Only the best view at Taal Vista Hotel

MANILA, Philippines - Whenever you travel, whether domestic or international, it pays to stay in a hotel that stands on a magnificent view. And it’s an added advantage if the hotel holds a history of being a leisure destination, thus giving assurance of friendly service for a memorable stay.

These two advantages serve as the platform of Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City. Overlooking the Taal Lake and Volcano, Taal Vista presents the beauty of nature in a setting not so far from Metro Manila. With the scenic and cool Tagaytay as an alternative to Baguio, Taal Vista Hotel sits on a flat stretch of ridge land built toward the lakeside once called “Ilong Kastilla” due to its nose-like shape.

The hotel’s viewdeck affords guests with the majestic view of the world’s smallest volcano and “a crater within an island within a lake” as the Taal Volcano stands as an island in Taal Lake. The lush forests present an escape to the urban jungle and refresh the mind. 

Established in 1937 as Taal Vista Lodge with 12 cabanas then managed by Manila Hotel, it holds a heritage of excellent service. Built by the leaders of the then Commonwealth government, the lodge accommodated heads of state, government officials and famous personalities.

The hotel also served as venue of the Cabinet meetings of the late President Manuel L. Quezon. In 1956, then First Lady Luz Magsaysay cut the ceremonial ribbon that re-launched Taal Vista Hotel. 

Over the years, Taal Vista welcomed people from all walks of life who continue to cherish fond memories.

The hotel’s main lobby showers guest with warmth. Its elegance gives assurance of the perfect hotel experience while its friendly staff makes you feel at home.

Taal Vista Hotel’s recent expansion efforts strengthened its service to the growing number of international and local tourists. Taal Vista Hotel is owned by SM Investments Corp. and managed by Fuego Hotels and Properties Inc.

Taal Vista Hotel’s general manager Ikuo Itoi explains that the expansion efforts are geared toward the growing tourism market. “Tagaytay is very popular in the Philippines but not yet in the international scene. We want to be able to bring more people here in Tagaytay and experience Taal Vista Hotel,” he says, adding that the cool weather and majestic view in Tagaytay are the top reasons for more people to love the city. 

Taal Vista Hotel now houses a total of 261 rooms, 16 modern function rooms with a 1,000-seater grand ballroom, three dining outlets, and a host of leisure facilities. Of these cozy accommodations, 133 new rooms boasts a modern setting, most of them with verandas for guests to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Taal Volcano and Lake enveloped by cool air.

Chat Gabriel, Taal Vista Hotel’s director for sales and marketing communication, says the new rooms feature a modern design with the same cozy ambiance that made the hotel popular. “Taal Vista Hotel has been known for its friendly service and warmth of our people. We always make sure that our guests leave the hotel happy.”

She notes that most hotel guests are frequent travelers to Tagaytay City who hold fond memories of Taal Vista Hotel. “As a historic hotel, we take pride in serving guests who have known the hotel since they were kids. They keep fond memories of Taal Vista. Most of them are surprised to see that the hotel has grown to what it is now.”

Chris Sarile, Taal Vista’s marketing communication officer, explains that the hotel is embedded in the city’s rich history as a landmark hotel. “Taal Vista Hotel has stayed true to valuing its heritage, and most evidently, people see this in the hotel’s main building, the Tudor House. Though it has undergone improvements, it has maintained the same look from its first design.”   

To cap the hotel experience is the lavish buffet at the Café-on-the-ridge, with the cuisine of Europe to Asia. Its floor-to-ceiling glass windows present a refreshing day view and sparkling night landscape. The lunch buffet gets more color with cultural shows that present the best of Filipino dance performances.

Taal Vista Hotel’s fine dining restaurant Season’s is known for its finest gourmet collections. It exudes warm ambiance with its fireplace perfect for romantic dinners or cozy rendezvous with friends.    

Taal Vista Hotel also features class A facilities for conventions and special events perfect for multinational companies and families seeking a refuge from the city life.

And to further give assurance of an enjoyable stay are the free-form swimming pool, fitness gym, game room, and kid’s corner.

Leisure travel is never complete without pampering treats. The hotel’s Ylang Ylang Spa offers a menu of pampering treatments from head to foot.

And for those looking for a special place to hold their weddings and other milestones such as birthdays and proms, Taal Vista Hotel presents a picturesque setting: at the ridge amid rolling greens and the breathtaking view of Taal Volcano, the Bougainvillea Tent, and the Sampaguita Ballroom. The serene landscape and flora further make these once-in-a-lifetime events special.  

Taal Vista Hotel also helps tourists enjoy Tagaytay through city tours and trekking adventures. Local attractions include the Calaruega Chapel, Casino Filipino Tagaytay, Ilog Maria Bee Farm, Japanese Garden, Leisure Farm, People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove and Livelihood Complex, Pink Sisters, St. Anne’s Shrine, and The Flower Farm.

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For more information, call Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay at (046) 413-1000 or its Makati sales office at (02) 751-3088 to 89. Or e-mail at taalvista@fuegohotels.com or visit www.taalvistahotel.com.