Where to Stay in Baguio: Best Areas & Hotels
Choosing where to stay in Baguio isn’t just about finding a good hotel.
Your location can make a big difference to how easily you explore the city, especially if you’re relying on taxis, jeepneys, or walking.
Staying near Session Road or Burnham Park puts you closer to many central attractions, restaurants, and transportation options. Camp John Hay offers a different experience, while accommodations farther east may suit visitors who prefer being away from the busiest areas.
This guide compares Baguio’s main accommodation areas, explains their practical advantages and drawbacks, and highlights researched hotels in areas where they actually belong.
The aim is to help you choose a location that suits your plans before booking a room.
Let’s dig in.
Best Areas to Stay in Baguio at a Glance
For most visitors, Session Road and the area around Burnham Park are good starting points when choosing where to stay in Baguio. Both offer convenient access to restaurants, shops, and central attractions, particularly if you’re exploring the city without a car.
However, they’re not necessarily the best choice for everyone. Camp John Hay offers a different atmosphere, while areas farther from downtown may appeal to visitors who prefer quieter surroundings.
| Area | Best for | Main drawback |
| Session Road / Downtown | First-time visitors, restaurants, shopping, and central access | Busy streets and steep walks |
| Burnham Park | Families and central sightseeing | Convenience varies depending on the exact street |
| Camp John Hay | Resort-style stays and pine-filled surroundings | Less convenient for exploring downtown |
| Mines View / Outlook Drive | Eastern Baguio attractions and quieter surroundings | More reliance on transport for downtown trips |
| Leonard Wood Road / Teachers Camp | Eastern sightseeing and an alternative to downtown | Some locations require a jeepney or taxi to reach the city center |
My recommendation: If you’re visiting Baguio for the first time and want to explore without a car, begin your accommodation search around Session Road and Burnham Park. Consider the other areas if their location or atmosphere better suits your plans.
Compare hotels by area. Zoom out and tap a pin to see price and availability.
Staying Near Session Road
Recommended Hotels
Microtel by Wyndham Baguio
Beside the Victory Liner terminal near Upper Session Road, Microtel is especially convenient for bus travelers. SM City Baguio and downtown restaurants are nearby, although some walking routes are uphill.
Hotel Veniz Session
Located directly on Session Road, Hotel Veniz Session is a convenient choice for visitors who want to stay in the heart of downtown Baguio. Restaurants, cafés, shops, and public transport are close by, making it a practical base for exploring the city without a car.
Staying near Session Road means having plenty of everyday conveniences close by. When I stayed in the area, I appreciated being able to sit down at a local coffee shop just moments from my accommodation, or pop into a nearby 7-Eleven for something I needed or a quick snack.
It’s the sort of convenience that can make a real difference during a stay.
But convenience comes with a trade-off. I found the sidewalks crowded along both Upper and Lower Session Road. People often seemed in a hurry, and it was easy to bump into someone or someone bump into you.
The atmosphere could feel rushed, so this isn’t necessarily the best area if you want a peaceful setting right outside your hotel.
Lower Session Road and Central Downtown
Lower Session Road puts you close to downtown shops, restaurants, and commercial streets. If you expect to spend much of your time in the city center, that can be useful. Still, check the hotel’s exact street and entrance rather than relying on a broad ‘near Session Road’ listing.
Upper Session Road and SM Baguio
The upper end of Session Road is useful for access to SM City Baguio and nearby shops and restaurants. It can work well as a base, but the slope matters. A property that looks close on a map may involve an uphill walk, so check the actual route rather than distance alone.
Staying Near Burnham Park
Recommended Hotels
Paragon Hotel and Suites
Close to Burnham Park and downtown restaurants, Paragon Hotel offers spacious rooms, an elevator, and on-site dining. It’s a good option if you want traditional hotel facilities within easy reach of central Baguio.
JCGA Apartments (Angelo’s Burnham)
On Kisad Road near Burnham Park, JCGA Aparments offers apartment-style accommodation with some kitchen-equipped units and parking. It’s worth considering for families or longer stays, but check the facilities of your specific unit.
After the busy sidewalks and hurried atmosphere of Session Road, Burnham Park feels like a breath of fresh air. Whenever I’ve spent time there, I’ve found it surprisingly peaceful, even when it’s crowded. People seem happy to be there, enjoying themselves rather than rushing to their next destination.
The boating on the lake and the four-wheeled pedal go-karts add to the experience.
Visitors can rent these seated, pedal-powered vehicles for a short ride around a designated area of the park, rather than riding freely throughout the grounds. They’re a nice extra touch that makes the park somewhere to spend time rather than another attraction to visit.
Staying near Burnham Park makes sense if you enjoy having somewhere to relax within easy reach of your accommodation. It’s particularly worth considering for families, although couples and solo travelers may appreciate the location just as much.
There are hotels around the park and along nearby roads, including Kisad Road and Legarda Road. However, not every property advertised as being near Burnham Park is equally convenient. If you plan to visit the park regularly, check the hotel’s actual location rather than relying on a broad area description.
Staying in Camp John Hay
Recommended Hotels
John Hay Hotels Garden Wing (formerly The Manor)
Formerly The Manor, Garden Wing offers a classic Camp John Hay stay with landscaped grounds, garden- or forest-facing rooms and larger suites. Its outdoor spaces and family-friendly facilities are a particular draw.
John Hay Hotels Forest Wing (formerly The Forest Lodge)
Formerly The Forest Lodge, Forest Wing offers rooms and suites in Camp John Hay’s wooded setting. It’s a lodge-style alternative to Garden Wing within the same hotel estate, so compare room types and rates.
Camp John Hay offers a very different experience from downtown Baguio. The grounds are spacious and spread out, with plenty of trees and greenery. It’s a place where the natural surroundings are a big part of the appeal, rather than simply being close to shops and restaurants.
I’ve spent time exploring Camp John Hay, and I particularly appreciate the open space. There’s also a great playground area for children. My son, who’s almost three, enjoys playing there, and it’s one of the reasons I can see the appeal of this area for families visiting Baguio.
Accommodation options include hotels, private villas, and vacation homes. The properties I’ve seen look attractive, although I haven’t personally stayed in any of them. Some of the larger villas are particularly expensive to rent, but they may appeal to families or groups looking for more space and privacy.
The main trade-off is convenience. Camp John Hay is spread out, so you won’t have the same easy access to shops and restaurants as you would downtown. However, SM City Baguio, Session Road, and Burnham Park are generally a short taxi or Grab ride away.
Jeepneys are a cheaper alternative, but they don’t travel through Camp John Hay itself, so you’ll need to reach a jeepney route outside the grounds.
If your priority is exploring downtown on foot, Session Road or Burnham Park will probably be more practical. But if you’re looking for somewhere to spend more time enjoying the surroundings, Camp John Hay offers an appealing alternative.
Staying Near Mines View and Eastern Baguio
Recommended Hotels
Grand Sierra Pines Baguio
On North Outlook Drive, Grand Sierra Pines offers on-site dining, landscaped grounds, and a children’s play area. It’s a family-friendly option away from busy downtown streets, although you’ll generally need transport to reach the center.
Giraffe Boutique Hotel
Near Mines View Park and Wright Park, Giraffe Boutique Hotel offers a smaller hotel experience with an Italian restaurant and pet-friendly rooms. Confirm the current pet policy and any extra charges before booking.
Eastern Baguio offers an alternative to the busy downtown area, with hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods and along wooded hillsides.
I stayed in an Airbnb a few minutes’ drive from Mines View Park. Our terrace overlooks pine trees and neighboring hillsides, but you can only reach the house by a long outdoor staircase.
I don’t mind the climb because it’s good exercise, although it wouldn’t suit everyone, particularly those carrying heavy luggage or who have difficulty with stairs.
We also had to walk uphill to catch a jeepney or taxi. From there, SM City Baguio, Session Road, and Burnham Park were generally 10–15 minutes away by car when traffic is light.
Not all properties in eastern Baguio have stairs or difficult access. Before booking, check the entrance, road access, and nearby transport options rather than judging convenience by distance alone.
Staying Near Leonard Wood Road & Teachers Camp
Recommended Hotels
Leonard Wood Pines Hotel
Leonard Wood Pines Hotel sits along Leonard Wood Road, a useful location for visiting Baguio Botanical Garden and other attractions on the eastern side of the city. It also offers an alternative to staying in the busier downtown area.
Sotogrande Hotel Baguio
A swimming pool, fitness facilities, and an on-site restaurant give Sotogrande Hotel a more full-service feel. Near Teachers Camp, it’s a good option for visitors who want hotel amenities while exploring downtown Baguio and the city’s eastern attractions.
Leonard Wood Road and the area around Teachers Camp offer another accommodation option between downtown Baguio and the city’s eastern attractions. Hotels and guesthouses here can be convenient for visiting the Baguio Botanical Garden, Wright Park, and The Mansion.
Unlike more secluded mountainside neighborhoods, some properties along Leonard Wood Road are also relatively close to Session Road and SM City Baguio. This makes the area worth considering if you want access to both downtown and eastern Baguio without staying right in the city center.
The main thing to check is the hotel’s exact location. Some properties are within walking distance of central attractions, while others are more convenient by jeepney or taxi.
Before You Book
Before booking a hotel or vacation rental in Baguio, look beyond the photos and nightly rate. A few practical details can make a big difference to your stay.
Location and access: Check the property’s actual entrance and walking route, especially if you’re staying on a hillside. Some accommodations have steep approaches or stairs, while others offer direct road access. If you’re traveling with luggage, young children, or anyone with limited mobility, this matters.
Transport and parking: If you won’t have a car, check how easily you can catch a jeepney, taxi, or Grab ride. If you’re driving, confirm parking is available and whether it costs extra.
Room facilities: Check recent reviews for hot water, Wi-Fi reliability, ventilation, and noise. Baguio’s cooler weather also makes it worth checking what bedding is provided and whether the room has suitable heating, if that’s important to you.
Booking conditions: Review cancellation rules, extra-person charges, check-in arrangements, and any additional cleaning or service fees before paying. This is particularly important for private vacation rentals, where arrangements can differ from hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Baguio for first-time visitors?
Session Road and Burnham Park are the most practical choices, with restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby.
Where should I stay in Baguio without a car?
Stay near Session Road or Burnham Park. Both offer convenient access to shops, restaurants, and public transport.
Is Camp John Hay a good place to stay in Baguio?
Yes, if you prefer trees, open spaces, and a quieter setting. You’ll need a taxi, Grab, or your own vehicle to visit downtown.
Is it better to stay near Session Road or Burnham Park?
Choose Session Road for shopping and restaurants, or Burnham Park for easy access to the park. Both are convenient downtown bases.
It’s a Wrap
For most visitors who want a convenient base, I’d start by looking at accommodation around Session Road or Burnham Park. Both make it easier to explore central Baguio without relying on transport for every outing.
Camp John Hay is worth considering if you’d rather spend more time among trees and open spaces. Eastern Baguio, including the Mines View area, can also appeal if you prefer residential surroundings and don’t mind planning your trips into town.
Ultimately, the best place to stay depends on how you plan to spend your time in Baguio. Choose the area first, then compare individual properties for location, access, facilities, and overall value.
