Taal Vista Hotel: Celebrating Yuletide Cheers for 80 Years

If there is a place I highly recommend and I would love my family to be at this Holidays Season, that will be Tagaytay City. Aside from its cool weather and relaxing scenery, the fact that it is just a little less than two hours away from Metro Manila, being in Tagaytay this Christmas or New Year is something that any family will surely enjoy and treasure for a lifetime.

For years, the accommodations in Tagaytay City has grown exponentially making it one of the best escape place for metro dwellers like I. If you are looking for the best one, nothing beats Taal Vista Hotel. A historical landmark nestled on the ridge of Tagaytay City overlooking the scenic Taal Lake and Volcano, this timeless hotel is equipped with friendly and accommodating staff, topped with spacious, warm and cozy rooms and comforting dishes prepared all-day and all-night. This year, Taal Vista Hotel is celebrating its 80^th foundation year, providing more reasons to choose from for a memorable stay in Tagaytay City.

Here, for Always

It was in 1939 when Taal Vista Lodge was built by the the Zamoras of Manila Hotel. It was built along “Ilong Kastila”, which is a stretch of flatland perched atop an incline, which some people say resembled a nose of Spaniards. Taal Vista Lodge was then converted into a headquarter for the Japanese during the World War II, and after the war, between the years 1956 and 1964, Tagaytay City started being promoted a major tourist destination in the Philippines.

After 63 years from the year it was built, in 2002, Taal Vista Lodge was reconstructed to bring back its original and glorified look. Extension were added to create a complex with conference facilities and leisure amenities for the families. It took about two years until its renovation was completed and the hotel re-welcomed its guests to an improved and expanded Taal Vista Hotel.

Fast forward to now, Taal Vista Hotel served as a national treasure and destination for the history it holds and timeless beauty it possesses. Recently, Taal Vista Hotel, through its marketing campaign “Here, For Always” received the Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign for 2019 award from the country’s prestigious Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), Virtus Award 2019. This is in recognition to the establishment’s effort in comprehensiveness, creative and effective promotion of Taal Vista Hotel’s brand image for its 80th Anniversary.

“Here, For Always” was created and is currently being implemented by the innovative marketing and communications team of Taal Vista Hotel including Michael Anthony Sagaran, Marketing Communications Head, Sheena Marie Pelaez, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, and Priscila Mae Ambion, Creative Artist.

To continuously honor the colorful history of Taal Vista Hotel, a commemorative board for its wonderful past has been put up at the Sampaguita Ballroom. This was an updated version of the History Panel, which was displayed in the hotel. The improved and updated version was unveiled to everyone last November 23^rd, led by SM Hotels & Convention Center’s President Elizabeth Sy and Taal Vista Hotel’s General Manager Richard Gamlin.

Christmas, For Always

Celebrating the success and welcoming the exciting Holiday Season, Taal Vista welcomed the Yuletide cheers with their Christmas Campaign, “Christmas, For Always.”

“Over the years, we welcome guests doing their own version of beloved Filipino traditions that give more meaning to the Holiday Season – from joyous family reunions to festive family dinners and even traveling together as a family. We want to extend the same warmth to all our guests and make everyone feel at home,” shared Mr. Gamlin.

Ushering this joyous season, Taal Vista Hotel lights up their Christmas tree last November 23^rd as well at the mid garden area of the hotel. Ms. Elizabeth Sy, and Mr. Richard Gamlin led the ceremony along with the children of Augustinian Sister Servants of Jesus and Mary, who received wonderful gifts from the hosts.

Right after the ceremonial Christmas tree light up, guests were invited to the Grand Ballroom for the Christmas Concert led by the Imusicapella Chamber Choir and classical crossover boyband, Opus One.

For this year, Taal Vista Hotel is inviting everyone of see the "Yuletide Happenings" they lined up for everyone:

Gingerbread House Decorating

November 15 to December 28, 2019
Every Friday and Saturday | 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Veranda | Php1,000 per person (3 Days Reservation is Required)

Meet & Greet Santa

December 21, 22, 24 and 25, 2019
12:00pm to 2:00pm | 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Lobby Lounge

Holidays Carols at the Lobby

December 20 to 24, 2019
7:00pm to 8:00pm
Lobby Lounge

Holy Mass

December 25, 2019 |Christmas Day | 10:00am
January 01, 2020 | New Year’s Day | 10:00am
Lobby Lounge

Any celebration will not be complete without food, and for this Holiday Season, Taal Vista Hotel offers “Festive Feast,” which is available in Veranda and Taza Fresh Table.

Veranda

Lunch Buffet | 12:00pm to 3:00pm

December 16, 2019 to January 01, 2020 | Php1,550 per person

Dinner Buffet | 6:00pm to 10:00pm

December 16 to 23, 2019 | Php1,550 per person
December 24 to 25, 2019 | Php1,800 per person
December 26 to 30, 2019 | Php1,550 per person
December 31, 2019 | Php2,800 per person or Php3,800 per person for the upgraded version, which includes buffet dinner, open bar from 7:00pm until midnight, sparkling wine for toasting during countdown and party favors
January 01, 2020 |Php1,800 per person

Taza Fresh Table

Chef’s Special - a delightful gastronomic treats especially curated by Executive Chef Jayme Natividad and his esteemed culinary team.

Grand Ballroom

Christmas Eve Feast |6:00pm to 10:00pm
December 24, 2019 |Php2,500 per person

For a full-packed experience and convenience for the whole family, this Season, here are the “Holiday Getaway” they offer to everyone:

December 21, 22 and 23, 2019 | Overnight Stay in a Superior Room for two with Breakfast Buffet at Veranda | Php10,500
December 24 and 25, 2019 | Overnight Stay in a Superior Room for two with Breakfast Buffet at Veranda and Dinner Buffet at Veranda or Grand Ballroom | Php14,700
December 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2019 | Overnight stay in a Superior Room for two with Breakfast at Veranda | Php10,500
December 31, 2019 | Countdown Party and Overnight Stay in a Superior Room for two with Breakfast Buffet at Veranda and Dinner Buffet at Grand Ballroom | Php16,900

Taal Vista Hotel assures that this year’s Holidays celebration for the families staying with them will be much more memorable and exciting.

Green, For Always

During my recent stay in Taal Vista Hotel, I had a chance to be in their newly renovated Ridge Wing, where rooms were updated according to their new interiors of the hotel. Philippine-inspired wallpapers with earth tones highlighted the hotel’s minimalist interior, which I personally find relaxing to look at. The room that I have consist of the two beds – one king size and one double. This is perfect for families who are planning to stay here for the Holiday Season. I got a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and Lake from my veranda as well, so yeah, I super love it, but one thing that stood out from my stay here that I would love to share.

In my recent stay in various hotels in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, such as Tagaytay City, I noticed how the sustainable efforts of the hotel industry is growing. From change of bed sheets, linens and towels to even using glass bottles to minimize the use of plastic bottles, the hotel industry has evolved now taking consideration the effect of the industry to the growing concern over climate change.

Given that Taal Vista Hotel is nestled on a prime natural location boosted by the natural beauty surrounding it, I wasn’t really surprise that they adapt to these green initiatives that the industry calls. Just recently, I noticed that Taal Vista Hotel now displays Water Stations in their hallways, where guests who wish for water refill can easily access safe and clean water. Sanitized glass pitchers and glass are available in each room for personal use. For the Ridge Rooms, I saw a good number of these water stations, which is enough for the number of rooms on our floor. Standing beside the water stations are potted plants that match the new wallpapers, which receives natural light from the glass roof above it – a well-thought interior concept, I would say.

Sustainability is just of the many practices of Taal Vista Hotel this past few years. Aside from the Food Waste Management Training they held for their staff and crew, the hotel is also hosting art exhibits in support to local artists who are looking for venue to display their artistry and craftsmanship.

Taal Vista Hotel is located at Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. For inquiries and reservations, call 7917-8225 and 0917-8091254 or visit www.taalvistahotel.com, Facebook and on Instagram.