Located within the heritage town of Taal in Batangas province, Paradores del Castillo is a living remnant of the Philippines' Spanish colonial history. Paradores del Castillo is a lovingly restored heritage hotel built in the early 1900s by Dr. Hermenegildo “Didong” del Castillo and his wife Leonor Sánchez. For many years, the home served as the residence of the del Castillo family, with renovations being done in the 1930s and 1950s by succeeding heirs and tenants. The house fell into disuse and partial occupancy in the late 20th century, most likely when families moved abroad or to the capital, Manila, for better employment opportunities.

The building was later acquired in August 2009 by Ernesto “Ernie” Fajardo Villavicencio, a heritage conservationist. Villavicenio and his wife Ria also undertook the renovation of Casa Villavicencio, another heritage house in Taal, before turning it into an accommodation. The original del Castillo residence was cleaned up and used as storage for materials used in other home restoration projects. Recognizing its potential and historical value, Villavicencio began an extensive restoration project to preserve its original features while adapting it for modern hospitality.

Paradores del Castillo was opened in 2015, with its name being inspired by the Spanish word “parador”, meaning a place to stop or rest. Combined with the "del Castillo" from the original owners, the hotel's name translates to "stop at the castle," a nod to the family’s surname and the grandeur of the home itself.

Originally built in the 1900s, Paradores del Castillo is an example of the traditional bahay na bato, or stone house, which was a common building type during the Spanish colonial period of the Phiippines. It uses stone and brick materials, and follows the traditional architecture of the bahay kubo (nipa hut), but built with more sturdy materials to withstand storms and earthquakes.

Paradores del Castillo was Villavicencio's fifth restoration project in Taal, and his team, composed of architects, engineers, crasftsmen, and construction crew, used modern solutions while preserving its original structure. Its blue-and-white color palette was retained in respect to Bianca del Castillo and her husband, Indito Ilagan, who was a ship captain.

The transformation included several architectural updates, including the addition of beams and the replacement of columns, which withered over time. Existing capiz (shell) windows and scroll-designed grilles were replicated, while old shutter-type windows were replaced. Original features like glass and capiz windows, wooden lacework transoms, and hardwood posts are seen on the open spaces.

Rooms are furnished with antique hardwood four-poster beds and sleigh beds topped with comfortable bed linen. Capiz windows bring in diffused light, while striped curtains add relaxing tones to the overall ambiance of the room.

Paradores del Castillo’s on-site dining is centered around its signature restaurant, Cucina de Jardin, serving a fusion of Filipino and Italian delights. Meals are served in the al fresco dining areas where guests can catch breathtaking sunset views over Taal and nearby towns.

At Cucina de Jardin, guests can expect staple Filipino chicken, beef, and pork-based dishes, along with Taal specialties like tapa (thinly sliced meat marinated and cured with spices) or adobong dilaw, the town's take on the Filipino classic adobo. Italian dishes include pasta, salad, and pizza using homemade tomato sauce.

Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Meal offerings include Filipino breakfast dishes like fish, pork, or beef with egg and garlic fried rice. Cucina de Jardin also offers an American breakfast, comprising toasted bread with jam, eggs, bacon, fruits in season, and unlimited coffee or tea.

Serving hours: 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Paradores del Castillo offers more than just a lovely stay—it’s an immersive journey into Philippine colonial heritage. Modern facilities include an outdoor pool and rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the garden and nearby towns, while there's a small corner of the hotel turned into a display of vintage figurines, glassware, and miniature scale models of wooden furniture.

Outside the property, the charming town of Taal offers plenty of immersive activities and interesting sights. Guests may inquire at the hotel lobby for walking tours or classes on local culture to know more about its rich heritage. Taal itself is famous for its narrow streets lined with ancestral houses, some transformed into historic stays, while others serve as commercial establishments and museums. Some popular tourist destinations include the majestic Taal Basilica and Casa Villavicencio, another heritage house restored by Villavicencio years prior. For art and history enthusiasts, Galleria Taal Museum and Marcella Agoncillo Museum are must-visit places.