he country road leads home

Cradled within the sprawling Olivarez Plaza along Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay Country Hotel is a hideaway that is off the beaten track. The hotel, which opened for business in 2000, is not immediately visible along the highway. Nevertheless, it’s surprising how guests manage to find the place. "Just word of mouth," says Resident Manager Julius Judalena, on what brings people to the hotel. "That’s why it feels good to know that our customers are so satisfied with our service that they recommend us to their friends and relatives."

The concept behind the hotel revolves around the idea of country. "Tagaytay Country Hotel is a country home where everything is within reach," Judalena explains. Since the hotel belongs to the Olivarez Commercial Complex, hotel guests have access to all the other amenities the compound has to offer, such as badminton courts, bowling alleys, a supermarket, and the La Costa Spa, to name just a few.

To further achieve the look and feel of a country cottage, Tagaytay Country Hotel features furnishings made of rattan, bamboo, and old wood in all its 68 rooms. Homestyle cooking is the phrase that best describes the food lovingly prepared by the hotel’s resident chef together with the rest of the kitchen staff. But while the hotel might make you feel like you’re vacationing in a far-off land, the modern facilities will keep you in touch with the times and the world outside, as each room is equipped with cable TV, a mini-bar, a hot and cold shower, NDD/IDD telephone, and individual air-conditioning. Of course, the hotel’s cozy ambiance can never be complete without the people that make the guests feel truly at home.

Not every hotel in Tagaytay specializes in dealing with customers on a personal level. The whole hotel staff regularly undergoes training in customer relationships. Even Judalena has taken upon himself the responsibility of meeting and talking to everyone who comes to and leaves the hotel. Judalena directs the workings of the entire hotel with a hands-on approach, so you can expect to receive treatment of only the best sort.

Located in a city known for its cool climate and scenic landscape, Tagaytay Country Hotel is a welcoming place where you can take pleasure in the city’s environment. Its garden is a showcase of Tagaytay’s rich and colorful foliage. "Our hotel boasts a beautiful, well-kept garden, where flowers are in bloom all year round," says Judalena. "In fact, a lot of celebrations have been held in our garden." Many hotel guests prefer that their events be held outdoors so that they can make the most of the natural backdrop. "In the first place, that’s why people choose to celebrate in Tagaytay."

Over the years, the hotel staff have become experts in the art of combining garden setting with fine dining. They know just how to bring all the elements of a banquet out in the garden without the loss of order and harmony. Likewise, they are always on their toes in case the need to bring everything back inside arises. Since the weather in Tagaytay can be unpredictable, the staff understands the importance of having a Plan B at all times. "Whenever we prepare a banquet out in the garden, we also arrange something similar in one of the function rooms," says Judalena. "We won’t let the rain spoil the occasion."

If you plan to say your wedding vows in the city in the sky, Tagaytay Country Hotel would love to host your celebration. If you would like a church ceremony, there are several churches within the vicinity – the nearest being the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church – to choose from. Otherwise, the hotel’s own garden might just be the perfect spot to say "I do".

Ideal for couples whose budgets are tight, the hotel’s wedding packages are comprehensive yet affordable. What’s more, the packages are also flexible, and you are free to consult with the management regarding the finer details you would like to incorporate into your reception. Besides, achieving the celebration you envisioned it is the heart of the hotel’s service.

For the moment, as the sound of wedding bells drift through the mountain air, Tagaytay Country Hotel prepares for your homecoming.