Date of Stay: 12-13 February, 2011
Location:
Location:
Conveniently located along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway making it accessible even to those who will be arriving via public transportation.
Strategically within walking distance to various restaurants such as the famous Leslie's Restaurant, Yellowcab Pizza, Max's, Antonio's, etc.
Hotel:
Strategically within walking distance to various restaurants such as the famous Leslie's Restaurant, Yellowcab Pizza, Max's, Antonio's, etc.
Hotel:
A 60 room hotel offering standard, superior, deluxe, superior lake view, deluxe lake view, junior suite, 1 bedroom suite, and 2 bedroom suite. Rooms are equipped with 32 inch HDTV, cable channels (limited), mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, complete bathroom amenities (bathtub available only for de luxe lakeview and suite rooms; jacuzzi for the 2 bedroom suite), free wifi (poor signal in the room, need to go to the lobby). All the rooms are non smoking.
Restaurants:
Restaurants:
Two restaurants available: the 24 hr Coffee Shop where the complimentary breakfast is also served and a fine dining Asian Fusion Restaurant.
Published Rates: (as of Feb 2011)
Standard Room PhP5,800 nett /USD128
Superior Room PhP6,500 nett/USD143
Superior Lake View PhP7,200 nett/USD158
Deluxe Room PhP8,000 nett/USD176
Deluxe Lake View PhP8,700 nett/USD191
Junior Suite PhP10,500 nett/USD231
1 Bedroom Suite PhP16,000 nett/USD352
2 Bedroom Suite PhP32,000 nett/USD704
My Experience:
I got off the car while my husband tries to locate a parking slot. This is a 60 room hotel but the parking slot is limited and could probably only accommodate around 30 cars. There was a wedding reception when we arrived and the parking space is almost filled up. I was greeted by the doorman who accompanied me to the reception desk. I had my booking made via their website. The check in procedure was fast. The room was ready the moment I finished filling out the form.
I booked a Deluxe Lake View Room located on the 3rd floor. The view from the veranda is magnificent. The verandas are way too close with each other you could hear the conversations if there are people staying on the veranda on your left and right side. Luckily though, it seems me and my husband are the only people who wants to stay at the veranda. The wind is so chilly too, you can only manage to stay outside for a few minutes unless you are wearing a thick jacket.
The room is clean and looks new (it is actually new because the hotel only started its operation last November 2009). The bed is an orthopaedic bed so do not expect it to be soft. In my case, I find it comfortable because I have a scoliosis and the bed is ideal for me. De luxe rooms are provided with a magnetic pillow which is said to be therapeutic. I don't know if it's true. I've got a restful sleep that night -- either I am too tired or the pillow was indeed therapeutic.
Bathrobes are available for deluxe rooms and suites upon request. I called up room service and in less than five minutes, the robe was delivered to my room. Their bathrobe was the best bathrobe I had from the hotel. Not too heavy but very comfy. They provide the standard set of toiletries but I always bring my own toiletries when I travel so I was not able to use them. Whenever I travel, I do not mind paying for a more expensive room as long as I get a veranda, a view and a bathtub. Unfortunately, I was only able to use the bathtub once. The drain did not work. I was not actually planning to soak in the tub again since it was just an overnight stay so it really was not a big deal. But of course, I let the frontdesk know upon check out the the drain is not working.
The complimentary breakfast is buffet. Other hotels offer set breakfast. Do not expect though a lot of choices from the buffet considering this is just a 60 room hotel. I enjoyed the breakfast. Just right for me.
The swimming pool is not heated, and with the cold temperature of Tagaytay, I did not dare swim. It is also located near the lobby and almost beside the cafe so it's kinda awkward.
It is not perfect. But the hotel met my expectations. I actually did not set a high expectation for this hotel because I am aware that this is a small hotel. Except for the problem with the bathtub drain, everything else is just good for me. The staff are all efficient and highly commendable. The free book is also great (I love reading.).
I've tried other hotels in Tagaytay and after my stay here, I have decided to have this hotel as my first option whenever I travel to this place.