This is from a few years ago, but I believe my thoughts would still hold true today. Having lived in La Union for seven months last year, we’ve had our fair share of checking out the different accommodations in the area. But to give some context, most of our vacations are always with dogs. It’s rare for us to go to a destination that’s not pet-friendly, but I’d say this one was an exception since it was for my sister’s birthday. It was an overnight stay at a pet hotel, so we decided to indulge her. After a 4-hour drive to La Union, we finally arrived, so let me tell you about where we stayed.
Parking in La Union in general is a pain. Even after living there for a while, we still find it a hassle sometimes because parking is just limited, even with dedicated lots already available. Fortunately, when we arrived at Fatwave, they had enough parking. I wouldn’t say it’s a ton, given the size of the resort, but it was definitely enough for the number of guests they can accommodate. For those who aren’t checking in but still want to dine at their restaurant, though, I wouldn’t count on there being space. But that’s a whole other issue I’ll get into later.
THE PLACE
I’m not an expert on architecture, so I can’t say how accurate my description is, but stepping into the place, it felt like a mix of Moroccan and Greek styles. We ended up sharing rooms due to availability, but it was more than fine because the rooms were spacious and aesthetically pleasing. The decor wasn’t just for show—everything was functional. There was plenty of space for our luggage, and the bathroom was not only pretty but also had room for all our stuff.
Fatwave also had its own restaurant and bar. The restaurant patio would turn into a dance floor at night with a DJ, and there was a nifty cocktail bar off to the side. We enjoyed the energy of the place because of that, but I will say it can get a little loud at night, even with the curfew they impose for checked-in guests. My parents weren’t as bothered by it since their room was toward the back of the resort, far from the restaurant.
THE RESTAURANT
One of the perks of checking into a place with a restaurant is knowing you’ll never go hungry. When we arrived, they handed us a sheet with breakfast options for the next day. Plus, they gave us welcome drinks right away! The drink selection was pretty extensive, and the food wasn’t just visually appealing—it tasted great too. We visited in August, so it was pouring rain, which made it super convenient to just have dinner there as well.
The portion sizes were another thing to note—definitely generous. We even checked out the dance floor before it started raining and eventually ended up by the bar to grab drinks with some friends. The drinks were reasonably priced, and the bartender was nice enough to give us free shots!
Since the place is also located towards the central area of La Union, restaurants are a plenty. Aside from the in-house restaurant, some other nearby locations you may want to try food-wise if you ever visit on of these days.
1. AMARE LA CUCINA – They used to be inside a hotel but have since moved to a bigger spot that’s still fairly close to Fatwave. If you're a fan of pugon-baked pizza, you’ll love this place. The thin crust and rich fillings are cooked to perfection and will definitely leave you wanting more
2. NAKNAK EATERY – This one’s a bit more on the local side, but if you’re into discovering regional cuisine, it’s a must-try. From what I’ve observed during our time there, La Union’s food scene really likes to feature goat meat and incorporate a bit of bitterness. If you go, you have to try their Papaitan. They have a lot of other local dishes, but that one tops my list.
3. UBE MAMA – If you find yourself in the area during the hotter months, there's a hidden Ube Mama store just above El Union. The ice cream is a bit on the pricier side and definitely sweeter, but somehow, my husband and I always end up there when we're craving something sweet. The mix of pinipig, glutinous rice balls, and ice cream creates the perfect dessert.
4. KERMIT – Another crowd favorite, and trust me, it’s not overrated. They make some of the best pizza and serve up delicious cocktails. I love dining here because it’s pet-friendly, and the location gives you an awesome view of the beach.
For now, ciao and see you next time!
I can’t even begin to describe the joy I felt living in La Union for more than half a year. Sharing this trip from a few years ago just makes me miss it even more. I’ll definitely share more of our adventures from that time, along with a compilation of other restaurants we tried while we were there.
For now, ciao and see you next time!