On October 7, 1939, Taal Vista Lodge first opened its doors to welcome and serve its guests. In its eighty-three years of heartwarming hospitality and excellence, the lodge has evolved, adapted to changing markets, and overcame challenges.
But in 2020, the hotel experienced a double whammy. The eruption of Taal in January of that year prompted the hotel to close temporarily. As it was about to open two months after, the government declared a nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
That led to almost 2 years of closure. But Taal Vista Hotel recently reopened and reclaimed its title as one of the landmark hotels of Tagaytay, relentlessly striving to reach new heights in redefining guest experience and service.
Ramon Makilan, General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel, said that year-to-date, they have surpassed their occupancy target compared to 2019, before the eruption and pandemic.
“Taal Vista Hotel’s base market remains the same — corporate groups on weekdays and leisure market on weekends. However, due to the pandemic, there were more domestic leisure market than international. We are proud to say that year to date, we have surpassed our target compared to 2019 pre-pandemic. For the rest of the year, granting there will be no more lockdowns, we are projecting a 46 percent growth in occupancy from previous year,” Makilan said.
But the journey wasn’t easy, and cheap.
Makilan said Taal Vista Hotel budgeted an additional 19 percent in 2020 to aid in the reopening after the Taal Eruption in 2020 and allocated 10 percent more in 2021 when the lockdowns eased.
“Taking into consideration the lessons learnt from COVID-19, Taal Vista Hotel has capitalized on future trends such as sustainability projects, new outdoor dining concepts like Dome Dining and Glam Picnic. We have also placed emphasis on educational and historical information with the Guided History Walk, and maximising digitalization approaches in customer journey thru Social Media and Conversational Commerce,” Makilan said.
He stressed that Taal Vista Hotel remains to be biggest hotel in terms of rooms in Tagaytay City and that its deep history, expansive and unobstructed view, and wide open spaces have remained noteworthy to most of their guests.
“We encourage guests to explore hotels or staycations that offer safe stays and dining. At Taal Vista Hotel, we ensure that rooms are sanitized using electrostatic sprayers and UV disinfection lamps. As to dining, we offer outdoor options that are exclusive such as Glam Picnic and Dine Under the Stars,” Makilan said.
The Tee Time Room Package offer valid until 15 December 2022. With rates starting at P6,750 for a Deluxe Room, the package includes buffet breakfast for two persons, mini golf passes for two adults and two children good for one hour, and dining credits worth P500 for use at Taza Fresh Table and Veranda.
A Walk Through Time Room Package, meanwhile, is valid until 30 September 2022.
Rates start at P7,500 for a Deluxe Room and includes buffet breakfast for two persons, souvenir package, premium local coffee, welcome card with history walk and guide map, and afternoon tea set at the Lobby Lounge.
Glam Picnic at the Lawn starts at P5,500 for up to four persons with two menu options and dome setup. Menu one includes one cheese and cold cuts platter, one margherita pizza, one Hawaiian pizza, one afternoon tea time, and one pitcher of chilled juice. Menu two includes one cheese and cold cuts platter, penne pesto, clubhouse sandwich, pepperoni pizza, fresh fruit platter, quesadilla, three mini burgers, one platter of assorted mini cakes, and one pitcher of chilled juice
Available on weekends and with a live band, Grill at The Ridge offers grilled meat or seafood platter at P1,200 for two persons.
The hotel’s tagline, “Here, For Always,” continues to live on as it enters its 83rd year, and beyond.
As Tagaytay’s highly-reputable flagship hotel, Taal Vista Hotel looks forward to welcoming guests with Filipino hospitality at heart, stunning views, and authentic food and beverage offerings for many years to come.
Makilan stressed that Taal Vista Hotel is a place that will leave you floating in nostalgia with treasured past times and countless generations.
“Away from the ordinary city life, our cozy rooms and excellent service will bring people closer together. For those who long for the feeling of being at home again, the only place to be is in this Tagaytay hotel. Tagaytay City is suitable for both leisure and business, so get to know more about this classy accommodation that started it all with our appetizing dining buffet and an outstanding line of events. During your stay, you will learn to fall in love with the stories behind Taal Vista Hotel.”
Situated at the very heart of picturesque Tagaytay with sweeping views of Taal Lake and Volcano, Taal Vista Hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travelers who appreciate the blend of classic elegance and modern luxury.
Built in 1939, the English Tudor Mansion-style Hotel has become part of the Filipino Heritage. It has a rich history, shared by generations of hotel guests. Many have taken their photographs at the hotel view deck, framed by the majestic Taal Lake and Volcano.
The birth of Taal Vista Lodge The hotel’s story began in the 1930’s when the newly elected Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon laid out his plans to promote tourism in the country. In early 1936 he gave authorization for the Manila Railroad Company to build a chain of hotels across the Philippines. He expressed particular interest in developing Tagaytay as an alternative destination for foreign tourists and folks from Manila.
He suggested that the Manila Hotel Company, a subsidiary of the Manila Railroad Company, build a lodge and golf course in the area and that the government buy enough land to provide for infrastructure and amenities.
In 1936, the Manila Hotel Company purchased six hectares of land on Tagaytay Ridge from Hammon Buck, one of the prominent personalities who helped shape the history of Tagaytay. The land was going to be the future site of Taal Vista Lodge. Thereafter, the Manila Hotel Company started construction of the Taal Vista Lodge.
Three years after, the Taal Vista Lodge finally opened to the public as Tagaytay’s primary hotel. The Manila Hotel Company managed and operated the Lodge. It had simple facilities — the main lobby, a bar, a restaurant, and a few guest rooms as lodging facilities.
In 1968, Resorts and Hotels Corporation took ownership of TVH. Then in 1984, the Development Bank of the Philippines, through a foreclosure decision, became the hotel’s owner.
In 1988, DBP sold the Taal Vista Hotel to Henry Sy, Sr.’s SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) which remains to be the hotel’s owner up to the present.
Constantly in step with the changing times, Taal Vista Hotel is a perfect example of classic architecture and contemporary function.
The hotel has 261 stylishly appointed rooms that are fully-equipped with modern amenities. Feel the residential warmth of the historic lodge at the Mountain Wing and experience a touch of the modern flair at the Lake Wing.
This mix of history and modernity is complimented by the hotel’s culinary offerings. At Café Veranda, diners can indulge daily in Taal Vista Hotel’s authentic local dishes, as well as a variety of international food items. Or, feast on the weekend lunch buffet featuring the Hotel’s Heritage cuisine, a collection of Filipino favorites with a twist.
