Unbelievable Tagaytay Views Await You at Felicitas!
Felicitas Tagaytay: Views That Almost Make You Forget the Laundry (and the Bugs!) - A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm still recovering from my Tagaytay adventure at Felicitas, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. More than just a stay, it was a wrestling match with my over-optimistic expectations and the occasional (tiny, I swear!) mosquito. But let's get started, shall we? I'm still trying to sort out the laundry… both literally and figuratively.
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The Grand Entrance (And the Parking Saga)
Okay, first things first: the views. Holy moly. They're the reason you go to Tagaytay, right? And Felicitas… they deliver. You get a panoramic glimpse of Taal Volcano, and it's undeniably breathtaking, especially at sunrise. I mean, I almost lost my breakfast, but in a good way! The car park, though… well, it's on-site (yay!), and it's supposedly free of charge. HOWEVER, it's a bit of a free-for-all. My poor little car ended up squeezed between a monster truck and a minivan. Valet parking? Tempting, but I opted for the (slightly) less stressful self-park. Good thing I'm an efficient packer!
Checking In - Smoother Than Expected, Thanks to the Elevator (Thank God!)
Okay I'M going to mention the Accessibility here. Because I'm not particularly able-bodied, being able to get around a place is important. While I didn't need a wheelchair accessible room (though they do list facilities for disabled guests), the presence of an Elevator was an absolute lifesaver. The Front desk [24-hour] was also a godsend, especially since I'm always arriving at the goddamned weirdest times. The check-in process itself was quick and fairly effortless, with the hotel staff being generally professional and friendly, but more on that later. Contactless check-in/out – now that’s a win.
The Room - Pretty Good, But…
I opted for a Non-smoking room (duh!), and it was spacious, with a Seating area that was perfect for contemplating life (and the buffet leftovers). The Air conditioning blasted like it was trying to solve global warming, but hey, better than sweating through your shirt! The Blackout curtains were a godsend, perfect for sleeping in after a late night or enjoying the view. They even had a Coffee/tea maker, which is essential for me. Now, the Bathroom, eh… it was perfectly functional. Nothing to write home about. They had a Separate shower/bathtub, which is always nice. Cleanliness was… okay. The Daily housekeeping was a plus, but the devil is in the details. I think the maids could've paid a bit more attention to the corners. The Bed was comfy enough, but my back's still a little wonky.
The Bane of My Existence: The Internet!
Okay, this is where things got a little… testy. Felicitas shouts about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. And, technically, they are correct. But the signal? Let's just say my connection was about as reliable as my ex-boyfriend's promises. When it did work, it was okay. So, the fact that they have Internet Access – Wireless and Internet Access - LAN are pointless. I basically had to go downstairs to the lobby for a decent connection, which sort of defeats the whole “relax in your room” thing. So, if you need a solid internet connection for work, you've been warned. The fact that they offered Hot water linen and laundry washing might have been the reason why!
Dining and Drinking: A Tale of Two Buffets
Oh, the food! The Restaurants are plentiful, and the Breakfast [buffet] (with Western breakfast and Asian breakfast) was decent, though, honestly, they could've amped up the coffee game. They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant which was nice too. The Buffet in restaurant offered a great variety, but some of the dishes felt a little…generic. But the Poolside bar was a winner! Great cocktails, and the views… still stunning. The A la carte in restaurant was also available, which was good for a change. The Happy hour was a welcome respite after a full day of pretending to be a relaxed person. I heard good things about the Vegetarian restaurant, though I didn't give it a try. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver when I was feeling especially lazy (which, let's be honest, was most of the time). Coffee shop also available.
Poolside Bliss (and My Near-Drowning Experience)
Ah, the Swimming pool! Beautiful, with an even better Pool with view. I spent hours there, sipping cocktails, pretending to be a mermaid. The water was crisp and clean, and the view… chef's kiss. I might have gotten a little too comfortable and almost drowned myself. I'll stick to the shallow end next time. The staff were pretty attentive and the fact there was Daily disinfection in common areas made me feel safe.
Spa Day: Pretty Good, But Could Be Better!
Now, the Spa… I had HIGH hopes. The Body scrub was divine, and the Massage was pretty good. The Body wrap felt a little rushed, but they do try. They also offer a Sauna, and Steamroom – haven’t tried it. The facilities were clean, and the atmosphere was relaxing. But… and here's a big "but"… the therapists seemed a little hurried. And the lighting? A tad too bright, which kind of killed the whole "zen" vibe. But overall, a good experience.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and the Occasional Bug
Aside from the pool and spa, Felicitas offers a decent range of activities. There's a Fitness center, if you're into torture. (I'm not.) And they do offer Babysitting service which is great for families. Oh, and you'll find a Gift/souvenir shop, in case you forgot to get your mom something. I wish there were more things to do, tbh. The Terrace was delightful for chilling, and you could also get a Foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Mixed Bag
I’m going to give them credit here. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, and Daily disinfection in common areas, so they do seem to try and care for their guests. HOWEVER, there were the aforementioned…bugs. Tiny, annoying, mosquito-like things. Individually-wrapped food options and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were also on offer, a plus! They had a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit, but thankfully I didn't need them.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (And Annoy)
Air conditioning in public area which is great. The Concierge was helpful, especially when I needed an extra towel (or five). They also offered Laundry service, which I was grateful for, though, again, the service could have been better. They also offered Car park [on-site].
For the Kids!
The hotel seemed generally Family/child friendly, with kids meals available.
The Verdict: Worth It, But With Caveats!
Felicitas Tagaytay offers some genuinely stunning views, a decent spa experience, and a generally pleasant stay. But there are definitely some areas for improvement. The inconsistent internet, the so-so service, and the occasional pesky bug prevent it from being a truly amazing experience. However, the views? The pool? The ability to escape the city for a little while? That's what makes it worth it. Just pack extra bug spray, lower your expectations a smidge, and prepare to be amazed by those views. Would I go back? Possibly. But this time, I'm bringing my own Wi-Fi router! And a flamethrower for the mosquitoes. Kidding! (Mostly.)
Escape to the Lake District: Your Dream Stay at the Cockermouth Trout Hotel
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my REAL, messy, probably-slightly-over-enthusiastic, and definitely-not-sponsored adventure in Tagaytay, Philippines. Prepare for a rollercoaster!
FELICITAS TAGAYTAY: A Whirlwind of Views, Regrets, and Siopao-fueled Bliss
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and a Near-Gastronomic Disaster (Yes, Really.)
- 8:00 AM - Arrival Chaos (Manila to Tagaytay): My internal alarm clock (aka severe anxiety) blasted off at 4 am. After a hilariously stressful taxi hunt from the airport (Seriously, Manila traffic is a beast! I seriously considered walking), we arrived in Tagaytay. The air immediately feels cleaner, crisper, and… colder! I could feel a lump of panic in my throat. The altitude, man, it hits you differently.
- 9:30 AM - Felicitas Check-In: Thank GOD for Felicitas Tagaytay. The lobby? Gorgeous! The view? Promising! The staff? Delightfully friendly, despite my slightly frantic state. My first thought? "I need coffee. NOW."
- 10:00 AM - The Taal Vista (View-tiful… maybe): So, everyone raves about the Taal Volcano view. And, okay, it is pretty spectacular. But here's the thing: it was cloudy. Like, REALLY cloudy. I’m talking a pea-soup fog situation that made the volcano look like a slightly-less-defined blob. I swear, I saw a ghostly cow in the mist at one point. Maybe I was already hallucinating. Anyway, The view was so-so, more like a "potential view" than a full-blown postcard moment. Still, I took a million photos, because, well, memories.
- 11:30 AM - Lunch at Antonio's Breakfast (The Big, Fat, Expensive Mistake): They say this place is legendary. I'm going to be frank, it was fine, but also incredibly pricey. The food was good, sure. Did it change my life? Absolutely not. Did it bankrupt me for the rest of the trip? Possibly. I'm still recovering financially from the sheer cost of that meal. I felt bad for leaving a small tip.
- 1:00 PM - Rest and Regroup (Needed, desperately): Okay, the altitude, the travel, the near-heart-attack from the bill…I needed a nap. My room at Felicitas was a cozy haven, and I crashed hard. The sound of the breeze through the trees was pure bliss.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring the area (Maybe?): I, at first, wanted to go to the Picnic Grove. But that's a whole other level of touristy. Anyway, I stayed at the room and enjoyed the view from the balcony.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner Attempt (And Existential Crisis): I tried to find a quaint little restaurant (away from the tourist traps). Ended up at a place that looked promising, but the food was… questionable. Let's just say my stomach is still recovering. The experience left me with a slight existential crisis. I started questioning my life choices. Why did I eat that lumpia? Was I destined to a life of mediocre Tagaytay meals?
- 7:00 PM - Sunset (Maybe?): More fog. Just the promise of a sunset, but not the actual sunset. I drank a cup of hot chocolate and accepted my fate.
Day 2: Siopao, Serendipity, and a Deep Dive into Perfection (Almost!)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: Delicious buffet! I'm loving the service. I'm starting to think, this might turn out better than expected!
- 9:00 AM - Sky Ranch Tagaytay: I'm not usually a theme park kind of person, but the Sky Ranch was nice, I enjoyed the view from the Ferris wheel.
- 11:00 AM - The Perfect Siopao (This is Important): Okay, THIS is a moment. We found this tiny, hidden, non-descript little stall selling siopao (filled buns). After some asking around, we found this siopao. This wasn't just any siopao. This was a fluffy, savory, perfectly-steamed culinary masterpiece. I ordered three. Then four. Then, in a fit of pure euphoria, I went back and bought a dozen to bring home. This siopao experience was the highlight of the trip. Period.
- 12:30 PM - St. John Vianney, Tagaytay: Peaceful place. I'm not a religious person, but it was so calm.
- 2:00 PM - Shopping Time!: I'm so bad at shopping. I went to the Ayala Malls.
- 4:00 PM - Back to Felicitas (and the Balcony's Embrace): The balcony… I could stay there forever.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner, Round Two (Success!): I found a smaller restaurant for dinner. The food was great! I slept like a baby.
Day 3: Departure (And a Promise to Return)
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast and Farewell Views: Heartbreaking. Saying goodbye to the balcony, the clouds still there, almost makes me sad.
- 10:00 AM - Errands, Pack: I had to buy more siopao.
- 12:00 PM - Departure: The taxi ride back to Manila? Still a glorious mess. But this time, I had a full belly, happy heart, and a whole box of siopao dreams.
Final Thoughts (And Absolutely No Regrets!)
Tagaytay was an adventure. It was a bit messy, a bit expensive, and sometimes cloudy. But it was also beautiful, delicious (that siopao!), and restorative. Would I go back? Absolutely! I need to revisit the siopao stall immediately. And maybe this time, I'll actually see that famous Taal Volcano. Or not. Either way, I had a blast. 10/10 would recommend! Now, where's that siopao…?
Escape to Paradise: Orient Beacon Resort, Panchagani's Hidden Gem
Felicitas Tagaytay: The Unfiltered FAQs You *Actually* Want
(Because let's be honest, those polished brochures are lying... kinda.)
Okay, spill. Is the view *really* as breathtaking as the Instagram posts suggest?
Alright, buckle up for the truth bomb. Here's the deal: Yes, the view *is* pretty freakin' amazing. I mean, Taal Volcano? In your face, staring majestically across the lake? It's a postcard moment, guaranteed. BUT. And there's always a but, isn't there? It's not like the photos where everything's bathed in perfect golden light. Sometimes it's shrouded in a moody mist, which is also kinda cool, definitely adds a certain drama. Other times, the clouds roll in, and you're like, "Well, crap." But even then, there's *something* – a hint of the volcano, a break in the clouds... It's more real, more unpredictable. Like life, you know? So, yeah, it's worth it, even if you don't get that perfect shot every time. You might just get a great memory, even if the weather throws its own little tantrum!
What's the deal with the food? Is it just…expensive tourist fare?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Look, Tagaytay, like any popular tourist spot, has its share of… shall we say… *pricey* options. Felicitas is no exception. I'm not gonna lie, my wallet took a slight hit. BUT, and here's where things get kinda interesting, the food at Felicitas feels…slightly different. It's got a bit of a fancier vibe than some of the roadside eateries, for sure. Remember that pan-seared salmon I ordered? Divine. Actually, I think I might have drooled on it while I was taking pictures! It was cooked perfectly, had the right amount of crispy-ness and the sauce? Don't get me started. Okay, it's expensive, yeah, But it’s worth it. Honestly, I'd prepare yourself to spend a bit more, but you'll get quality. If you’re on a super tight budget, maybe bring a snack you can sneak, but do try the food because it’s great.
Is it crowded? Like, can you actually enjoy the peace and quiet?
Crowds? Oh, honey, welcome to Tagaytay! It's a popular spot for a reason. Felicitas can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. I actually went on a Tuesday, thinking I was being clever. Nope. Still plenty of people. But here's my secret weapon: find a quiet corner. There are little nooks and crannies, shaded areas where you can escape the selfie stick brigade. Maybe go early, before the masses descend. Or plan your visit during the off-season, if you can (though let's be honest, the off-season is a myth these days). But honestly, finding a moment of peace is doable – it's all about perspective and a willingness to elbow your way through the crowds, both literally and figuratively.
What's the vibe like? Is it romantic, family-friendly, or just totally chaotic?
It's a bit of everything, frankly. I saw couples gazing into each other's eyes, families with screaming kids (bless their little hearts!), and groups of friends taking a gazillion pictures. I, myself, was somewhere in between. It felt like a mix. There was definitely a romantic undercurrent, the kind that's fueled by beautiful sunsets and maybe a glass of wine. But there's also enough going on to keep families entertained. It's a bit of a circus, honestly. But a beautiful circus. If you're looking for complete serenity, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're okay with a bit of controlled chaos and the occasional happy squeal, you'll be fine. And maybe, just maybe, you'll stumble across a perfect, quiet moment all to yourself. I did, for about five minutes, before a toddler ran past me, shrieking with joy.
Okay, let's talk bathrooms. Are they clean? Because that's a make-or-break situation for me.
Listen, I'm with you. Clean bathrooms are essential. Luckily (and let me knock on wood), the bathrooms at Felicitas were…satisfactory. They weren’t five-star hotel quality, but they were clean enough. Definitely bring your own hand sanitizer, though. You know, just in case. And maybe a tiny air freshener. Just kidding! (Mostly.) The important thing is, they were functional, which is more than you can say for some places. So, rest easy, my friend. Your bathroom needs should be met, with the appropriate level of expectations.
Should I stay overnight? Or is a day trip enough?
Depends on your stamina and what you want. A day trip is totally doable, and you can squeeze in a lot. The views are gorgeous at sunset, so if possible, plan for that. However, traffic getting out of Tagaytay can be a nightmare, so be prepared for a slog. Staying overnight gives you more flexibility. You can catch the sunrise, which is supposed to be spectacular (I missed it, sadly). You can relax, enjoy a leisurely dinner, and avoid the traffic madness. I actually regret not staying. I was rushing. And now, it’s the biggest regret of my life (okay, maybe not, but it was a strong contender). If you have the time and budget, definitely stay! Otherwise, make sure you leave early to beat the traffic. Your sanity will thank you.
What's the best time to visit? Weather-wise?
Okay, this is the million-dollar question. The weather in Tagaytay is notoriously unpredictable. You could get sunshine, rain, fog, or all three in the same afternoon! The dry season (November to May) is generally considered the best, but even then, you're not guaranteed a clear view. I visited in... well, let's just say it wasn't the ideal time. And yeah, it rained. A lot. Don't overthink it. Pack layers, bring an umbrella (even if you look silly), and be prepared for anything. And pray to whatever weather gods you believe in. Seriously. Do it. The weather gods... they are fickle.
Any hidden gems or things I should look out for that aren't on the brochures?
Okay, listen up, because I have a secret weapon for you. I found a small cafe, *right* near the entrance. It's not fancy, but the coffee was the best I've had in days and They had these tiny little cakes, perfect for a quick sugar rush. It was a total lifesaver. Beyond thatBook Hotels Now
