I stumbled to La Bella thru other blogs while searching for a nice staycation location in Tagaytay. Their pool with a transparent side where it seems like you are inside an aquarium was the one that caught my attention. And obviously its all white facade that never really get out of style.
L o c a t i o n
La Bella is a condotel building located at Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City. If you're coming from Manila, just go along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. Before you reach the location of the famous Antonio's restaurant, turn right on a Zambal Road. You'll notice the Zambal road through a big Cabana signage installed on its corner. Go straight ahead then turn left to see the gated La Bella at Tagaytay. For the public transport, ride a bus going Tagaytay/Mendez and drop off at Tagaytay Rotonda. From there, ride a jeeney and asked the driver to drop you at Zambal Road or mention La Bella which they are also familiar with. Then ride a tricycle to La Bella.
Those trees looked promising. Made me excited to see the inside.
L o b b y
A few steps from the gate will bring you to the lobby area where the reception was also located. As same with the gate, the whole structure was all made with concrete and colored with white. The structures were mid rise, with about 3-4 floors. The lobby was a nice welcome to begin with. It has the all-white ambiance with glass windows and doors. It was like an art gallery hall with all those interesting furniture and arts standing and hanging at the wall.
The surroundings has a motif of white, brown and black colors. Such a pleasing combination.
The space was quite big. There were arts hanging on the wall from one side and there was a wooden table for computer and study purposes on the other side. Every corner of the lobby was surprisingly nice and sleek.
I particularly love this wall furniture.
G a r d e n
Just beside the lobby was a big glass door that will transport you to the indoor garden, as if you step out to a different world. It was like an oasis in a concrete jungle. I loved that they have able to grow those trees and plants. It was calming and pretty. There were tables and chairs which you can ask to have your snacks served if you want to.
This little garden was a nice escape spot if you want something green from all of the whites indoor.
R o o m
Of all the spot in La Bella, the room was where I was disappointed the most. The room was plain and small. Glad we only had a night. Bed was in single size, and there was a limited space to move around same as the size of the bathroom. Good thing they created some nice spots outside to make up on what the room was missing. And also, we were able to see one of the well made and furnished room and it hurts we need to compare it to what was given to us.
This was the model room:
Versus our room:
Might look nice in this angle. But don't be fooled.
I even tried to enjoy it at first. The wall mural was nice though.
Until we saw the bed sheet. Considering that this photo was already processed and so the dirt color was a little faded already. In actual, it was awful and we saw it in the morning when we already slept with it and it was too late to complain and have it replaced. Such a big turn off!
Hallway to the rooms.
O r g a n i c o
Part of the main structure was the hotel's restaurant called Organico Gourmet. Main entrance was from the lobby. They had balcony and inner tables and chairs. The style was modern. We had our snacks, dinner and breakfast here. The breakfast was included in our accommodation.
Food was good.
B a l c o n y
Rooms didn't have their own balconies but the floor where we were staying had a rooftop balcony. It was not that big but I like the idea that they have an open space where anyone can breath a real air and sun bath if needed.
P o o l
The one that I was excited to try didn't materialized. The pool spot was small and had a few tables and chairs only so it was quite awkward to jump in if it was occupied especially by a large group. I didn't even got a chance to come near it since it was always full of people.
J a c u z z i
They have at least around 3 Jacuzzi tubs located on the roof deck of the hotel. Though you need to pay separately if you want to use it since it was not included in the booking payment. If I remember it right, I think they were charging 1k per head for its use.
We didn't try it but it was actually tempting to jump in.
View from the deck.
E l C u c i n e r o
A restaurant just steps from the hotel was named El Cucinero. Though it was outside of the hotel, it was still part of La Bella. It was popular dining spot and outsiders can dine in even if they are not booked in La Bella. Unfortunately, it was close when we came so we never had a chance to try the food.
They have outside, roof deck and inner dine in spots.
From the all white and blue motif from the outside, the inner style was busting with colors.
We came around Halloween month if you're wondering why there were skeletons and spider webs all around.
B o d h i
Another cool spot inside La Bella was the Bodhi shop, the Bodhi Cafe and the Bodhi Library. Though we only got a chance to see the shop, we had glimpse of the rest. And they have a nice roof deck spot where you can hang out too.
Back of the shop.
Unfortunately, library was close during our visit.
Those seats crated a nice character for the place.
Honestly, La Bella was just fine, if not with those dirty bed sheet and too small rooms that I will always remember. They have a lot of cool spaces. It will be a nice hang out place, so I guess, a day visit will be just enough. It was one of those accommodations that I don't think will be worth for another visit. I was glad we only had a night to spend there. Another thing to mention was their service was bad too. They made us wait for our rooms that was not worth waiting. Those on the reception was lack of warmth and welcoming vibes. Hopefully after 3 years, they have improved everything from their service to their rooms.
Since La Bella is a condotel, some of the unit owners have their rooms at Airbnb. We booked out stay here thru booking.com. So if you are a little scared to try because of what I have shared, those well made rooms from the unit owners might tell a different story. They might be better. We will never know until you try right?
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