Destination Tagaytay

MANILA, Philippines - The establishment formerly known as Taal Vista Lodge — now called Taal Vista Hotel — brings back great memories of Tagaytay City. It was here where we marveled the view of the world-renowned Taal Lake and volcano for the first time many years ago. That alone was enough memory for us, as taking in that view was the best feeling ever. Fast forward to the present and we, frequent Tagaytay visitors, know that a trip to this city is never complete without paying Taal Vista a visit.

To this day, Taal Vista continues to provide the memories for countless guests with its impressive offerings, from its amenities to its cuisine. And let us not forget the view.

“This is probably the best place in Tagaytay where you can see the entire lake,” begins Taal Vista Hotel general manager Bernardo Corpus Jr. “Just stand by the ridge and see for yourself. People come here to see that and take pictures. That is the charm of this hotel. It is the fact that the hotel brings back precious memories.”

‘By consistently coming up with exciting things in our menu and indeed even in our facilities, I see Taal Vista as a one-stop shop. You have a good view and good food. The latter is something we have become known for. We have so much to offer around here,” says Taal Vista Hotel GM Bernardo Corpus Jr. (seated, left), shown with other members of the hotel’s powerhouse team.

As soon as one has had his fill of the outdoors, it is time to head back inside and experience the other charms of Taal Vista. Like everyone else (well, almost), we always find ourselves drifting to the café-on-the-ridge where the weekend buffet is probably the best buffet in the city.

What makes the buffet hard to forget is its take on Tagaytay-Batangas produce. The executive chef does the weekend marketing and personally handpicks the freshest ingredients in the market, and then ingeniously pulls off a unique twist to these familiar foodstuffs.

We make sure we have our fill of the kapeng barako and beef tapa, among other delicious things. Taal Vista’s buffet surprises us with pumpkin leche flan, native gabi ice cream, chesa cheesecake, and avocado cheesecake.

Because a lot of Taal Vista memories are made while dining together, Corpus shares that traditional cuisine is the hands-down choice of their guests. It is a good thing to find these sitting in the spread: bulalo, crispy pata, crispy tawilis, maliputo sinigang sa miso, pancit luglog, and then some. Taal Vista also concocts some very unique fresh juices such as choco tamarind, dayap lemonade, calumpit, kamias, and papaya calamansi. Their international dishes, which can be anything from Chinese to Western, are also top draws.

Whether guests stay in Taal Vista’s rooms or suites (top), they will enjoy the same genuine, sincere service.

The Lobby Lounge, with its famous fireplace, piano performances, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, is popular among guests who just want a laid-back, even romantic, atmosphere. 

“By consistently coming up with exciting things in our menu and indeed even in our facilities, I see Taal Vista as a one-stop shop. You have a good view and good food. The latter is something we have become known for. We have so much to offer around here,” he says.

Corpus is referring to Taal Vista’s activity venues such as the Asmara Spa (one of the best we have tried), the swimming pool, the gym, the game room, and the children’s play area. Guests so inclined to do golf, city tours, or any leisure spot can have their schedules arranged at the front desk.

At the time of our stay, meetings, conventions, and gatherings were in order at the hotel’s seven function rooms. The Sampaguita Ballroom has room for up to 700 attendees while the smaller meeting rooms are flexible enough for any group size.

Corpus remarks, “Companies and associations like it here. Those in conferences go out after being cooped up and feel refreshed when they see the relaxing view. It is very conducive for them”

All of Taal Vista’s 261 guestrooms provide awesome views of the gardens or the Taal Lake and volcano. Each has cable television, IDD/NDD telephone, mini bar, coffee and tea-making equipment, and in-room safe.

The rooms are configured as superior, premier, and deluxe rooms; and junior, deluxe, Ambassador, Royal, Imperial, executive and presidential suites.

Guests who want a laid-back, even romantic atmosphere can go to Taal Vista’s Lobby Lounge (left), and those who seek a healthful treat can try the Asmara Spa.

No matter which accommodation once chooses, Corpus assures us that guests will enjoy the same genuine, sincere service throughout their stay.

“When our staff greets or assists you, you will really feel that it comes from the heart. In all my experiences, it is in Taal Vista where I found the most courteous people. I think that is the reason why guests come back — because they appreciate the genuine Filipino hospitality in Taal Vista,” he says.

Corpus promises that more surprises are coming in Taal Vista. He tells us of new packages tailored for guests of all ages, from birthday to wedding anniversary packages.

Yes, things are getting more and more exciting in Taal Vista. That also means more and more great memories to be created at Tagaytay’s premier destination.

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Taal Vista Hotel is located at Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. For more information, call +632 403-1000 or visit its website at http://www.taalvistahotel.com/home.shtml.