Top Tagaytay City Hotels

Tagaytay, a real tourist destination, is a delightful place to visit, I would thoroughly recommend the Italian Restaurant opposite the garage down the hill from the Taal Vista Lodge. Really good Italian food and inexpensive ( 85 pesos a glass) imported house wine.

If you take the boat tour to the "smallest volcano", be aware that once you arrive on the island, you''ll also need to hire a separate "guide" to accompany you to the top, and there are numerous touts trying to sell you dust masks. The little horses to carry you to the volcano are extra, of course, and if you are not in shape and accustomed to the heat, they may well be worth the cost.

The one highlight of the trip was the trip to the valcano (Taal). We got the boat trip for 1100 pesos. The rental of the horses were a bit expensive and they did not want to bargain much. We rented three horses for about 2500 pesos and rode them up to the valcano. It really was worth it. It was vary nice up there. Of course everyone had their hand out for money. The guides insisted on a 200 peso tip which was fare but the way they asked for it was not appropriate. I would do the trip again though. The water was a bit rough going out to the island but that was not their fault.

Tagaytay is a great place to visit. Whether you are with your family and friends, or out for a romantic weekend, it''s perfect! The weather is nice and cool and the air is clean and fresh. Put Tagaytay on your list of places to go in the Philippines!

You should take a visit to the Taal volcano if the weather is nice. Make sure you negotiate though up front! Go to the center of town and take a jeep down, the tricycle was was a rough dusty ride down. Wear a rain poncho or swim clothes for the boat to the island, it''s a great trip up on horse and a beautiful view of the volcano lake, well worth it. and the active volcano is on the big island not the one in the lake in the picture.

From the hotel, we went to Josephine''s restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we went to the Casino to make a few bets. Amazingly, we won though we weren''t too familiar with the card''s game; it must just be a beginner''s luck. We capped the evening with a coffee in Starbucks.

A car is needed. Taal has a nice picnic area with a view for those enjoying barbecues etc. For the sailors there are boat trips on the lake and we found a nice resort hiring out shaded and seated areas for those wanting only to look at the lake. Josephine''s restaurant near the hotel provides excellent food at reasonable prices. Take care as the portions on our selections from the menu were large.

Quaint place for breakfast or a snack: Bag o'' Beans. Have their coffee and a loaf of the cinnamon raisin bread which they heat up and serve with butter. Simple but yummy and filling!

Sonya''s Garden Bed & Breakfast - a must-visit for the lunch and garden tour. Martha Stewart would be envious of this superb presentation of gardens and culinary delights.