Old Parola Seaside Cottages

Old Parola Seaside Cottages

Adjacent to Baler Lighthouse Barangay Sabang, Baler, Luzon 3200 Philippines
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Avg. ₱1,833 /night, 3/16 - 3/17
₱1,833
per night
₱1,461
per night
₱1,088
per night

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About

#1 of 6 inns in Baler
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.7 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
"Old Parola Seaside Cottages" is a family-run beachfront inn and restaurant on Sabang Beach, right next to Baler's oldest lighthouse. It features 6 air-conditioned cottages with en suite toilet and shower good for 2 persons, 2 fambam fan rooms with en suite toilet each of which can accommodate 10 persons, and a barkada fan room ideal for groups of up to 15 persons. "The Shack," the in-house restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and offers a special menu for vegetarians.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Restaurant
Beach
Bicycle rental
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
BBQ facilities
Secured parking
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Hiking
Convenience store
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Room features
Room service
Bottled water
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
2.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Filipino, Hindi

Location

Adjacent to Baler Lighthouse Barangay Sabang, Baler, Luzon 3200 Philippines
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 63 out of 100
63
Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport
150.9 km
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Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
@1989 wrote a review Jan 2025
Manila, Philippines
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Cottages were a bit worn out, the aircon frame kept falling because it was only taped on the wall. There was no heater. There were several huge cockroaches in the room and a few lizards. Towels were old and had a few stains and tears. The staffs were friendly and the intenet connection was okay. The food was delicious but the place needs more renovation and cleaning.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Always bring cash
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crawlingken wrote a review May 2016
Manila, Philippines
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nowadays there are mostly two kinds of business, Local or commercial. Whatever opinion I share might differ from others. I do believe in supporting the local community and the welfare of a prosperous and healthy tourism but unfortunately its not always that simple.
One way I choose is by testing the professionalism of the hotel staff, by inquiring availability or certain request and wait for their response. One of the most popular hotels in Baler couldnt handle a simple booking, but when I sent an inquiry to Old Parola, I got a straight answer within 10 minutes, and from there on I had a pretty good feeling that I made the right connection.
They have never let us down and never questioned our needs during our stay, by always showing flexibility and helping out to make our stay pleasant. The Gonzales family owned resort and restaurant run by Lorlin and her husband Everest are the most warm and hospitable hosts I could have wished for, and Lorlins parents are so helpful, her father Jessie even taking time to take us on a boat ride up the river, to show me some personal interesting sights.
A vital important factor of choice also heavily depended on the accessibility to a restaurant, and when I realized that Everest was a trained and skilled chef, dishing up South Indian cuisine, I knew that it was guaranteed one of the best restaurants in Baler.
Bear in mind that this is not a hotel with hot water and satellite television, swimming pool and sunbeds, but a small and cosy, simple and tranquil resort, in front of the beach.
It`s a get together, blissful and suave atmosphere, and it was a great choice for us to stay here. We made some new friends.........
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Date of stay: May 2016
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from OldParolaBaler, General Manager at Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Responded May 22, 2016
Hi Kenneth! Great to know you were able to reach home safe and sound. It was a joy playing host to someone who has deep passion for travel and genuine curiosity for the places he visits. Thank you for giving our family the opportunity to show you around our humble little town. :)
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Sen C wrote a review Feb 2015
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is our first trip to Baler and we were just a walk in guest since we did not like the place that we've reserved. We met Lorline showed us the nipa hut room...seems so small but we checked in anyway as the place looks decent and she is very friendly and accommodating.Well it was indeed a good choice since we love to eat good food and the owners are both chef! Yehey!!!Lorline cooked our Filipino meals while her husband Evarist prepared authentic Indian cuisine at The Shack(their resto).It was a delight in every meal as we shared stories everytime with the owners/chef and their cute daughter Sola😊I highly recommend this place and we will definitely stay here again when we travel to Baler👍👍👍👍
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from OldParolaBaler, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Responded Feb 27, 2015
Many thanks for taking time to review our place! We're very happy that you had come across us and even happier that you had a pleasant stay. We are looking forward to your next visit! - Everest, Lor and the rest of our team at Old Parola/The Shack 😀
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mary ann j wrote a review Jan 2020
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Old Parola is a huge mistake and gave worst experience!
Our travel date was December 28 and we made our booking through their Facebook page as early as December 11, did the deposit and got the confirmation. On our arrival date, we arrived Baler around 9pm from 11 hour travel from Manila so imagine the longingness to rest our bodies to bed. To our horror, the help (not sure if i can call her receptionist) told us they had some error and all rooms are booked!! The owner would not talk to us but i insisted that she at least face us and remedy the situation. She offered to transfer us to their "other" room for a night and we can move to our reserved room the following day upon other guests check out. To our dismay, they wanted us to sleep to an old, dirty room with no aircon, no bed frame just mattress and no own restroom!! Of course we did not agree so they looked for an available room to the transient house nearby and we were left with no choice. The help even forgot to give us the key of that "temporary" room!
The next day we moved to our original room and i cannot say anything good about their room - the sheets were dirty (i even had bug bite the following day as huge as my palm), the towels were so old it even had patch to cover the hole on it, there was no water for hours and no tissue paper!
Location? Nah! though it is beach front, the surfing and swimming area is still 200 meters away.
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Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nostromo wrote a review Mar 2018
London, United Kingdom
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I booked and paid for this place in advance through Expedia. I was aware that the establishment had a non-refundable policy. I did not consider it important - after all - the reviews did not give me cause for concern. I did not know any better - but I do now! Never, ever, have I encountered a more disgusting, dirty, smelly hostelry whether hotel, resort, bed and breakfast, or in this case beachside cottages.

This establishment is a blot on the landscape of Baler. I arrived but I did not stay. The stench was nauseating. The parking area is next to their restaurant, which is nothing more than a wooden hut. Next to it was rotting drying fish under a washing line of hanging clothes in an adjacent property. How anyone could be expected to eat in it is an anathema. For the record it has a predominantly Indian menu.

Such was the overwhelming foul odour that I was unable to communicate with a member of staff. In truth I could only return to my vehicle having remarked that I felt I was nauseated. Indeed the smell was so pervasive that it took a good shower to shake it off.

I left, gladly. But I did make observations. Their beach area is unkempt and uninviting. As for the lighthouse - that’s merely a distressed carbuncle of concrete with a small bulb on the top. It’s no higher than 20ft and nothing more than a folly - the Parola (Tagalog for lighthouse) which gives this disgusting accommodation it’s name.

I did not stay. I did not seek recompense. I swallowed my losses - about £50. I have not made any claim since. I was just happy to escape and go elsewhere. To Somewhere cleaner and much more decent. It cost me much more but when you’ve been to hell, everywhere else is heaven and worth paying extra.
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from OldParolaBaler, Manager at Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Responded Mar 16, 2018
Dear Mr Brownlee: Despite the less than favorable circumstances, we are glad to find you here and hear your side. I was on the second floor of our new building when your party arrived and by the time I came down to welcome you as I normally would our guests, you had already taken off. I could have explained to you that the ‘overwhelming foul odour’ came from ‘daing,’ a Philippine breakfast staple that local fisherfolk make to augment their income at certain times of the year. As a family that has roots in this humble fishing community, we are not about to deprive our neighbors of their livelihood nor alter the local culture in the name of business. I could have also shared with you the story of the ‘distressed carbuncle of concrete with a small bulb on the top’ (a folly’ as you have described it) because not a lot of tourists are made aware of its historical value and benefit to the local community. This modest facility has been guiding sea vessels since the Commonwealth period and had been the only known lighthouse to the locals until the construction of a new one recently. Perhaps, too, had you stayed a bit longer and gotten to know our place better, the initial culture shock would have given way to a more sober description of our place than ‘appalling,’ or ‘disgusting, dirty, smelly’ or ‘unkempt, uninviting’ and again, ‘disgusting.’ Your comments came as a surprise to us because despite having gone through other guest reviews, you seem to have come to Old Parola with a set of expectations totally different from our previous guests.’ I say this because prior to this review, we were ranked #5 in Baler with an average 4 stars. Sure, we’ve had our fair share of less than flattering reviews, but nothing comes close to how lowly you think of us. This, even if we didn’t get the chance to talk to you nor host you for the night. With regards to your payment, we are letting you know that any amount paid through Expedia doesn’t go straight to us. The money stays with them and is only remitted to us at the end of each month. Therefore, any matter related to payment should be dealt with Expedia. The mismatch was unfortunate but we nevertheless hope that you had a great time in Baler. Lorline Gonzales-Pereira Old Parola Seaside Cottages/The Shack by Old Parola
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MorwennaJones wrote a review May 2018
Cambridge, United Kingdom
3.0 of 5 bubbles
My partner and I booked a room here for our first visit to Baler and, overall, given the price, we had a good stay.
The air-conditioning in our room worked and so did the wifi. Our room was also clean, as was the bathroom. The location is literally right on the beach and there are foamie boards you can borrow which are perfect for beginners (more experienced surfers may want to rent from in town) and most of the staff are very friendly; my partner enjoyed talking to them about surfing!
Our only recommendations to visitors would be that the cottages are at the less buzzy end of town. We liked this as it meant it was nice and quiet, and we didn't mind a long walk to the restaurants in town. We also had no idea that the cottages had a restaurant until we saw it when booking.com asked us to review it! We'd love to have tried the food here, but it wasn't advertised to us!
Overall, this place was good value for money, although I think if we visited again my partner and I would possible try stay somewhere more central.
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Date of stay: May 2018
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Room by the sea gets a nice sea breeze
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
desolate_tigress wrote a review Apr 2015
George Town, Grand Cayman
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Hubby and I stayed here for 3 days and two nights over the weekend. It was actually a re-booked reservations since our first reservation did not push through because of a typhoon wherein tourists were actually not anymore allowed by the local government entry to Baler as they were anticipating for the typhoon.

Anyway, reservation was very smooth except for minor glitches with the bank clarifications but the daughter of the owners was very kind enough to correct it and from there no further problems came our way.

Cottages for couples are very intimate. Some may find it a bit cramped inside but for those who are so used to travelling, it will not be an issue because it's clean and there is an ensuite toilet and bathroom.

The entire resort is very quiet and has a very good strategic location. It is a bit distant from the madenning crowds who prefer to book at other so-called "more popular" hotels. Luckily, my hubby and I did not even bother to book on those well promoted hotels. It was a jackpot that we chose to stay at Old Parola. We didn't have to literally brush elbows with other guests once at the seashore and even when we both decided to play with the waves.

Food being served at their adjacent restaurant is a combination of Indian and Filipino food. My hubby and I preferred to have an Indian feast since we have been missing it already. The Shack (name of the restaurant) did not disappoint us. Superb Indian food, very mild to the Filipino palate and we just love their Masala Tea, Vegetable Pulao, Ox Tongue Fry, and the Tandoori Chicken...

Will definitely keep coming back to this place.
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Date of stay: April 2015
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: the couple room is really just meant for two people so if you are more than two, please do not...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from OldParolaBaler, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Responded Apr 28, 2015
Hi desolate_tigress (we're keeping your name hidden :)) we're very happy that you've found us and you gave Baler a second chance after the typhoon. It caught us by suprise too and we really appreciate that our guests were very forgiving. And many thanks too for mentioning The Shack, Chef Everest and the team says hello! Hope to see you again very soon! :)
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Rdyu64 wrote a review Jan 2019
Makati, Philippines
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Location is good for people who wants a nice area where there are few people around. The rooms are a small, just enough for two people. They do not have hot shower. They have an Indian restaurant but only a few items on the menu.
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Date of stay: December 2018
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yowni wrote a review Nov 2015
Manila, Philippines
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Pros:
- The property is very close to the beach. You can even hear the sound of the waves from your cottage.
- They have an outdoor shower near the gate close to the beach where you can wash-off the sand before entering your room.
- Room, toilet and the veranda are clean and properly illuminated. Aircon is working okay, and I don't see (or felt) any mosquitos around.
- Their staff are friendly. From reservations, to check-in and check-out. They even let us use their grilling table being used in their restaurant.

Cons:
- Poor water supply. We occupy three rooms and each has its own toilet. But we had to take turns when taking a bath because whenever the faucets from each toilet are simultaneously on, water supply becomes very very poor that we had to wait for a few minutes just to fill-up one dipper.
- Rooms are a bit small. The bed, which is good for two, is actually just a bit larger than a single-occupancy bed. It feels like we're trapped in a box when both the door and the windows are closed. Not recommended for a claustrophobic.
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Date of stay: May 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from OldParolaBaler, Manager at Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Responded Dec 4, 2015
Hi Yowni! We greatly appreciate your feedback, thanks for the kind words. As for your concern regarding the water supply, we have relayed your comment to our maintenance team. It could be a one-off glitch because we have a tank and an electric pump to ensure uninterrupted water supply. Our apologies for the inconvenience, we will make sure that the same thing doesn't happen again on your next visit. :)
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GioRamos wrote a review Jun 2019
Pasig, Philippines
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you want simply the basics, then this is the place for you. Those who would prefer a more modern way of life should look elsewhere, as Old Parola would like you to enjoy and savour idyllic Baler at its most pristine.

The staff have been consistently friendly and accommodating; the place is well-kept. Lor, the generous owner, is still passionate with her love of Baler; while Olaf the Dog still cuddles with you whenever he's not busy roaming around.

This is my third visit with them. My fourth will be soon, definitely. :-)
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Date of stay: June 2019
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: I love Cottage 6; the windows, when opened, provide a good view of the beach.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gee789 asked a question Jun 2015
Batac, Philippines
do you have a contact number that i can call for inquiries?
Answer from OldParolaBaler
Baler, Philippines1 contribution
Hi Gee789, We are always online for your queries. Chat with us on FB Messenger. Facebook ID: info.oldparolabaler. You may also send an SMS to 09296112607 during work hours. Thanks for considering us. Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Answer from OldParolaBaler
Baler, Philippines1 contribution
Hi Ru, Thanks for considering us. Please send us a message on FB (info.oldparolabaler) so we can discuss the details of your trip real-time. Caesar
Answer from OldParolaBaler
Baler, Philippines1 contribution
Hi, thanks for considering us, may we have your email address so we can send you our info kit?
@1989 wrote a tip Jan 2025
Manila, Philippines213 contributions1 helpful vote
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Always bring cash"
Read full review
GioRamos wrote a tip Jun 2019
Pasig, Philippines85 contributions29 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"I love Cottage 6; the windows, when opened, provide a good view of the beach."
Read full review
MorwennaJones wrote a tip May 2018
Cambridge, United Kingdom14 contributions18 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room by the sea gets a nice sea breeze"
Read full review
GioRamos wrote a tip Dec 2017
Pasig, Philippines85 contributions29 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The hammocks are a big draw!! I wasn't able t try it on because they are lovingly used by the other guests!! :-)"
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Keith M wrote a tip Jan 2017
5 contributions3 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"ask about hot water, wifi"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Baler area.
PRICE RANGE
₱917 - ₱1,833 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PhilippinesLuzonCentral Luzon RegionAurora ProvinceBaler
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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OLD PAROLA SEASIDE COTTAGES - UPDATED 2025 Inn Reviews & Price Comparison (Baler, Philippines) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Old Parola Seaside Cottages
Which popular attractions are close to Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
Nearby attractions include Sabang Beach (0.6 km), Baler Catholic Church (1.0 km), and Museum de Baler (1.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
Conveniently located restaurants include Gerry Shan's Place, Kusina Luntian, and Dialyn's Bakeshop.
Are pets allowed at Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Filipino.
Are there any historical sites close to Old Parola Seaside Cottages?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Quezon's Resthouse (1.0 km).
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