Hotel Alejandro: A Colorful Past Within Its Walls

They say history can be told through walls. Indeed if the walls of Hotel Alejandro can speak, it will unravel a fascinating era reminiscent of a bygone World War 2 affair. Located along P. Paterno Street, Tacloban City, Hotel Alejandro is one hotel that boasts of a storied past dating many decades of pre and post war days. What I loved about this hotel is that it is history in itself, with a self-preserved memorabilia and a rare World War 2 photo collection. However, don’t misconstrued me as saying that this is an antique building because since then it has been renovated to suite the modern preferences of today’s cosmopolitan traveler. The owners, Dr. and Mrs. Alejandro Montejo, initiated the construction of their now ancestral house in 1931 towards its completion in 1932. Their abode was also a popular venue for luncheons and dinner parties attended by USAFFE military officers. It was, in fact, a place of gathering for the city’s social elite.

When hostilities broke out in 42’, the house served as quarters to displaced families. With an eminent shortage in housing during the liberation of 44’, the Montejos eventually opened their doors to the evacuees until it became a room per family accommodation arrangements. It was the beginning of a concept for a future hotel business that would stand out as among the best in the city. Upon the passing of the great and late Dr. Alejandro Montejo, his heirs renamed the hotel in his honor.

While it is classic in design, its interior is characterized by a modern touch to it and has a total of 4 executives suites, 25 standard and 36 deluxe rooms. It stands as a sturdy 5-story structure with a roofdeck serving as a functional penthouse for private parties that can accommodate up to 200 guests.

It has two other grand function halls, the Commonwealth Hall, that can seat 250 person and the Liberation Room designed to cater to 50 - 100 persons.

At the ground floor is Café Teresa, a popular café serving Filipino, Spanish and American dishes. At times, live singers and musician provide live and soothing music entertainment. A must try is their “pancit”, thin pan simmered noodles sautéed with herbs, meat and spices. On average, however, no fewer than 500 local and foreign tourists visit the hotel which houses a 450 rare photo collection and is open to the public for exhibit. You’ll be able to figure out the look and feel of the war era and the prevalent conditions of the times when Tacloban was so hard up at his feet. Moreover, these original photo collections retrace the visual history of the Liberation for Leyte, Tacloban’s provincial locale. So, the next time you visit Tacloban, Hotel Alejandro will tell you the city's history.