San Jose del Monte is a city of 440,000 people in Bulacan, Philippines. The city has been under both American rule and Japanese occupation. Today, much of its population is spillover from nearby Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and Quezon City, the largest city in the country. San Jose del Monte relies heavily on industry, with its main products being mangoes, marbles, bat manure and balut, a Filipino dice game. Tourists can stay here as a quiet alternative to the larger nearby cities.
A 15-minute drive from metro Manila, the Grotto Vista Resort is an all-inclusive water park and hotel. The property has 24 rooms, including singles and doubles, all of which are air-conditioned. The property is open to staying guests and to locals who buy a day pass. The galleon ship pool is the resort's highlight, with three water slides and more than 1,000 square meters of water for playing. There are five other pools on the property, including a private pool that can be booked by couples or families. The hotel also has a bowling alley, fitness center and karaoke lounge.
Grotto Vista Resort
Grace Ville
San Jose del Monte City 3023
Bulacan
Philippines
011-63-2924-6003
web.comhem.se/urnan/grottovista/
Less than 13 miles from San Jose del Monte is Sir William's Hotel, which calls itself "a true home away from home." Each of the 80 rooms has air-conditioning, a hot/cold shower and either two twin beds or one queen-sized bed. Guests can use the free wireless and broadband Internet 24 hours a day. The hotel has a bar and lounge, D2 Bar and Resto, on the ground floor; the bar turns into a dance club at night. As of May 2010, rooms start at $40 USD a night.
Sir Williams Hotel
39 Timog Ave.
Quezon City 1110
Bulacan
Philippines
011-63-2371-4333
sirwilliamshotel.com
The Linden Suites offers 168 luxury rooms and suites in the heart of metro Manila, 14 miles from San Jose del Monte. Some suites come with a kitchen and dining rooms for long-stay guests. Two restaurants and one bar are on the property, allowing guests to sample local beers such as San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Filipino traditional cuisine, including sinigang, a sour soup. Work off the good food and drinks at the on-site fitness room and sauna.
The Linden Suites
37 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center
Pasig City 1600
Philippines
011-63-2638-7878
swiss-belhotel.com
