Despite its status as the capital of Lanao del Sur, Marawi City was perceived as a hick town for travelers. There wasn’t much to visit except for Lake Lanao and the Grand Mosque if you’re a Muslim.
For accommodations, most travelers would rather book a hotel in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, or Cagayan de Oro, than spend their room nights in Marawi City. Politicians slept at the city hall.
Barely two years old, The Ridge Hotel aims to provide a solution to the dearth of decent accommodations in Marawi. Most of the hotels were fusty and lacked drawing power.
Located on Sagonsongan Diversion Road near the capital city’s entrance, The Ridge faces hilly views and fields of tree tops, interrupted by small homes. On a rainy day, the scene is romanticized by soft veils of fog. Likewise, The Ridge is a 20-minute drive to Ground Zero, the city center pressed down during the Marawi Siege in 2017.
Despite only having 10 rooms, the three-star hotel has been making waves for its modern amenities, function rooms and restaurant.
“We weren’t thinking big. We didn’t expect the demand to be very high. The hotel is always fully booked,” says
Manila-born co-owner and chef patron Paolo Paculan. The Barkada room, a dormitory-style accommodation frequently rented for its space and style, can accommodate 10 to 15 pax per room.
The remarkable four-story building features a magnificent roof deck, which includes a versatile 100-capacity function hall and a sizeable events place that can accommodate up to 500 to 700 people. They have their own in-house events place decorator seasoned at remaking these areas to suit the specific preferences and requirements of each client.
Filipinos accustomed to overdecorated spaces are impressed by the minimalist rooms. The interiors were inspired by the Zen aesthetics of a Japanese hotel, replete with a restrained color scheme and wood elements. The price is reasonable for 12 sqm to 15 sqm rooms — P1,650 for a single room and P3,750 for the suite room.
Continental fare at FirePit Cafe
The hotel’s on-site restaurant, FirePit Cafe, is ably supervised by none other than Paculan himself. This skilled chef has proven to be a valuable addition to the hotel, bringing with him experience from two well-known Manila-based airline catering companies, as well as from working in two luxurious hotels in Dubai, namely the Burj al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Having received an invitation from his in-laws, Paculan made his way to Marawi, where he played a vital role in establishing the Ridge Hotel and subsequently assumed the position of executive chef for its restaurant.
The FirePit Café has been introducing a wide range of Continental cuisine including steaks and plates of seafood. They present their food as if art meets culinary distinction. Their juicy signature Tomahawk steak is a flavorful treat meticulously prepared and grilled to perfection. The breakfast fare consists of quiche, tapa, tocino, daing na bangus and danggit. Unlike other establishments, FirePit can accommodate special requests for guests with dietary requirements.
Having worked in deluxe hotels in Dubai, Paculan thoroughly trained the staff in basic customer service and customer etiquette. The housekeeping staffers had previous hotel experience. One of the front desk personnel worked in Malaysia. Most of the employees learned on the job, says Paculan.
Upscale guests
The Ridge is consistently bustling, not only because it is the newest establishment in town but also because VIPs find their stay at the place to be in their best interest. For instance, during the May 2022 elections, Firepit Cafe had the honor of serving prominent politicians such as VP Leni, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Robin Padilla and their respective entourages.
They also welcomed some esteemed TV and media personalities with open arms like Karen Davila, Side A band, Neocolors, Angel Locsin, Luke Mijares and Anjo Yllana, to name but a few.
“Having people from different aspects of the political and entertainment spectrum, we are humbled that Firepit Cafe is being recognized and patronized despite being one of the relatively newer establishments in Marawi City,” says Paculan.
Although The Ridge has been attracting upscale guests, the hotel plans to target the middle-class market. The extension will have a grilling station and the restaurant will offer budget meals.
“The A and B market usually bring an entourage — mostly their security. We have developed value meals such as viand, rice, soup and pancit,” says Paculan.
Recreation in Marawi can be a bit adventurous with the hotel’s outstanding game room for billiards, darts, videoke and the mini gym. Otherwise, guests can literally de-stress in the nippy weather and enjoy the views. Since people sleep early, establishments close at 8 p.m. The symphony of crickets at night provides a diversion.