There I was cooling off in the pool, floating and basking in the morning sun. I loved the tranquility of the place, the privacy it was providing, and the fact that I had the pool all to myself. The birds were flying over me as if joining me in this beautiful moment. As I was done, I only had to get out of the pool and take a few steps to my room.
It was a pleasant weekend at the Saltimboca Tourist Inn, located just behind Balay Quince, which houses Calea, and across L’Fisher and Felicias. But not many are aware that within Saltimboca Tourist Inn, there is a sanctuary that can be their home away from home.
It’s not surprising because Saltimboca started as a music bar. According to their manager, Tippi Cuaycong-Jalandoni, from a music bar, they started with about three rooms for rent. Her mother initiated it when she decided to open a pension house, which officially happened in year 2000, and also named it Saltimboca. Jalandoni further shared that Saltimboca is a Brazilian drink that was given by her mother’s friend for the music bar and, coincidentally, also means “abode” in the Amazon.
When I first stepped in Saltimboca Tourist Inn, I instantly felt an affinity to it, as if reminding me of my grandparents’ home and the spacious bungalows in the 70’s and 80’s. There was also a touch of Europe to the design (must be because of the Brazilian or Portuguese influence where the name originated) with Filipino accents that even made it a bit quaint and appealing.
I paid a key deposit of P200 at the reception, which would be returned upon check-out, and followed the bellboy. As I was led to the garden, with the trees and greens and birds chirping at the background, I almost forgot that the main highway, Lacson St., was just a few meters away. A gazebo sits in the middle of the garden while tables and chairs are also found in an open-space roofed area that gives an indoor-outdoor experience.
I walked through a small corridor going to another open area, where the swimming pool was located. Our room was right beside it.
Though Saltimboca Tourist Inn appeared small to me on the onset, I was surprised that there were more beyond the main building. In fact, it houses 50 rooms, including a Presidential Room and a Family Room. Saltimboca Tourist Inn is perfect for family travelers, especially those with children because the kids can roam around the Inn’s grounds and they can play by the pool. I love it that when you stay in their rooms, the door will immediately usher you to the outdoors.
Incidentally, when I picked the date when I will stay at Saltimboca, a friend from Manila, who was also one of my constant traveling companions, was also visiting Bacolod City at that time. We got a standard room D, with twin single beds, which is valued at about P1,500 (approximately US$ 33) per night.
Room prices vary from P500 (US$11.11), for a single room with no air-conditioning unit, to P2,300 (US$ 51.11) for the Presidential and Family Rooms. Apart from the standard rooms, there are also Garden Executive, Deluxe, and Single rooms. If you are traveling as a group, you can share in the expense. If you have an extra person with you, you pay an addition of P150 (US$3.33) a night, while an extra mattress would cost P250 (US$5.50). Children 12 years old and below are free when they room-in with their parents.
Apart from the swimming pool, a Jacuzzi is also available. There is ample parking space, a restaurant, music bar, KTV room, and function rooms. In fact, you can hold a party in its indoor hall or have it at the garden or at the pool area. Security is round the clock and they assure their guests of no brown-outs.
But what makes Saltimboca a good choice where you can stay when you visit Bacolod is its location. It’s right at the heart of the city, near the major thoroughfare, shops, venues and landmarks.
Yet, there I was oblivious of the happenings outside as I floated on the pool. I wasn’t even mindful of time. It was as if the world has come to a standstill. It was a relaxing stay. For two days and a night, I have found a home in Saltimboca.
For inquiries, visit the Facebook page of Saltimboca Tourist Inn or call (+63-34)432-3617 or 432-3179 or e-mail [email protected]. The inn is located at 15th-Lacson Sts., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.