Tagaytay Monteluce DREAM Vacation: 1BR w/ Pool, Unbeatable Price!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Tagaytay Monteluce DREAM Vacation. Forget those picture-perfect, airbrushed reviews you're used to. This is the raw, unfiltered truth. And let me tell you, I've got FEELINGS about this place. But first, the basics, then the juicy bits…
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First Impressions & Accessibility: Is It REALLY "Dream" Worthy?
Right, so, accessibility. Let's rip that band-aid off first. Finding a truly accessible place in the Philippines… well, it's a crapshoot. Tagaytay, with its hilly terrain, expect obstacles. Monteluce? They try. Elevator is a MUST, which it has. But let's be real, calling it "fully" wheelchair-accessible is a stretch. Expect some maneuvering and possibly some help. Ramps are present, but the overall landscape? Not exactly a smooth ride. Also, let's be honest, the internet access, while "free Wi-Fi in all rooms" is a selling point, it's the Philippines, so expect it to be… temperamental. I'd recommend having some data on your phone as back up. (More on that later. My internet rage levels went through the roof at one point.)
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Fueling the Dream (Or Not)?
This is where things get… interesting. Restaurants. Lounges. Okay, there's some. A la carte? Yes. Buffet? Also yes. Asian and Western cuisine? Check. Coffee shop? Yep. But… and it's a BIG but… the "unbeatable price" seems to filter slightly into the dining experience. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. Think… solid, dependable, filling. I went for a coffee at the coffee shop one morning, the coffee itself wasn't exactly amazing, but the view was pretty enough to make up for it. Then, I ordered some "eggs" for my breakfast, and they were slightly rubbery. My main thoughts? A bit overpriced for the quality. But, the convenience of it being right there? HUGE. Especially when you're nursing a post-spa glow and just want a freakin' burger.
Things to Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (With a Few Caveats…)
Now we're talking! This is where Monteluce shines. The pool with a view? Gorgeous. Seriously, photo-op central. I spent hours just floating, staring out at the Taal Volcano (when the clouds allowed!), which is why you're going here, right?
And the spa?! Okay, full confession: I'm a sucker for a good spa. And Monteluce, while not perfect, delivers. They have everything: massage, body scrubs, body wraps, a sauna, a steamroom, and a foot bath. I opted for the full-body massage, and oh. My. Goodness. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The masseuse was amazing. I swear, she kneaded away all the stress of the internet and the rubbery eggs. The ambiance was lovely, dim lighting, calming music… I almost fell asleep. The massage was so good, in fact, that I booked another one the next day. (Don't judge me!)
However… the facilities themselves felt a little… dated. A little more TLC in upkeep wouldn't go amiss. While they did have everything, it felt a bit like they were resting on their laurels a bit. Still, for the price, you're getting a fantastic spa experience. But I repeat, don't go expecting the sleek, modern feel of a spa in a five-star hotel. But that massage, that's worth the trip alone.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Big Covid Reality Check
Alright, let's get serious. We're living in crazy times. Monteluce does take cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Yup. They've got hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wear masks, and there's a decent attempt at physical distancing. You can even opt-out of room sanitization, which is a nice touch for those of us who are, shall we say, particular about our space. They try to meet the hygiene certification. But here's the thing: it's not perfect. I saw a few things here and there that made me raise an eyebrow. But overall, I felt reasonably safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Bonanza (and a Few Regrets)
The dining situation is a mix bag. As I mentioned, Buffet? Yes. Salad? Yes. Desserts? Oh, yes. The breakfast buffet was decent, with a good variety of options. But some dishes are, perhaps, a bit underwhelming (looking at you, scrambled eggs). I appreciated the vegetarian options. The poolside bar is a HUGE plus! They have some happy hour specials, and the ambiance is perfect for a sundowner. The snacks bar offered some decent options too, but not amazing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter… Mostly
The service is generally good. The staff are friendly and helpful. The facilities for disabled guests exists, but it could be better, as I've mentioned. I've mentioned about the Wi-Fi, and I am going to mention again. Its bad. The Air conditioning is great! The elevator is a HUGE plus. The convenience store is just that – convenient. They really do have everything in mind to make your stay easy.
For the Kids (and the Parents): Family-Friendly Fun?
Monteluce is definitely family-friendly. They have a babysitting service and kids' meals. Now, I don't have kids, so I can't personally vouch for the "fun" element, but I saw plenty of happy families enjoying their time there. It feels like somewhere that is specifically designed for families and I saw kids of all ages having a blast.
In-Room Amenities: The Comforts of Home (Kinda)
The rooms are well-equipped. The Air conditioning works, thank god! Free Wi-Fi? (Hallelujah!). The beds were comfortable, and there was plenty of closet space. The bathroom had the basics, but again, nothing particularly luxurious. There's a safe, a mini-bar, and a coffee/tea maker which is a win. But the rooms are a little… sterile. Don't expect a lot of character or charm. And speaking of charm, the view from the terrace was absolutely wonderful.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy?
They have a free car park (a big win!), car park and taxi service. Tagaytay is easy to get around, as long as you accept that things are a little slower pace.
The Verdict: Should YOU Book the DREAM Vacation?
Okay, so, the Tagaytay Monteluce DREAM Vacation. Dream? Hmm… it's more like a pleasant vacation, with a few moments of sheer bliss. Don't go expecting perfection. The internet? Temperamental. The food? Hit or miss. The accessibility? Needs improvement.
BUT! The pool is AMAZING. The spa is a MUST-DO. The staff are lovely. And, let's be honest, that price is pretty darn good.
My Emotional Reaction (and why you should listen to me):
Look, I'm not a fancy travel blogger. I'm just a regular person who loves a good getaway. I'm also a bit of a worrier, and I'm not shy about sharing my opinions! I'm honest, I'm authentic, and I'm going to give it to you straight.
I wouldn't hesitate to go back to Tagaytay Monteluce. I might even book myself back in for another massage right now.
Final Recommendation:
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with stunning views, a decent spa, and a budget-friendly price, then YES, book the Tagaytay Monteluce DREAM Vacation. Just manage your expectations. Bring a good book (or download a bunch of Netflix shows for when the Wi-Fi inevitably fails) and get ready to relax. And definitely book a massage. You deserve it.
THE UNBEATABLE OFFER: Book Now and Get Ready to DREAM!
Tagaytay Monteluce DREAM Vacation: 1BR w/ Pool, Unbeatable Price!
- Exclusive Offer: Book a 1-Bedroom room and enjoy access a heated pool.
- Spa Special: Get a 20% discount on pre-booked spa treatments.
- Breakfast is on us! Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet at our restaurant.
- Wi-Fi Included: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi access in all rooms and public areas.
Why book NOW?
- Unbeatable Views: Wake up to breathtaking views of Taal Volcano and the caldera.
- Relaxation Redefined: Indulge in our exceptional spa services.
- Convenient Location: Easily accessible and close to local attractions.
- **
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into my (attempted) budget-friendly fiesta in Tagaytay! I’m talking a whole WEEKEND in paradise… or at least, a 1-bedroom Monteluce condo paradise with a pool. This is going to be epic… or a complete and utter disaster. Let's find out!
The Grand (Somewhat Disorganized) Tagaytay Adventure
Accommodation: Monteluce Condominium, 1 Bedroom with Pool Access – Pray for No Bedbugs!
Friday - ARRIVAL OF CHAOS (and hopefully, a good view!)
1:00 PM: Alright, the Great Escape begins! Leaving Manila. Traffic already feels like a personal affront. I swear, I'm picturing myself floating stress-free in that Monteluce pool already. (Side note: I've seen the photos. It looks… slightly different in real life, right? Fingers crossed.)
3:00 PM (ish): Finally! We made it! Traffic ate a good chunk of our day. That "scenic route" Google Maps suggested? Total lie. It took us past a pig farm that smelled… let’s just say it built character. (And maybe a little gag reflex.) Okay, Monteluce! Here we are! The front desk folks are super nice, thankfully. Keys in hand! Time to scout out the place.
- Initial Condo Impression: The photos online were carefully curated. The place is… okay. It smells vaguely of cleaning products and… dampness? Maybe it’s just my overactive imagination, but are those… specs on the bedsheets? Don't want to start the weekend off with a case of lice! Quick Inspection in order!
- Pool Reconnaissance: YES! The pool is… actually pretty decent! Smaller than I envisioned, but hey, blue water is blue water. And I'm definitely going to splash around there!
4:30 PM: Grocery run! (We're trying to be budget-conscious, remember?) We hit a local supermarket. My mission? Score the makings of a killer picnic and snacks for the weekend. This is where my hopes of budget-friendly travel take a nosedive. Prices are a bit higher than in the city, (what do you expect!) but I managed to find some really good fresh ingredients. Also, there were SO MANY PEOPLE!
6:30 PM: Sunset Cocktails (and snacks) on the balcony! Okay, the view isn't quite the Instagram dream I'd envisioned, but look at the mountains! and the sky! Just breathe. Everything will be okay. Crack open the wine. Oops. We forgot a bottle opener. facepalm. Using a screwdriver and a lot of struggling. (Don't judge me.) The sunset is absolutely gorgeous. Worth the battle scar on my thumb.
7:30 PM: Dinner. Ate what we bought.
Saturday - Embracing Tagaytay's Cliché (and Maybe Finding Something Real)
9:00 AM: Woke up. The bed was actually quite comfy. I swear, it's making me consider whether or not to live here. I'm already plotting how to incorporate this lifestyle into my life… oh wait there's the pool! Time to head to the pool!
10:00 AM: Swimming and Sunbathing at the Monteluce Pool! This IS the life. The water's refreshingly cool! It's a lovely pool. I stayed here for hours.
1:00 PM Late Lunch.
- We had coffee that we made from our room. A coffee from a local cafe. The beans were so fresh.
3:00 PM: The Sky Ranch! (Yes, I know. Tourist trap. But… Ferris wheel! And the view! Okay, I also want to feel like a kid again). The Ferris wheel. Amazing. The view! The crowd!
5:00 PM: "The real moment"
- We actually walked around a bit more. We took the time to talk and talk. I had a lot of thoughts and feelings.
6:00 PM: Dinner!
- This is the part where I got to experience different food! This is where I can say the experience I have is different from other people.
7:30 PM: Relax and do nothing.
Sunday - The Slow Goodbye (and a Stomach Full of Hope)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up with a good mood. Made and Ate Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: I'm heading out for a hike.
- The Hike: No specific plans here. Just finding the closest scenic trail, breathing in the fresh air, and trying not to twist an ankle while taking a photo of a flower.
- Hiking was amazing! The trail wasn't "technically challenging," which was good. I took a lot of photos.
- 1:00 PM: One last (desperate) attempt at escaping the tourist crowds. Lunch.
- 3:00 PM: Back to Manila.
- 5:00 PM: Back home.
- The Wrap-Up:
- Okay, so the weekend wasn't perfect. There were a few hiccups (traffic, the questionable bedsheets, forgetting the bottle opener), but overall, it was a good one. The pool brought a sense of serenity to my chaotic life. And, hey, the view was actually pretty damn good most of the time!
- Would I do it again? Absolutely. Next time, I'm packing my own bottle opener and maybe some Lysol wipes. And definitely practicing my negotiation skills at the local market! Tagaytay, you crazy, beautiful place, until next time.
Tagaytay Monteluce DREAM Vacation: 1BR w/ Pool – Let's Get Real! (and Maybe Slightly Rambly)
Okay, spill! Is this place REALLY as dreamy as the ad says?
That "Unbeatable Price" – is it too good to be true? What's the catch?
What about the 1BR? Is it big enough for a couple? Or maybe a small family?
Tell me about the pool! Is it clean? Overcrowded? Did you actually *use* it?
What's the parking situation like? I heard Tagaytay parking is a nightmare.
Are there any good restaurants or activities nearby? Food and fun, what are you suggestions?
What did you *dislike* about your stay, if anything? Be honest!
Would you recommend the Tagaytay Monteluce DREAM Vacation for a solo traveler, couple, or family?
