This bed-and-breakfast in Pampanga honors its industrial past through innovative design
by Nicole Cruz
Tucked away in the district of Betis, Pampanga is a quaint resort-inspired place called The Venta Suites with an intriguing history. The 2000-meter spot was once a wood kiln facility run by the Bituin family who relocated their furniture business’s operations after Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991.
The pandemic motivated Lieza Bituin, the youngest child of the company’s founders, to transform the old lot into a boutique hotel to diversify their business and contribute to the region’s local tourism sector. Now, the modernized compound boasts of refreshing spatial design that pays homage to its industrial past.
The hotel’s private suites are called ‘chambers’ as a reference to its former purpose in the wood kiln facility. All chambers have a bedroom, dining area, and indoor pool, with every nook carefully curated to be both visually pleasing and comfortable. Chambers 1 and 2 can accommodate three guests while Chambers 3 and 4 can fit six guests each.
Many elements that add character to the space are actually from the original facility. Old fans that were used in the process of wood kiln-drying now form the tall entryway to the compound. (Hence the name Venta, which is from the Spanish word ‘ventilador’ but ‘venta’ is also Spanish for ‘countryside inn.’)
Inside the chambers, one can find furniture and decor made from repurposed items, such as a wood-paneled headboard and old woodworking machines turned into console tables. Heating coils sway from the patio ceiling, while mirror frame prototypes bring old-world glamor to bare walls.
Aside from the wonder of breathing new life into almost-forgotten objects, what makes the hotel vibrant is its combination of industrial and tropical aesthetics–all while putting the spotlight on local craftsmanship.
The rustic bedrooms in Chambers 1 and 2 lead to Marrakech-inspired private lounge areas with colorful mosaic tiles. Some chambers have macrame swings, and every room is brimming with antique furniture and artwork. What lends local flavor though are the pieces crafted by artisans from different provinces, such as wooden mirrors, seashell chandeliers, and intricately carved chairs that are a nod to Betis’ wood carving heritage.
As a getaway place, Venta Suites also embraces the tranquility of nature by seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors. Each chamber has its own private deck. There is also a public deck where guests can enjoy the hotel’s specialty breakfast or simply lounge with a view of the picturesque pond. Bikes can also be borrowed for those who’d like to squeeze in some physical activity.
The Venta Suites isn’t just an Instagrammable vacation spot but a landmark rich in Filipino innovation and the region’s woodworking heritage.
For bookings or inquiries, contact The Venta Suites on Instagram or Facebook.
