Are you looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle? We recently stayed at Hotel Casiana in Tagaytay, lured by the promise of a relaxing weekend and, of course, that heated pool they offered. 

Room with a View (and a Few Quirks)

We booked a Deluxe King room on a Sunday, which came with a sweet discount. First impressions? The room was spacious – a real plus. The balcony with the outdoor dinette? Definitely a winner for soaking in the cool Tagaytay breeze. The king-size bed and pillows were firm, just how we like them, leading to a solid night's sleep. Plus, Netflix on the TV was a nice touch for some late-night unwinding. 

Now, for the "quirks." The shower was a bit of a hazard zone. Those tiles get slippery, so watch your step. Also, the Wi-Fi was initially weak. Thankfully, a Wi-Fi extender fixed that issue, but it's something to keep in mind. Oh, and the complimentary water? First jug's on the house. But refills? Not so much. They will charge you for the next one. 

The room, including a buffet breakfast for two, was priced around P3,900. Breakfast itself was...okay. The longganisa was the highlight, but the rest was pretty standard fare: garlic rice, eggs (cooked to order), champorado, bread, jams and coffee. Nothing to write home about, but nothing terrible either.

The "Heated" Pool Debacle

Here's where things got a bit disappointing. One of the main reasons we booked Hotel Casiana was the advertised heated pool. Imagine our surprise when we dipped our toes in the next morning and it was freezing! The receptionist's explanation about strong winds affecting the heating system sounded a bit flimsy. Let's just say, we didn't end up swimming. A major bummer, especially in chilly Tagaytay. 

Location, Lobby, and More!

On the bright side, the location is pretty convenient. It's near the famous Mr. Pares Tagaytay and right beside Hotel Montecillo, with a Starbucks Reserve just a short drive away. Parking was ample, which is always a plus. The lobby? Stunning. It's beautifully decorated and very inviting. The reception staff were friendly and helpful, even returning my husband's ID (all the way to our room) after I forgot to pick it up during check-in. 

Their cute café is a hidden gem. The chicken empanada and brownie were delicious, and the café americano was perfectly brewed. Plus, the prices were surprisingly reasonable. 

Abanico Spa

We also treated ourselves to a 1.5-hour massage at Abanico Spa. At P1,215 per person (with a Sunday discount of 10%), it seemed like a good deal. My husband enjoyed his deep tissue massage, but mine was a bit...intense. Let's just say I felt like my masseuse was trying to rearrange my spine (not the good kind!). 

A Good Experience, But Could Be Better!

Getting to Hotel Casiana from our home in Batangas was a breeze, taking just under two hours with no traffic. 

Overall, our stay was decent. The spacious room, friendly staff, and delicious café food were definite positives. However, the disappointing pool experience and the inconsistent spa service left us with mixed feelings.

If you're looking for a comfortable stay in Tagaytay with a nice room and location, Hotel Casiana is worth considering. Just don't get your hopes up too high for that heated pool. And maybe be a bit specific with your massage preferences.

Explore & Be Free!

Mai