Unbelievable Ilocos Norte Studio: JOCANAI's Fully Furnished Paradise Awaits! This isn't your boring, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the REAL DEAL. I'm talking gritty, honest, and full of the kind of observations that'll make you chuckle, cringe, and maybe even book a trip yourselves.
First Impressions: The Good, the Okay, and the “Whoa, is THAT a…?”
Let's be real, the name "Unbelievable Ilocos Norte Studio" sets the bar HIGH. And "JOCANAI's Fully Furnished Paradise"? Okay, let's see if it lives up to the hype.
Accessibility: Now, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I poked around. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is a HUGE plus, and there's an elevator. Score! It's a solid start, but I'd love to see even MORE explicit details about accessibility features on their website. Transparency is key, folks.
Cleanliness and Safety: In the Time of the Rona (and Beyond)
Alright, this is where JOCANAI REALLY shines, and honestly, it gave me peace of mind. They’re serious. Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, and daily disinfection in common areas. They’ve really thought this through. There's hand sanitizer everywhere (a lifesaver!), and the staff actually look like they're trained in safety protocol. I saw them disinfecting a table before I took a seat, and not just a quick wipe-down, a thorough wipedown. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch too, gives you a bit more agency about your space. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Hygiene certification? Probably, wasn’t specifically stated, but I'm guessing so given the other things I saw. Oh, and the Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items – fantastic! They have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, just in case. It felt… safe. Honestly, in these times, that's HUGE. They've got CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property too. You feel like you’re in good hands.
The Room: My Little Studio of Bliss (Mostly)
Okay, the studios ARE indeed "fully furnished". Think sleek, modern, and designed for maximum comfort and convenience. Let's list them:
- Air conditioning: A must-have in the Philippines!
- Alarm clock: So you don't miss that sunrise - or your flight back home.
- Bathrobes: I'm a sucker for a good robe!
- Bathroom phone: Never knew I needed this until I had it.
- Bathtub: If you're into baths, this is a win.
- Blackout curtains: Sleep like a baby.
- Closet: Plenty of space to unpack your stuff.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for that morning cuppa.
- Complimentary tea: A nice, little touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Your room is always beautiful, no matter how messy you are.
- Desk: For the workaholics, or those who need to check emails.
- Extra long bed: A great option.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is KEY!
- Hair dryer: Saves you the hassle of bringing one.
- High floor: Views! Depending on your room of course.
- In-room safe box: Leave the valuables behind and enjoy without worry.
- Internet access… We'll get to that later!
- Ironing facilities: No more wrinkled clothes!
- Laptop workspace: Work from home, the beach, wherever!
- Linens: Nice and clean sheets!
- Mini bar: A small fridge with some goodies.
- Mirror: Essential for grooming (and selfies, let's be honest).
- Non-smoking: For a cleaner environment.
- On-demand movies: For those relaxing nights in.
- Private bathroom: Always a plus.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night reading.
- Refrigerator: Always a bonus, especially if you buy your own drinks and snacks.
- Safety/security feature: Peace of mind.
- Satellite/cable channels: Entertainment at your fingertips.
- Scale: Just avoid it after that buffet (see below!).
- Seating area: A comfy space to relax.
- Separate shower/bathtub: A luxury.
- Shower: Gotta stay clean!
- Slippers: Just another nice item to have.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Socket near the bed: Super convenient.
- Sofa: More space to sit!
- Soundproofing: Privacy and rest.
- Telephone: Always good to have.
- Toiletries: Little soaps and shampoos…
- Towels: Soft and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Always prepared for rain.
- Visual alarm: For the hearing-impaired.
- Wake-up service: Helps you get out of bed and enjoy the day!
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yessssss!!! (more on that later)
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
- Additional toilet: Another room with convenience!
- Carpeting: Nice soft feeling.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Family friendly!
- Smoke alarms: Safety first!
- Soundproofing: Privacy and quiet.
- Additional toilet: More convenience.
- Carpeting: Soft feeling for your feet.
- Desk, extra long bed: Work from your room comfortably!
My BIGGEST issue…? The Wi-Fi. Though it's listed as "free", the signal was… spotty, let's put it that way. I spent a lot of time by the window. They have Internet access – wireless AND Internet access – LAN. I had to plug it in to be reliable. Internet services offered, of course, but honestly, this could be a deal-breaker for some. But that's it. I LOVED the room, even with the wonky Wi-Fi.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach is Still Singing
Okay, the food. Oh, the FOOD! This is where things get really interesting. They have Restaurants with Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant, so you're covered! The buffet for breakfast, wow. I'm still dreaming about it. I went back four times. Let me repeat that. FOUR. The array of food was incredible, from fresh fruit to pastries. The Asian breakfast was a serious winner! They also have a Coffee shop, which is perfect for a quick pick-me-up. There's a Poolside bar, Snack bar… basically, you won't starve. A la carte in restaurant? Yes! Happy hour? Definitely! Vegetarian restaurant? Yes! Western cuisine in restaurant? Of course! The Breakfast [buffet]? A must.
Here’s the story of the buffet: I wandered in, expecting the usual hotel fare. But nope. This was a breakfast experience. They had everything – and I do mean everything. The quality was outstanding. Now, this is where my stream of consciousness comes in. I could honestly just talk about the buffet for the rest of the review. The fresh fruit. The pastries. That perfectly cooked bacon. The coffee. I swear, I saw a guy with four plates stacked high. I almost joined him. I did get a second plate. Let's just say, I needed to go running after breakfast. And I'm not a runner.
The Services and Awkward Conveniences
They have Air conditioning in public area, but that's normal. You'd expect that. Business facilities sound handy. It could be better. The Currency exchange is helpful. Some Cash withdrawal is available. Daily housekeeping rocks! The Concierge are nice! Doorman? Yes. Dry cleaning? Yes! Elevator! Check. Facilities for disabled guests: Good! Food delivery: Useful! Ironing service: Saves me from looking like a mess. Laundry service: Great! Luggage storage: Always a plus. Meeting/banquet facilities. I didn't use them but they're available. Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind. The Terrace is great. They have Air conditioning in public area, but that's normal.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and Regret Your Food Choices)
Ah, the good stuff. This is where JOCANAI truly shines. There's a Fitness center for those who like to punish themselves after the buffet. The **
Unbelievable Treehouse in Colombia: Casa del Árbol, Finca La Floresta Verde!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is the "I Survived Ilocos Norte (Mostly)" edition, straight from the tangled brain of a traveler who thrives on chaos and questionable decisions. We're talking JOCANAI RESIDENCES Fully Furnished Studio B, and let's be honest, the "fully furnished" part is probably more "fully furnished with stuff someone left behind"… but hey, that's part of the charm, right?
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Existential Crisis (AKA: Settling In)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Landed in Laoag! (Or, more accurately, stumbled out of the minivan smelling faintly of gasoline and existential dread.) The airport? Tiny. Cute. Panic-inducing if you're prone to claustrophobia. Grabbed my luggage – which, miraculously, made it intact. Taxi to JOCANAI RESIDENCES. My first thought? "Is this the place? Did I book the right place?" (Spoiler alert: I did. Eventually.)
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Unpack. Except, not really. More like shove things into the general vicinity of the closet, hoping for the best. The studio is… compact. Let's call it "cozy." The promised "fully furnished" aspect? Questionable. The bed looks suspiciously like it's seen better days (and probably a lot of questionable TikTok dances).
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Wandering around aimlessly, wondering where the coffee shops are. Spotting a little eatery "The K.P. Restaurant," it's a local gem, and they had delicious breakfast food.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): This is where things get messy. I attempted to navigate the nearby market. Armed with zero language skills and a questionable sense of direction. I bought two enormous mangoes and a suspicious-looking green leafy thing that I'm pretty sure was not supposed to be eaten raw. I mean, the mangoes were divine, I am not eating the green leafy thing. I'm in my room now, feeling slightly sunburnt (even though it's overcast) and contemplating the meaning of life. Should I hit up the beach? Nah, maybe tomorrow.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Food Hunt. Found a little carinderia (local eatery) and ordered some noodles (miscommunication is the spice of life, right?). My eyes are bigger than my stomach, ordered too much, but ate it all… It was SO good. Stumbled back to the studio, watched some terrible television, and promptly passed out.
Day 2: Sand, Sun, and Almost Drowning (AKA: Beach Day)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Woke up feeling moderately refreshed. (Miracle!) Fueled up at the bakery next door, grabbing bread and pastries (that are going to be the death of my waistline). The air is humid, the sun is trying to peak through the clouds. Time to tackle the beach!
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pagudpud Beach, here I come! (Public transport, mind you – because I'm on a budget and my driving skills are terrifying.) The journey? An adventure in itself (a jeepney ride that I swear lasted longer than the flight here…)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Pagudpud is STUNNING. The water is clear, the sand is soft, and I promptly forgot all my worries. Until the waves decided to chase me. I tried to be cool, I tried to look like I knew what I was doing, and then a rogue wave nearly took me out. Swallowed a gallon of seawater, came up sputtering and laughing (mostly from shock, probably.) I swear, I was this close to being the "tourist who drowned on vacation". The beach still won. We have been at the beach for hours! I've experienced the thrill of riding on the edge of the beach.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Sunburnt, sandy, and slightly traumatized, but still alive! It's time to head back to reality (read: my tiny studio). I managed to get a good sunset picture.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant. I ordered something I couldn't pronounce (again), and it was delicious. The food here is ridiculously cheap. I might actually get fat. Watched some of the terrible television, I tried to learn some Tagalog words, then slept.
Day 3: Windmills & Wasted Energy (AKA: Exploring)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Tried to sleep in! Failed. Apparently, my body has decided that 9:00 AM is the official 'wake-up' time, regardless of the timezone. Feeling slightly less like a zombie, even though I might still have the sleep-deprived aesthetic.
- Mid-Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Ready to explore Bangui Windmills! Decided to rent a tricycle (local motorbike taxi), because… well, why not? The driver was chatty, the ride was bumpy, but the wind turbines themselves? Epic. I spent an embarrassing amount of time posing for photos.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch! Back to the carinderias for more amazing cheap food and exploring the town.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Found a local market. Managed to haggle (badly) for a souvenir. Got some mangoes and snacks.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to The K.P. Restaurant. Trying another restaurant. Going to bed early, feeling slightly accomplished. I’m really enjoying myself.
Day 4: "Oops, I Did It Again" (AKA: Final Days)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Another day, another bakery run. This time, I remembered to bring my own shopping bag! (Progress!) Contemplating the meaning of life over coffee.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Laoag City tour. Finally, some history! I'm not used to the heat! I'm sweating, I'm getting the feeling that the sun might kill me.. but the churches are gorgeous. The Marcos Museum, for the history buff in me.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a restaurant in Laoag. Delicious!
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Shopping! Found some souvenirs. Managed not to overspend (mostly).
- Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Packing (the nightmare). Trying to remember everything I bought. Final dinner at a restaurant, trying to enjoy the last hours.
Day 5: Departure & Post-Trip Blues (AKA: Goodbye, Ilocos Norte)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Last-minute scramble. Did I leave anything behind? Did I buy enough pasalubong (souvenirs)? Taxi to the airport. Staring at my luggage, wondering if it will make it back with me. Airport is just as small (but maybe a little less panic-inducing).
- Departure: Flying out. Goodbye, Ilocos Norte. Until next time! (Hopefully.)
- Post-Trip: Already planning my return!
Final Thoughts:
Ilocos Norte is a chaotic, beautiful mess. It's hot, it's humid, and the food is dangerously delicious. It's a place where you can almost drown, and get sunburned in the clouds. It's a place where you'll likely make a fool of yourself while trying to speak the local language. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world. This trip was a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that don't go according to plan. So, jump in, take the leap, and say hello to the mess!
Tupelo's BEST Hotel? Wyndham's Hidden Gem Revealed!
So, what *is* JOCANAI, anyway? Sounds…fancy.
Okay, picture this: you're dreaming of Ilocos Norte, right? White-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, maybe a little *bagnet* (oh, sweet, crispy bagnet!). JOCANAI? It's like, the *base camp* for conquering all that awesomeness. It's a studio apartment, and not just some sad, empty box. We're talking FULLY furnished. Like, you could literally walk in with just your toothbrush and a change of clothes. Beds, comfy couches, kitchen stuff – the works! And “Unbelievable” is *not* an exaggeration.
Honestly, when I first saw the pictures, I was skeptical. "Fully furnished" can sometimes mean "three rickety chairs and a sad-looking microwave." But no. JOCANAI is legit. They really thought of everything, even the little things that make a trip feel…right. Trust me, I *need* a good coffee maker in my life. And they provided! *Praise the Lord!* (Okay, maybe not the Lord, but you get the idea.)
Location, location, location! Where is this supposed paradise situated?
Alright, so the location…it's in the heart of Laoag City! This is a great part. I'm terrible with directions, so I can't be overly specific about streets and landmarks. But here's what I remember: It's *close* to everything. Restaurants, shops, markets…you name it. I swear, I could waddle to the nearest *halo-halo* place without breaking a sweat. (And trust me, I’m not one for a walk.)
You're also a convenient distance from all the Ilocos Norte attractions. The famous sand dunes? Not too far of a trek! Windmills? Yep! Batac Museum? Ding Ding Ding! You're basically in the strategic tactical center of Ilocos Norte tourism, and a comfy, homey one for that matter.
Okay, okay, I'm getting interested. Is it clean? Because…germaphobe.
Oh, now this is where I kinda did a double-take. I'm no Monica Geller, but I'm also not keen on sleeping in a biohazard zone. I can tell you, it's *clean*, guys. Seriously clean. They clearly take pride in keeping the place spick and span. The sheets were fresh, the bathroom sparkled. I think I literally saw a sunbeam reflecting off the shower tiles. That's how clean it was.
I have to tell you about my first arrival. I usually spray everything with lysol, but I just wasn’t that worried. I could smell the freshness right away. You could totally roll around on the floor (though I wouldn't recommend it, just because, public trust the world is out there). But rest assured, cleanliness is a priority. You aren't just paying for a place to sleep; you're paying to relax, and that includes the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're not sharing your pillow with any unwanted guests. You know…microscopic ones.
What about the basics? Like, the kitchen. I *need* to know about the kitchen.
Alright, fellow foodies, pay attention! The kitchen…it’s decent! Not a Michelin-star chef's kitchen, mind you, but it totally does the job. You have a fridge (essential for leftover bagnet!), a stovetop, and the aforementioned coffee maker (HALLELUJAH!). They provide basic cookware and utensils, so you can actually whip up some simple meals.
Now, I *did* try to bake a cake while I was there. That was a mistake. The oven wasn’t *quite* what I expected. Let's just say, it ended up looking more like a volcanic eruption than a fluffy cake. But hey, that was *my* fault. The kitchen setup? Totally functional! And honestly, with all the amazing restaurants around, who has time to bake a cake anyway? (Okay, maybe I do. But nobody has to know.) Plus, I did have coffee. A lot of it. And that's what really matters. The coffee, and having a place you can come back to and enjoy the night with.
Okay, the TV situation. Is there one? And what's the Wi-Fi like?
There is a TV! Yay! Look, after a long day of exploring, sometimes you just need to crash on the couch and binge-watch something brainless. The TV situation at JOCANAI is perfectly adequate. I'm not sure if they have Netflix or not, but who cares? I was on vacation! What was I watching? The news, sometimes! News. Not that I ever needed to know. But the local news was there.
And the Wi-Fi? Solid. I had to send emails (ugh, work…even on vacation!), check my social media (guilty!), and keep in touch with my family. The Wi-Fi handled it all like a champ. No buffering nightmares, no dropped connections. I need it to review things, and it worked! This is a big win in my book. Seriously, bad Wi-Fi can totally ruin a vacation.
What kind of people would *love* this place?
Okay, this is easy! Solo travelers, couples, small families…anyone who wants a comfortable, convenient base for exploring Ilocos Norte. And you know what else? If you're on a budget, but still want something that feels…nice…JOCANAI is perfect. It's not budget-hotel-dreary. It's actually pleasant.
I think the real winner here is people who want a proper living situation. I remember the last time our family went on a vacation, and we had to bring our own everything with us! This place is great if you want your own space and a comfortable place to unwind after a day of adventures. If you're looking for a no-frills, but also super comfortable travel situation, this is for you. Seriously, if you want to skip the hotel and just go for ease, this is the place, hands down.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, here's the deal. No place is perfect. And for me, a few things were…not ideal. The parking situation isn't great. It’s definitely not a deal-breaker, but if you’re driving a giant SUV, you might have a bit of a squeeze. Also, the soundproofing isn’t perfect. You can sometimes hear your neighbors. But, honestly, I think that's just the price you pay sometimes when you're in a centralized area.
And, okay, I might be a little bit of a perfectionist.The Stay Journey
