View Park Hotel

Originally a two-story house, View Park Hotel is charming, homey, and full of character. It has an unassuming entrance from the road, but the welcome here receives high praise from previous guests -- thanks in part to the longstanding staff and frequently noted gestures that go above and beyond the call of duty. The main dusky pink building resembles an old Parisian townhouse, while the other wings and gardens are reminiscent of Tuscan villas. In fact, the gardens are a highlight, with lantern-lit walkways, foliage-draped pillars, stone stairways, and ornamental white balustrades. There’s an air of romance and the property is particularly beautiful at night. Inside, domestic touches include a fish tank and a photo wall that might equally belong in a relative’s house. Some spots are in need of a refresh, but overall this is a fine pick for the area. The hotel draws couples looking for a simple but characterful base, as well as families, and plenty of locals. Travelers should note that the hotel has plans for further expansion. 

View Park Hotel occupies a quiet spot on a tree-lined road in the holiday town of Tagaytay. It’s a popular weekend destination for locals as well as tourists, being just a 90-minute drive from Manila. The hotel sits across the street from scenic Picnic Grove, where there are panoramic views of Taal Lake and the volcano. Being so close to one of the region’s most popular attractions also comes with the bonus of being easy to find, though public transport options here are limited to jeepneys, trikes, or cars. The People’s Park in the Sky can be reached in 10 minutes by car and the Sky Ranch amusement park is a 15-minute drive away. Travelers should allow 45 minutes to reach Talisay, where boat trips depart for the Taal Volcano in the middle of the lake. Ninoy Aquino International Airport near Manila is 90 minutes away by car.

Rooms are clean, simple, and traditional, with the kind of charm that comes with staying at an older relative’s home. That does, unfortunately, mean that some of them are a bit tired. The color palette features earthy browns, lilac, and pale yellow, depending on the room category. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free (sometimes spotty) Wi-Fi. Coffee- and tea-making facilities plus two bottles of water are provided. Higher room categories also have minibars and terraces or balconies. While these can be lovely, there are no volcano views. Standard Rooms are on the small side -- at just 140 square feet (13 square meters) -- and are housed in an older building close to the parking lot. For more space, it’s worth upgrading to a Premier Room or a more elegant Junior Suite -- the suites also have ornate balconies. Executive Suites feature living areas, kitchens, and dining areas, plus balconies with sunset views. Bathrooms vary; some are fully tiled, while others have wooden floors; some feature only showers, though others have shower/tub combos. It’s also worth noting that as of 2017 certain rooms have been refurbished while others are awaiting a refresh. Previous guests also comment on the older rooms close to the road receiving some traffic noise.

Features are housed in the hotel's beautiful gardens. Siglo is the hotel’s much-loved restaurant fronting the road, serving Filipino-inspired dishes including signature items like bulalo and kare-kare. Breakfast is included in all rates, and is served both a la carte and as a buffet (though this depends on the day of the week). For special occasion dining, the garden gazebo is a private outdoor venue. There's acoustic entertainment on select weekend nights. A stone courtyard in front of the main building houses a small pool, separate kids’ pool in the shade, and a pool bar. The spa is a tranquil spot with soft music, and specializes in signature stress-busting massages. Wi-Fi is free, but it can be spotty. For business travelers, there’s a simple air-conditioned function room. Parking is free.