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A Place Named After Its Address

How a family property at #180 Carlatan became La Union's most warmly regarded homestay.

Tita Malou and Tito Tom, the hosts of Location One Eighty
How It Began

The Family Behind the Address

The property has always been #180 on Carlatan's main road — the number was never chosen for effect; it was simply the address. But when the family decided to open their doors to guests, they realized the name had a second meaning built in. A "one-eighty" is a complete reversal, a turning point. That is exactly what a proper rest in La Union can be: a 180-degree shift from whatever you were carrying when you arrived.

Tita Malou and Tito Tom, the parents, have been the welcoming constants at the property since the beginning. Their son Jeff handles much of the day-to-day operations and has helped evolve the homestay into a full community hub — one that has hosted corporate team outings from Manila, weekend surfers chasing the Urbiztondo breaks, remote workers on monthlong stays, and families celebrating milestones from christenings to 85th birthdays.

The location's DNA has always been simple: honest rooms, free breakfast, a safe beach three minutes on foot, covered parking, and hosts who treat every check-in like a guest returning, not arriving. That combination — practical and personal in equal measure — is what has kept guests coming back and what drives the 9.9 out of 10 rating the property consistently earns on third-party platforms.

How We Think

Three Convictions We Don't Compromise On

A Home, Not a Hotel

The rooms are designed for real rest: private, clean, air-conditioned, and free of the impersonal polish of a chain property. There are plants outside your window, a garden to sit in, and a family around you. Guests leave saying it felt lived-in — which is the highest compliment this place knows.

Community Is Part of the Offer

Location One Eighty has co-hosted surf season gatherings, served as a venue for the DAYO Community Flea Market, and welcomed local artists to paint murals on the walls. The property is not isolated from San Fernando's creative scene — it is embedded in it. Staying here means you are briefly part of that.

La Union Should Be Accessible

The beach, the surf, the sunsets — these should not require a luxury budget to experience. Location One Eighty exists to make a genuine La Union stay possible for anyone who wants one: solo travelers, group of friends splitting a floor, families needing space, remote workers needing reliable WiFi and a quiet desk. The welcome is the same for all of them.

What Drives Us

Five Values at the Root of Everything

01

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest is treated as a member of an extended family — not a transaction, but a relationship that begins the moment a booking is confirmed.

02

Accessibility to Nature

The beach, the garden, the sunrise, the coastal breeze — these are not amenities reserved for premium rooms. They are the baseline of every stay.

03

Community Rootedness

The property actively supports local artists, participates in surf season events, and serves as a gathering point for La Union's creative and outdoor communities.

04

Pet-Inclusive Spaces

Dogs and cats are always welcome at no extra charge. The garden and backyard are designed to be as comfortable for traveling pets as for their owners.

05

Transparency and Simplicity

No hidden charges. No complicated rules. Just an address, a free breakfast, clean rooms, and a family that is genuinely glad you chose to spend a few nights here.

The Journey

Milestones Along the Way

2019

Doors Open at #180 Carlatan

Location One Eighty opens as a family-run homestay in Carlatan, San Fernando, with the beach three minutes on foot from the property gate. The first rooms welcome their first guests through Airbnb and word-of-mouth.

2020

DOT Accreditation & TARANA Registration

The property officially registers with the Department of Tourism and TARANA, formalizing its status as a legitimate accommodation provider in the Ilocos Region — a commitment to standards that continues to guide every booking.

2022

Surfbreak Season Hub

Location One Eighty becomes a go-to base for Surfbreak 2022, hosting surfers, photographers, and community members during La Union's annual surf season gathering. The property's proximity to Urbiztondo and its laid-back atmosphere make it a natural fit.

2023

DAYO Community Flea Market & Cafe Launch

The property co-hosts the first DAYO Community Flea Market in October 2023, drawing local vendors and the creative community to the Carlatan grounds. The sister brand @locationoneeightycafe also launches, extending the property's food and beverage offering.

2024–2025

Consistent Recognition

Location One Eighty earns an "Excellent" 8.8 rating on Booking.com and a near-perfect 9.9 out of 10 on Trip.com, with reviewers consistently citing cleanliness, location, and the family's warmth as standout qualities.

2,019

Instagram Followers

Since 2019

Welcoming Guests

7

Rooms Across 2 Floors

633+

Facebook Check-ins

Sunset from the backyard of Location One Eighty
Ready to Visit?

Come and See What We Mean

Words and photos only go so far. The morning garden, the sound of the sea from the back of the property, the breakfast on a real plate — these are things you have to be here to understand.

Browse the rooms and services, then reach out whenever you are ready. There is always a place at #180 Carlatan for guests who want their La Union stay to feel genuinely like home.