Taal Vista Hotel

Built in 1939, the upscale Taal Vista Hotel has undergone several renovations since—a gallery of vintage photographs in one hallway chronicles its evolution—but retains its original status as a Tagaytay cultural landmark and tourist favorite. Between overnight guests and day-tripping visitors, there’s rarely a dull moment here. The hotel’s architecture isn’t particularly eye-catching, and despite renovations, the lackluster decor in the lobby and hallways looks more appropriate for an office building than a resort. However, the lush greenery, brick-laid walking paths around the property, and breathtaking views of Lake Taal and Mount Sungay from the restaurants, outdoor decks, and common areas explain its appeal as a destination for vacationing families and couples. Meeting and event facilities also make it a popular spot for conferences and weddings.

Taal Vista Hotel sits on a strip of hotels and restaurants in the holiday town of Tagaytay, about an hour- and 30-minute drive from Manila. Its high-altitude location by Taal Lake means it’s refreshingly cooler than the capital. While the hotel’s immediate surroundings aren’t fancy, the Sky Ranch amusement park is a five-minute walk away and there's a McDonald's close by. In the absence of buses or trains, public transport options are limited to jeepneys, trikes, or cars. A seven-minute car ride leads to the Ayala Malls Serin, while 17 to 25 minutes of driving will reach popular sites like Picnic Grove and the People’s Park. A 40-minute ride will reach Talisay, from where a boat can be taken to Taal Volcano in the middle of the lake. Ninoy Aquino International Airport near Manila is an hour- and a-half away by car.

From the 312-square-foot Superior Twin Rooms to the 2109-square-foot Tagaytay Suite, guest rooms are spacious and clean at any category, but their decor falls short. Nondescript work desks and bedside tables in Lake Wing Deluxe and Premium Rooms are purely functional. Parquet flooring and classic furniture in several Mountain Wing Rooms have some character, but look dated. However, balconies with stunning views offset the underwhelming furnishings. Mountain Wing Rooms look out onto the gardens and Taal Volcano. Guests have specified that the panoramas from the Lake Wing Rooms are worth the steep prices of booking.   

All rooms have coffee- and-tea-making facilities; suites have Nespresso machines. Non-alcoholic beverages and some snacks in the minibars are free, though it's unclear which items come with charges. Air-conditioning, ironing equipment, and safes are provided, and in-room Wi-Fi is free but slow. Aside from the large flat-screen varieties in the suites, TVs in other rooms can feel disproportionately small. 

Bathrooms are large, and as simply decorated as the rest of the rooms, with white tiles and a few wood accents. Superior and Premium bathrooms have single sinks, while some higher-category bathrooms come with double sinks. Only some bathrooms have shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads, as others simply have walk-in showers. Hairdryers are provided in some bathrooms and toiletries are provided in all bathrooms.

Dining options here are solid and accompanied by great views, but food is pricey. Continental and Filipino cuisine is offered at the Veranda restaurant, a cheery space featuring cultural performances on the weekends. Veranda also serves an abundant breakfast with made-to-order egg and waffle stations along with cold items, but it isn’t always included with room rates and is consistently crowded. Guests may prefer the more reasonably priced breads and pastries at the lobby's Cakeshop, though there’s no seating there. The other on-site restaurant, Taza Fresh Table, serves tasty Mediterranean-inspired dishes and homemade bacon for brunch and dinner in a glass-walled annex. The Lobby Lounge has ample seating in which to relax with tea or cocktails.

Some on-site leisure amenities feel small for a property meant for so many guests, and they can be a long walk from Lake Wing Rooms. The outdoor freeform pool has minimal surrounding seating, and a game room contains little more than a single pool table. A Kids' Corner provides mediocre indoor recreation for young children. The gym is equipped with modern machines but is tiny. The spotless, tastefully-decorated Asmara Spa is a highlight and offers relaxing massages and treatments for extra charges. Several ballrooms and event spaces can be customized for weddings, conferences, and team-building events. A lobby shop selling Filipino souvenirs is open daily, while an enjoyable weekend market sells local produce on the outdoor deck. 

There's a business center on-site, but has stretches of being closed, during which guests can use computers at the front desk. Spotty and slow Wi-Fi throughout the property is free, as is plentiful outdoor and indoor parking. The hotel offers regular laundry services, but no dry cleaning.