As I mentioned in my previous post, hubby just came back from Shanghai last Saturday so I know that we will not have any Mother’s Day celebration. Well, the truth is, it is not a big deal to me, I can’t even remember if we really celebrate this occasion, as far as I know, the year 2009 was the first and last time that we celebrate Mother's day. A simple greeting from my family is enough and if I could have a rest day on this day. hahaha!
Surprisingly, last Sunday hubby was suggesting that we could have an overnight stay in Tagaytay because he wanted to sleep, sleep and sleep. #jetlag. I asked him what’s his budget and he said P500. Oh my P500 for an overnight stay in Tagaytay, I told him I rather stay at home than stress myself looking for cheap accommodation. Today is my day!
But hubby was determined to pursue our overnight stay so after lunch, I checked Pina Colina and Hotel Kimberly site but there was no promo. Then I checked Taal Vista Hotel, they have an on-going promo. The promo price is almost the same with Hotel Kimberly regular price but since we haven’t tried Taal Vista Hotel, we chose the latter. P4,075 for a superior room but unfortunately no more rooms available so we have no choice but to get the De Luxe room for P5,075 less discount (SMAC or BDO Rewards) = P4,775.
After 50 minutes, off we went to Tagaytay (1:50PM). We reached Taal Vista Hotel at 2:50PM so one hour travel time from our place.
For me, Taal Vista Hotel has the best view of Taal Volcano but unfortunately, we can’t see it from our room, all we can see are building walls.
The most exciting part of the staycation is the complimentary buffet breakfast; I think this is open for walk-in visitors for P678.
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| foggy morning |
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| Al fresco |
During our stay, here are the choices: Hungarian sausage, beef tapa, bacon, fried silinyasi, chicken longganisa, steamed rice, fried rice, goto and champorado. There is an omelet station, bread station, vegetable salad & fruit station, cereal & pancake station and drinks station.
Bread: muffin, banana bread, white bread, ensaymada and malunggay pandesal
Drinks: coffee, milk, orange juice, mango juice and pineapple juice.
Our favorites from the menu are malunggay pandesal and goto.
After breakfast, we went to the swimming pool and we spent the rest of our time at the swimming pool.
Likes
1. They really have the best view of Taal Volcano
2. Facilities and amenities are good.
3. I love soft pillows, our room has 4 pillows. The bed is comfortable.
4. Welcome drink is good for up to four persons unlike in other hotels. 
Dislikes
1. Since this is not a cheap hotel, I was expecting more for the service. During my overnight stay, I did not hear any “welcome to Taal Vista Hotel, good afternoon, good morning, and good evening”.
The staffs are just ok. I’ve stayed in pension houses, guesthouses, hotels, and other luxury resorts but this was the first time that I did not hear any greetings from the hotel staff. I don’t know if it is just an isolated case, I don’t expect them to greet me whenever we bump into each other but a smile and nod will do to make the guests feel welcome.
2. No bathtub
3. It was Mother’s day and wala man lang freebies or greetings for mothers.
4. No Wi-Fi
So before we left the hotel, I filled out the survey form and gave it to the receptionist. I was not expecting good service anymore but Raffy gladly assisted us during our check-out and he was really smiling. He even asked if we already have a car pass and if not he need to sign our parking ticket. I just hope they have more staff like Raffy.
I received a call from Taal Vista Hotel because he read my comment in the survey form and asked if we had a bad experience in their Hotel. I told them that it was not really a bad experience but I hope they improve their service. He asked if I will still visit Taal Vista Hotel, and I said yes. If they will have a good promo, I will try this hotel again but if not, I will just book cheap airline tickets.
Update: I received a call and apology letter yesterday (May 22, 2012) and they informed me that they have launched a new smile campaign program to correct the error. I tried to reply to their email but I'm receiving a Mailer-Daemon Notice. Anyway, It is good to know that they are seriously taking into consideration the guest feedback or comments.
Note: If you are reserving a room don’t forget to give your SMAC or BDO rewards number so they can give you additional discounts (if there are any) and upon payment, give your SMAC or BDO reward card so you can earn points for your stay.
1. Since this is not a cheap hotel, I was expecting more for the service. During my overnight stay, I did not hear any “welcome to Taal Vista Hotel, good afternoon, good morning, and good evening”.
The staffs are just ok. I’ve stayed in pension houses, guesthouses, hotels, and other luxury resorts but this was the first time that I did not hear any greetings from the hotel staff. I don’t know if it is just an isolated case, I don’t expect them to greet me whenever we bump into each other but a smile and nod will do to make the guests feel welcome.
2. No bathtub
3. It was Mother’s day and wala man lang freebies or greetings for mothers.
4. No Wi-Fi
So before we left the hotel, I filled out the survey form and gave it to the receptionist. I was not expecting good service anymore but Raffy gladly assisted us during our check-out and he was really smiling. He even asked if we already have a car pass and if not he need to sign our parking ticket. I just hope they have more staff like Raffy.
I received a call from Taal Vista Hotel because he read my comment in the survey form and asked if we had a bad experience in their Hotel. I told them that it was not really a bad experience but I hope they improve their service. He asked if I will still visit Taal Vista Hotel, and I said yes. If they will have a good promo, I will try this hotel again but if not, I will just book cheap airline tickets.
Update: I received a call and apology letter yesterday (May 22, 2012) and they informed me that they have launched a new smile campaign program to correct the error. I tried to reply to their email but I'm receiving a Mailer-Daemon Notice. Anyway, It is good to know that they are seriously taking into consideration the guest feedback or comments.
Note: If you are reserving a room don’t forget to give your SMAC or BDO rewards number so they can give you additional discounts (if there are any) and upon payment, give your SMAC or BDO reward card so you can earn points for your stay.
McDonalds is just in front of this hotel and there’s a small stall beside PAGCOR where you can buy mami for P30.
Maganda naman ang hotel, Mahal nga lang. Anyway, at least changed atmosphere:)
ReplyDeleteHmmnn, they should thank you for giving them feedback to improve their service... Usually pag not satisfied guest they will not come back.
ReplyDeleteThe place looks nice though. At least maganda naman yung room. =)
ReplyDeletei love staycations after an adventurous trip.
ReplyDeleteumayos sila ha, hindi mura ang rates kaya dapat ok din ang service. hehe
Buti namn at nakapag relax relax kayo kahit di kayo nagandahan sa service. Kung iba yan di na babalik. Sana lang binigyan nila kayo ng free overnight stay since parang na alarm sila dun sa comment mo sa survey form.hehe!
ReplyDelete@joy and tin - yes, ok ang room and maganda naman hotel, di lang ok customer service.
ReplyDelete@untied, chyng and anney - nagthank you naman sa feedback ko. pero mahal nga ang rates so dapat ok ang service. kung sa mga cheap accomodation nga ok ang service sa kanila pa na mahal. wish ko anney, may free overnight stay. hehe!
We shouldve stayed here instead. Ang mahal sa overlook inn tapos hindi maganda.
ReplyDeletemay iba kasi maganda sa picture pero pagdating mun dun, hindi pala. =)
DeleteI thought you found a place to stay for P500 I got excited tuloy!hehe
ReplyDeleteBut ang ganda ng place I would love to go there too. Buti na lang Raffy saved the day for you or else lagot and Taal Vista. haha!
correct! kung hindi sobrang di na ko babalik.
DeleteI miss Tagaytay. I've stayed there for a month when I was looking for a job. And I feel inlove with the place: because of the weather, it's in near Manila,the flowers and plants, etc... etc... etc... it's my ideal place to live.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, about your stay in the hotel, they should have pakulo for the moms. You know promos and events like that invites visitors.
And also good thing that you're honest with your comment. At least they know now what needs to improve with their service.
yes sis, naghahanap nga ko ng pakulo sa moms pero wala.
Deletei love your photos.. tama ka nakakainis nga if walang warmth ang service nila. sana they could improve it din.
ReplyDeleteIt's a perfect weekend getaway. Although we would of course want a great view of the place, it doesn't hurt that the room is also comfy and nice. :-) I wish they do improve the service. Overall, though expensive, I think it's worth to treat yourself once in a while.
ReplyDeleteIt is aptly name Taal Vista: best view of Taal. We haven't stayed overnight in that place but we did enjoy hanging out in the viewing deck. Too bad you did not get the service you expected. Maybe they'll improve. Not many reply to suggestion box. That is a great start.
ReplyDeletei received an apology letter too, i'll update this post soon. =)
DeleteWow, okay ito sis for our upcoming 5th wedding anniversary. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow nice place, nice pictures! I want to go there too!
ReplyDeletehahahaha.. very comprehensive review i should say! okay lang yang napupuna mo sis.. kakabahan na sila ngayon once they get to read your post.. di pa siguro uso sa kanila ang pagiging polite LOL!
ReplyDeletethanks. sana kahit nakasmile man lang, ok na. =)
DeleteWow, ganda naman, kahit mahal basta sulit naman.. :)
ReplyDeletei want to try there some other time, i think the place is nice. but they need to improve their hospitality for the guest to feel welcome! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm missing tagaytay now. So true taal vista hotel holds the best view of taal I think public viewing cost 100 not bad, hoping to get back soon! Nice post.
ReplyDeletehttp://rochelleorcullo.blogspot.com/
My family has been planning to stay overnight in Tagaytay for the longest time, maybe we will try Taal Vista Hotel, but I also heard nice reviews about Hotel Kimberly.
ReplyDeleteyes sis, ok sa hotel kimberly, wala lang taal volcano view. =)
DeleteTaal Vista was where we had our wedding reception. Okay naman ang service coz they upgraded our room into an ambassador suite. The best din and massage sa spa nila. Downside lang for me is that they said we'll have free overnight stay on our first anniversary, kaya lang hindi na namin ma-contact yung AE come our first anniversary :(
ReplyDeleteI will still stay there in the future, kaya lang if may promo lang siguro kasi uber mahal nga :(
P.S Nice Photos :D
i just hope, isolated case nga lang sa kin. nag-eerror nga pag nagrereply ko sa nag-email sa kin. :(
Deleteaaaahhhh.. awesome... been here for a friends wedding last year... the view indeed was breathtaking...
ReplyDeleteDropping by from BC Bloggers Comment Hop See you!
What a nice place. It sure looks a lot different now. Like you, the highlight of a staycation is the buffet breakfast.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a scenic view of Taal... the picture you took is vivid and candid. Hope I could visit that place too someday.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful views and pictures Sis :-) never been in Taal :-) glad that you had a wonderful time with the family
ReplyDeletewaa,, ang nice nang place.. you've got very beautiful pictures of the place and ofcourse of your family po.. :) such a great read :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ronsilvoza.com
oh, love that pool! your kiddo seems to have so much fun on your staycation..he has great smile
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best places to stay in Tagaytay. I remember those days when I frequent this place.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to spend your day with your family . You deserve it !
ReplyDeleteyou deserve it sis:) once in awhile, we should satisfy our self with luxury :)
ReplyDeleteNakakainggit!!!!!
ReplyDeletewaaahhh... I have been to Tagaytay last month but never been to Taal..
Great thing that may SMAC. tagal na akong nde nakakapagbakasyon.
ReplyDeletetagal ko ng di napupunta ng tagaytay. i hope makapunta kami ulit jan pero kasama ko na hubby ko.
ReplyDeletehi michi, ang ganda ng site mo. paano kaya ginigitna ang header? kasi no matter what ang gawin ko, gumigilid and header could. i would appreciate a response from you. salamat :)
ReplyDeleteactually, ganun din nung una sa kin, ayaw gumitna kahit anung adjust ko. pero kinabukasan bigla na lang gumitna. hehe! try mo change layout mo (kung blogspot ha). simple yata layout nung sa kin and then adjust mo yung width 1000+ yung buo ko then left side 800+ width sa right ko (250). i checked your site, sa kin dati sa left side yung header. hope this helps.
DeleteI'm sure that is a great time together with your family. At least you know that they are taking into consideration the guest feedbacks, that is already enough :)
ReplyDeleteoh yes, i appreciate the call and letter. at least i know that i did not waste my time filling out that survey form.
DeleteGood thing you featured the place in your blog and you left your feedback so the management could do something to improve their service.
ReplyDeletelooks like a nice place and a good place to stay for awhile. yun nga lang expensive. :D
ReplyDeleteFor sure its expensive kasi taal vista hotel pero na surprise ako s comment mo na staffs are not friendly enough, grabe mahal accommodation tapos ganon, anyway, the place looks nice especially yn taal view at swimming pool really inviting.
ReplyDeletenasurprise din ako pagdating ko dun, kasi pag expensive ang hotel or resort expected ko lagi na ok ang service. i just hope isolated case lang sa kin kasi may mga nabasa din naman ko na good review sa mga staff nila.
DeleteNice review! Great photographs!
ReplyDeleteThe last time I was in Tagaytay was about 4 years ago, and I couldn't remember now the name of the hotel we checked in. I think it starts with a ltter A (Alfonso? is there such?) I'd love to come back because of their service.
I'm also fond of leaving comments in survey forms. That's a cool way to improve services. Kudos to you.
Hi Michi!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is the reason why I came up with my own blog..It inspires me..Every time I will have a chance to check my mail I also see to it that I pass by your blog to check if you have new blogs for me to read... as in everyday yan!
More more travels for you so that you can have more interesting Stories to share!
aww, that's sweet. thanks for following my blog and congrats to your new blog. =)
DeleteGlad to know that they made an effort to reach out to you and to improve their service. I just hope they keep up to their promise of better service with that 'smile campaign program'.
ReplyDelete:D
Been there last Friday. Pero I didn't know the hotel had a pool. Nice vacay! :)
ReplyDeleteLooking for a place to stay in Tagaytay talaga. Glad I found this. Will or will not choose Taal Vista Hotel. Hehehe.
ReplyDeleteAng sarap ng staycation nyo :) hope we could visit that place too. I would love to go to Tagaytay soon...it's like going to a different place other the Philippines, hehe. May smile campaign naman Na sila so I guess their customer service is better. Thanks to you Michi! :D
ReplyDeleteWow naman! Ang ganda ng place....at mahal, hahahaha! Last time I went there eh nung bf ko pa lang si hubby. Thanks for the tip....am now thinking of persuading hubby na jan namin i-celebrate 8th wedding anniv namin, hihihi!
ReplyDeleteSo what would you recommend sis,this hotel or Hotel Kimberly?
ReplyDeletebased on my experience i prefer hotel kimberly. =)but i still visit taal vista if they have a good deal.
DeleteI think I have to schedule a trip to Tagaytay soon..my kids haven't been to Tagaytay because we live in the North..it's quite a hassle to drive from North to South..Love the foggy morning--MommyLES
ReplyDeleteI think we'll go to Tagaytay for New Year. We'll see if hubby will like this place.
ReplyDelete