Escape to Tagaytay: Bonbon's Retro Chic Staycation Awaits!
Escape to Tagaytay: Bonbon's Retro Chic Staycation Awaits!
Bonbon's Retro Chic Staycation: Tagaytay's Throwback Treat… or Just a Tourist Trap? (A Messy Review)
Okay, so, Escape to Tagaytay seemed like the perfect weekend getaway. Bonbon's Retro Chic Staycation? The pictures looked amazing! Bright colors, vintage vibes, the whole shebang. I was so ready to ditch the city and channel my inner retro queen. Let's see if it actually lived up to the hype, shall we? Buckle up, because this review is gonna be as messy and fun as a disco ball in the middle of a typhoon.
Accessibility: The Bare Bones – with Some Bumps
Right off the bat, this is where things get…tricky. I mean, Escape to Tagaytay isn't awful on the accessibility front. The elevator is a definite plus, a huge relief for anyone with mobility issues or just schlepping luggage (like me, always). They do have Facilities for disabled guests, which is good to know, but I didn't personally need to test them out, so I can't speak to their quality. As far as I could see, the general layout seemed manageable, not too many crazy steps or uneven surfaces.
The Verdict: It's okay. Not stellar, not terrible. Worth a phone call to clarify specific accessibility needs before booking, just to be safe.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Palooza Panic!
Alright, let's get the post-COVID stuff out of the way first because frankly, living through a pandemic has made me borderline obsessed with sanitation. Escape to Tagaytay seemed to take things seriously. They’ve got the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. The staff wears masks (duh). Rooms sanitized between stays. They boasted about Anti-viral cleaning products (thank goodness!). They even had Sterilizing equipment in common areas. They had a doctor/nurse on call and First aid kit. I even spotted some Hygiene certification signage. But honestly, I didn't get a "squeaky clean" feeling. I'm not saying they were dirty, just… not spotless. I'm not sure what level of cleanliness would make me feel truly safe during a pandemic, but this didn't quite hit it. I can't blame them; maybe my paranoia is the problem.
Oh, and the Rooms? (See Below)
Rooms sanitized for sure, but I'll get into more details later in the "Available in All Rooms" section.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Rollercoaster of Yays and Ughs
Okay, FOOD. This is where Escape to Tagaytay REALLY either shines… or falls spectacularly flat.
- Restaurants: They have a few restaurants. They had a Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Restaurants. The quality was variable… I'm trying to be diplomatic here. One day the food was delicious, the next, it was forgettable. The best thing was the Asian breakfast, It was decent and gave the morning a nice lift.
- Poolside Bar - Now this was fantastic. The Happy hour was the stuff of dreams, and the cocktails were strong (which, let's be honest, is the most important thing). Coffee/tea in restaurant was available anytime. They had a Snack bar too.
- Room Service - the Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing.
- The Downside: The Bottle of water felt like a life-saver.
The Verdict: Food is hit-or-miss, but the poolside bar is a must-do. Bring your own snacks, just in case.
Services and Conveniences: Tried and True, with a Few Annoyances
- The Good: The Concierge was super helpful, giving us advice, arranging a Taxi service, and pointing us toward interesting spots.
- The Less-Than-Great: My phone wouldn't connect to the Internet access – wireless and I had to keep asking the staff to reset the router, which was a pain. Air conditioning in public area. They had a Convenience store and the Gift/souvenir shop was a nice touch.
- The Weird: They provided Invoice provided.
The Verdict: Functional, but not exactly seamless.
Things to Do: Relaxation, or… Just the Vibe?
- The Good: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous with a Pool with view and was definitely a highlight! I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, staring out at the scenery. They also offer a Spa with a Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom.
- The Mixed Bag: They advertised a Fitness center and Gym/fitness, which I didn’t use because, let’s face it, I was on vacation, but it was there. The Bathing was lovely. They mentioned a Body scrub and Body wrap, which didn’t sound like my cup of tea because I was too lazy.
- The Meh: Didn't try the Foot bath.
- The Hidden Gem: The View: Tagaytay is beautiful. Like, really beautiful. The views alone are worth the trip.
The Verdict: Prioritize the pool and the view. Everything else is a bonus.
For the Kids & Family: A Few Extras
- Family/child friendly they had Babysitting service which I did not use because, obviously, I am not a baby.
- Kids meal - Good, I guess.
The Verdict: If you have kids, I think this is a solid option, but I’m not the best person to ask for details.
Available In All Rooms: The Retro Reveled… Or, the Flaws Revealed?
Alright. The ROOMS. This is where the "retro chic" part REALLY comes into play. The décor? Absolutely adorable. Think pastel colors, funky patterns, and vintage-inspired furniture. They had Air conditioning, a Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Free bottled water, a Hair dryer, an In-room safe box. They had Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless. Non-smoking rooms, thank goodness! Shower, Slippers, and a Soundproofing. They even gave us Toiletries, Towels, and an Umbrella. All of that feels like a given. The Seating area was lovely.
The problems? They are…minor.
- The Alarm clock gave up the ghost on the second day.
- The Bathtub was a bit small.
- The Window that opens got stuck, which was a bummer because I love fresh air.
Let me get nitpicky! The Daily housekeeping was pretty average. The Daily disinfection in common areas, as a result of the pandemic, felt pretty much on point. The Blackout curtains were great.. I'll be honest, though – the room wasn't perfect. It wasn’t dirty, but like I said earlier, it didn’t feel spotless. They had Bed sheets, Linens, and a Mirror of which I was thankful.
The Verdict: The rooms are cute, but not completely perfect.
Getting Around: Yay for Free Parking
- Car park [free of charge]
- Airport transfer - We chose the Taxi service, which was fast.
The Verdict: Easy peasy.
Final Verdict: Bonbon's… Worth It?
Okay, so – would I go back to Escape to Tagaytay? Hmm… that’s a tough one.
The Good: The view, the pool, the poolside bar, and the retro décor.
The Bad: The spotty internet, the so-so cleanliness, and the inconsistent food quality.
The Impressive: The sheer effort the staff puts into keeping the place running and trying to adhere to all these COVID safety protocols.
If you go in with realistic expectations and a good sense of humor, you’ll probably have a good time. Pack your own snacks, be prepared for some minor hiccups, and focus on that view. It’s a solid choice for a quick getaway to Tagaytay, but don’t expect perfection. It's an experience with highs and lows, much like life itself.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 disco balls.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Bonbon Cozy Haven staycation in Tagaytay? It's gonna be a TRIP. My brain is already buzzing with a combination of excitement and "oh god, did I pack enough snacks?" Let's just say this isn't going to be your perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is… me, in Tagaytay, probably losing my mind a little (in a good way, hopefully!).
Bonbon Cozy Haven: The (Semi-Organized) Chaos Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Attempted Zen
1:00 PM: Arrive at Bonbon Cozy Haven. Ugh, traffic from Manila was a NIGHTMARE. I swear, every single person decided to escape the city at the SAME TIME. I arrived a few minutes late. Fine then, I'm coming in late. (I'm sure the welcoming committee is thrilled.) The good news is, pulling up to this place? Chef's kiss. The photos online don't do it justice. It actually IS as cute and retro-fabulous as it seems. The turquoise door? I'm already in love. And the smell of fresh air (a huge contrast to the perpetually-polluted Manila atmosphere) is heavenly.
1:30 PM: Check-in. Wait…where is the receptionist? I can't find anyone. Oh no! Did I book the wrong place? Okay, okay. Deep breaths. Maybe they just forgot to tell me to go inside? Oh thank goodness, the door is unlocked.
2:00 PM: Finally! Settled in. My room (the "Vinyl Vibes" suite, naturally) is an explosion of color and quirky charm. Think: record player (I'm SO bringing my Bowie vinyl!), a velvet couch that practically begs you to sink into, and a view of the Taal Volcano that's… well, it's breathtaking. I mean, REALLY. I almost cried. (Don't judge me, I'm an emotional wreck after that drive.)
2:30 PM: The first mission: unpack AND try to maintain some semblance of organization. Famous last words, I guess. My suitcase vomits out clothes, and suddenly half the room is covered in my stuff. This is fine. I call this "lived-in chic." It's a look, people!
3:00 PM: Decide to attempt some relaxation. (Ha!) The plan is to chill on my balcony with a book and a cup of coffee. I set up my little "zen zone" and realize I forgot my actual coffee. Never mind, I'll manage. I mean, it's just a twenty-minute trip to the nearest store. No biggie.
3:30 PM: Okay, FINE. I admit it. I'm already on my phone, scrolling through Instagram, seeing all the cool content I could be creating instead of actually chilling. Facepalm. Social media is the DEVIL!
4:00 PM: Success! I actually managed half a chapter reading! And the volcano is just STUNNING. I will never get tired of the view. Okay, maybe I could get used to this whole relaxing thing.
5:00 PM: The coffee run. I'm suddenly craving a caffeine boost. I'm on my way to have a coffee, and buy a cheesecake and a pizza for dinner! The little cafe is just a short drive away, but I got lost. Classic!
6:00 PM: Back at the Haven. The cheesecake is a disaster in the bag. One bite, and my teeth ache. The pizza is alright though. Dinner in front of the record player. I think I'm in heaven.
7:00 PM: I had a mini-panic because I misplaced my phone, (I hate that), after 30 minutes or so I finally found it!
8:00 PM: Listen to Bowie, drink some wine. I'm trying to make this place my sanctuary. I deserve this!
10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 2: Adventures in Tagaytay (And Possibly Mild Panic)
8:00 AM: Wake up feeling… actually rested? Amazing! I never sleep well in hotels, but this place has witchcraft in its bedding.
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Haven. Ooooooh the breakfast is delicious! A simple breakfast that leaves me very happy.
10:00 AM: The main event! I'm finally going to see the Taal Volcano up close. I was looking for a tour guide, but I gave up. I would rather just stroll around and get lost. I get lost, as usual. I meet a street dog. I'm now best friends with a dog.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. I didn't do any research, and I just walked into a place that looks good. (I am a culinary daredevil, apparently.) It turns out the restaurant is a place in heaven.
1:30 PM: Back at the Haven. I lay down on the balcony. It's too hot, so I go back inside.
2:00 PM: I decided to try to make a coffee. I can't. I am a disgrace to humanity.
3:00 PM: I find myself in the gift shop. I don't need anything. I spend hours in the gift shop because I like the atmosphere. (I did end up buying some trinkets, and I'm slightly ashamed… but also not?!)
5:00 PM: I decide to chill, and listen to music.
7:00 PM: Early dinner.
9:00 PM: Packing. I'm sad. The staycation is almost over.
10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Goodbye, Bonbon! (And Tears, Probably)
9:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast.
10:00 AM: Final stroll around the Haven, soaking up every last bit of retro goodness. Take some last photos.
11:00 AM: Check-out. I hug the receptionist. I'm not sure why, but I just felt like it. I'm leaving! It's a bittersweet moment.
12:00 PM: The drive back to Manila… and the inevitable traffic hell.
Afternoon: I am now back in Manila. I miss Bonbon Cozy Haven. I will most defintely come back.
The Verdict:
This staycation was messy, imperfect, and at times, gloriously chaotic. But in its own messy, imperfect way, it was PERFECT. Bonbon Cozy Haven wasn't just a place to stay; it was an experience. A little slice of retro heaven in the middle of Tagaytay. And honestly? I think I needed that escape more than I realized. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go plan my next visit. Maybe next time, I'll actually master making coffee. Maybe. No promises.
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Luxury at Scent Premium Hotel
Escape to Tagaytay: Bonbon's Retro Chic Staycation Awaits - FAQs, But Make It Real!
Okay, spill it... is Bonbon's truly as Instagrammable as it looks? 'Cause, let's be honest, those filters...
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup. Yes. And no. Look, the photos? They're slick. Very slick. Bonbon's is a visual feast, no doubt. Think vibrant colors, retro furniture that practically *screams* "photo op," and enough neon signs to make a Vegas casino jealous. I mean, I spent a solid hour just rearranging the cushions on the couch in the "Groovy" room to get the PERFECT shot for the 'gram... and then, you know, deleted half of them because my double chin was having a field day. (Seriously, Tagaytay air is *not* kind to the jawline!)
BUT! And this is a big but. It also feels... real. You know? It's not just a sterile, curated space. There are little imperfections – maybe a chipped tile here, a slightly wonky lamp there – that actually *add* to the charm. It's like, "Hey, this place has a soul! It's lived!" And the staff? They're genuinely friendly, not the practiced "customer service" robots you sometimes get. So, yeah, Instagrammable? Absolutely. But also... surprisingly authentic (and I say that with a healthy dose of cynical skepticism!).
The food! Is it all just pretty platings, or does Bonbon's actually deliver on the culinary front? I've been burned before...
Ugh, don't even get me started on pretty platings with zero taste! I went to a fancy restaurant once where the food looked like a Jackson Pollock painting... and tasted like sadness. So, you're right to be wary. At Bonbon's... it's a mixed bag, truthfully.
Breakfast? Solid. The pancakes are fluffy, the coffee is decent, and the view from the breakfast nook is *chef's kiss*. (Pro tip: ask for extra bacon. Because, bacon.) Lunch and dinner, though... it can be hit or miss. I had a burger that was amazing - juicy, flavorful, the works - and then a pasta dish the next day that was... bland. Very bland. Like, I needed to practically bathe it in hot sauce to make it edible.
My advice? Go for the classics. The things they clearly do well. And if you're feeling adventurous with something new on the menu, brace yourself. Pack some emergency snacks. I'm currently plotting on where the nearest 7/11 is.
Alright, let's talk location. Is Bonbon's remotely close to things to *do*? I'm not trying to be stuck in a super isolated bubble.
Okay, this is important. Tagaytay is... well, it's Tagaytay. Super touristy! And very trafficky. Bonbon's is a *little* off the beaten path, which is both good and bad.
Good: It's generally quieter, less of that constant hustle-and-bustle of the main drag. You can actually RELAX. Bad? You'll need a car (or REALLY good luck with a tricycle) to get anywhere interesting – the Taal Volcano view points, Sky Ranch, the shopping centers. I spent, honestly, way too much time stuck in traffic one day. It was a slow crawl from the hotel to the restaurant!
So, yes, you can *do* things. But factor in travel time (and traffic rage!). Think of it as a base camp. A stylish, retro-chic base camp. Which isn't a bad thing, is it?
The rooms! Which one should I book? Give me the real tea!
Okay, this is where things get *personal*. Because I have opinions. Strong ones. I stayed in the "Groovy" room, because, well, the name! It was fun. The room itself was spacious, the lighting was on point, and the bed was ridiculously comfortable. I slept like a log... until the rooster next door started its *endless* morning serenade (but that's Tagaytay for you, right?).
I peeked into the other rooms (because, nosy!). The "Psychedelic" one looked like a party waiting to happen, with bright colors and quirky decorations. The "Mod" room was sleek and chic – very minimalistic, which is not my vibe, but probably perfect for some folks. Honestly, I'm not sure what room to recommend - they all have their own unique things. So, it really depends on your personality. What kind of vibe are you going for? Do you like chaos, or do you prefer zen? Think about it.
Okay, let's talk about the *vibe*. Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Instagram influencer central? Or something else entirely?
The vibe... is a mix, honestly. I saw couples canoodling, families snapping photos, and yes, a few influencers strategically posing by the pool (guilty, but only a LITTLE). It's not overly romantic, like, candle-lit-dinner-every-night romance. But it *could* be if that's your thing. It's definitely family-friendly, as the staff were great with kids and there's a pool (though keep an eye on the little ones!).
But mostly, it felt... fun. Relaxed. A place to just chill. Maybe drink a cocktail (or several). Maybe take way too many photos. Maybe eat too much bacon. And that's a pretty good vibe to have, in my book.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about? Because budget-breaking surprises are the WORST.
Ugh, hidden costs. The bane of my existence. Okay, here's the deal: The room rates are pretty straightforward. But... there are some potential extras. The mini-bar is, naturally, not free. Be prepared to shell out for snacks and drinks. The "in-house" activities, like spa treatments (if they have them), will, of course, have an extra cost. Then there is the parking and tips.
My advice? Check the fine print when you book. Ask about ALL the potential costs upfront. And bring your own snacks! Seriously, pack a stash. It'll save you money (and potentially, a bad mood).
Okay, the most important question: Would you go back?
Honestly? Yes. Despite the occasional traffic jam, theLuxury Escape Awaits: Shell Hotel Near Fangchenggang High-Speed Rail!
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