Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is a striking deluxe accommodation in Ilocos Norte. Located in the center of Laoag City, this 5-star resort is 10 minutes away from the airport. Its look is very unique yet carries the characteristics of Ilocano architecture- in fact, it is a combination of Spanish villas and local designs. It is a big strucutre of beautiful red bricks.

Fort Ilocandia also has somewhat an interesting history. This hotel was built to house the guests for the wedding of then presidential daughter Irene Marcos to Greggy Araneta. It was said, that intensive pressure was placed to finish the hotel before the wedding. Here, guests entertained themselves before, during and even after the wedding.

Until now, the resort still upholds its connection with the Marcoses. In the walls close to the main lobby, many framed photographs are placed showing the First Couple ( Imelda and Ferdinand) meeting with some of the most powerful politicians and even royalties.  What caught my fancy was their photograph with Cuban leader, Fidel Castro.

Now, it is an luxurious accommodation that also caters guests coming from China, Macau and Taiwan for its casino. There are many direct flights from these places to Laoag International Airport ( which was also built for the wedding of Irene..whew!) I’ve been researching who owns this hotel now.  I thought this was a government-owned hotel and now privatize to Chinese businessmen. Anyone who knows who owns Fort Ilocandia?

This warm and cozy resort in Laoag is complete with many amenities to cater to the needs of its guests. Built in a 77 hectare property, there are plenty of things and activities to do aside from gambling in its casino. It is close to some sand dunes and has a 2 kilometer beach. When we went there, we saw a kiddie activity park which is located in front of the resort – glad it is not just for gambling people.

I’ve read in some blogs that Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is not as open to the public as before. Before, people can swim in its beach without staying in the resort and can freely take photos of the property. During our trip, we were allowed to explore the resort but of course not everything. I didn’t know that you can’t just go there and have some tour but no security called our attention..thanks anyway!

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