I booked at Taal Vista Hotel last May 31 for two nights via Agoda. Summer is almost over and I wanted to spend quality time with my only child before she goes back to school this June.
The staff were courteous as we entered the hotel by 3pm. The frontdesk assisted us and were handed our keycards plus a WIFI password for the complimentary internet access in no time. It was nice to be back at Taal Vista Hotel after three decades! A lot of innovations has been made.
The historical 77-year old hotel has recently been acquired by thr SM Group of Companies, I’ve been told. From the Taal Vista Lodge I used to know, it now has a total of 261 rooms and 7 function rooms.
We stayed in a Premiere Room, which is the biggest at 38 sqm. It lights up with the headboard and multiple yellow lamps. The hotel room door opens to an aisle. On the right side is a closet that contains the safety box, emergency flashlight and hotel-issued bathrobes. Besides it is a divan where 3 sets of fluffly slippers lie underneath.
The sparkling clean generously-sized bathroom with glass panels lies opposite the closet. There were soft towels, and toiletries . It was a two-hour travel to the hotel and so I was dying for a hot shower. I was glad that they have hot and cold water options. The room is equipped with a cable TV, personal fridge, minibar, telephones, and coffeemaker.
On the same table, there was a welcome fruit basket and complimentary drink selections besides the floral arrangement. Little thoughtful things like these do complete my day!
It was a first for my husband and daughter to visit Taal Vista Hotel and they couldn’t contain their excitement opening the balcony door to get an amazing view of Taal Lake. There is a set of table and chairs at the veranda great for lounging in as we revel in joy staring at amazing view from our balcony.
Our room has a superb view of the lake below. It is perfectly situated to capture the starlit sky and the break of dawn. It was a sight to behold, even from a distance. The lake is so calm that it drowns the noise from the Skyranch themepark rides.
We called in for room service and the food was delivered right away. The crispy pata was true to its name—crunchy skin with juicy, tender meat under it. The kare-kare was equally delectable as well!
Taal Vista has two restaurants – Taza Fresh Table and Café Veranda. Taza Fresh Table is laid-back dining restsurant that serves garden-to-table vegetables, handmade pasta and sauces. Café Veranda on the other hand offers continental and Filipino favorites. We had our complimentary buffet breakfast at Cafe Veranda the following day and enjoyed a wide variety of buffet items that includes bread variants, cereals, hot and cold dishes, soups, plus made-to-order omelet station. They even had fresh fruits and salads on hand. And guests have the option to dine inside the air-conditioned restaurant or go al fresco on the large outdoor terrace.
The sprawling land is a walk in the park. Taal Vista house a variety of trees. There are open green grass spaces with picnic tables and nooks when you need a quiet alone time. Other Amenities include a swimming pool, Asmara Spa, a Business Center, a gym, recreation area, a kiddie center plus a souvenir shop. The hotel also offers airport pick-up/drop-off and facilitates transfers wherever you want to via AVIS.
Taal Vista Hotel has a very good service attitude. Walking through the hotel and seeing the staff smiling and greeting us was wonderful. When they see guests walking with bags, they would offer to carry it up to the room. Things like these and the service do make the difference.
Overall, Taal Vista Hotel is well-operated, has fabulous food, and is on a good location. Though our vacation had just ended but we will surely come back soon.