The Lake Hotel Tagaytay

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay is a low-rise Mediterranean style hotel with a white-washed exterior, marble floors, and manicured lawns. The view is the main reason most guests choose to stay here, and it’s by far the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of the hotel. It’s not that there’s anything offensive about the hotel's style; it’s just a little business-like and lackluster. The vibe is relaxed, with a good sense of space throughout the property and details like a pianist playing in the lobby -- although travelers should note that the Shambala Garden lawn is a popular local wedding venue and, as such, can become crowded with day guests. The hotel draws couples and families in equal measure.

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay sits in a scenic spot in the holiday town of Tagaytay on the island of Luzon, about an hour- and a-half drive south of Manila. It’s a popular weekend destination for locals and tourists. The hotel overlooks Taal Lake, and shares its main road location with a strip of other low-rise hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, a good choice of restaurants, and a Starbucks. Public transport options here are limited to jeepneys, trikes, or cars, and guests will need one of those options to get around. The Sky Ranch amusement park is a 10-minute drive away, while popular tourist sites like Picnic Grove and the People’s Park in the Sky can be reached in 30 minutes by car. Travelers should allow an hour to reach Talisay, where boat trips depart for the Taal Volcano in the middle of the lake. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, near Manila, is a 90-minute trip by car.

Rooms are housed in a three-story building, divided into eight categories. All are light and airy, with shiny tiled floors, dark wood details, and a neutral palette. Given the charming setting, the decor is a little safe and uninspiring. Amenities include air-conditioning, air purifiers, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Fully-tiled bathrooms have either shower/tub combos or separate tubs and walk-in showers. A blind can be raised to reveal views from the bath to the sleeping area and scenery outside. Wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided. All but Standard Rooms have small balconies with views of the forest or lake -- although they’re not very private. Standard Rooms are on the ground floor, with partial lake views and can sleep three guests. Superior and Deluxe Rooms are on higher floors and have forest views. Upgrade to a Deluxe Lake View Room or a suite for the best lake views.

As travelers might expect from the hotel’s scenic setting, its outdoor areas are the highlight. The outdoor (unheated) pool is half undercover, extending out from the lobby to a lawn area with views of the lake. The lawn -- a large space called the Shambala Garden -- has comfy resin-wicker loungers for relaxing while overlooking the lake. It’s a popular local venue for wedding ceremonies and with those who come simply to soak up the views. For dining, the Lake Cafe Restaurant is a simple 24-hour coffee shop. A buffet breakfast is included in the rates, with a good selection of local dishes alongside eggs and pancakes cooked to order. A separate purpose-built recreational building houses an indoor pool (oddly overlooking the car park), fitness room, pool table, and private karaoke room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Business facilities include conference and function rooms and there’s also plenty of free outdoor parking in the hotel’s car park.