The sun was shining when we woke up the next morning. By 9.00 a.m., we checked out of the Red Cynder. Yeah, we were in a hurry to leave. We were meeting some friends and we figured that after a lazy late breakfast, we could check in to Mi-Jo Hotel where we had reserved another room for our friends.
Sorry, I didn’t have the heart to take photos of the interior of our room at the Red Cynder. But I did take photos of our room at Mi-Jo.
PhP2,000.00 plus PhP200.00 because Sam is not below 12 years old. Not bad. Nice clean bathroom, real hot water, a small fridge and cable TV. The room even had a small veranda (smoking area hehehe).
{ 74 comments… read them below or add one }
noemi 11.08.06 at 12:05 am
B used to be connected with the renovated Taal Vista Lodge/Hotel when it was still under the management of Barcelo Hotels. I think their accomodations are one of the best in Tagaytay within the same class as Days Inn, even better. But that rate you got is quite reasonable. It’s been awhile since we last travelled to Tagaytay. The foggy experience is something else there.
Connie 11.08.06 at 12:35 am
Yep, Taal Vista would have been nice but they charge 4K/night these days. They even charge 100 pesos per head to view the volcano from the terrace. sheesh.
yen 11.08.06 at 12:48 am
keni po (on the way to picnic grove and peoples’ park) is also ok. nice interior, with aircon, very clean bathrooms, bigger-than-average tv with cable, affordable room service, very friendly staff, and has the homey feel to it. highly recommended at 1500 pesos per night. i’ve stayed at several inns and rooms for rent in tagaytay, this gives you the best value for your money. (of course taal vista, days, and other more expensive hotels will give you more luxurious amenities). after keni, i never wanted to look anywhere else.
Connie 11.08.06 at 12:55 am
uy, we passed that by… keni po. brightly lit facade, i remember. ummm, but we had checked in at Mi-Jo by that time. Thanks, yen, next time… 1500 ok yun ah.
noemi 11.08.06 at 6:40 am
whoa. I didn’t know they charged 100 pesos per head to view the volcano. I think it was because there was just a big crowd that view the place. Henry Sy must have seen an opportunity to earn more bucks. Very enterprising eh?
Toni 11.08.06 at 11:00 am
Thank you for the tip, Connie! I was wondering about Tagaytay accommodations. Hotels were always on my mind but they are far too pricey for me. We’ll definitely check Mi-Jo out when we decide to go to Tagaytay.
Connie 11.08.06 at 12:19 pm
That’s what I was told, Noemi.
Toni, if you want the cell phone number of the house near Poveda that I mentioned, I can e-mail i to you.
eric 11.08.06 at 12:40 pm
Thanks for the tip, Connie. I now at least know where to stay in Tagaytay if I didn’t want to stay at a cousin’s house.
There’s also a restaurant that I’ve gone to on the way to Tagaytay. I forgot its name and location, but will find out and share it with you.
auee 11.08.06 at 4:15 pm
I noticed in the bathroom picture may timba. When I went to India recently, one “white” colleague whispered to me saying she wonders what the pail is for on every bathroom & toilet everywhere we go…
I told her I haven’t got a clue.
Connie 11.08.06 at 4:42 pm
hi eric. a restaurant tip is always welcome hehehe
auee, re the pail and tabo… i think some Filipinos prefer the tabo style of bathing rather than showering. i know my grandmother never used the shower ’till the day she died.
Betty T. Lopez 11.09.06 at 4:13 pm
Whenever we go to Tagaytay we stay at the DAP Center. The lodging place is nice and cheap and the food is great. They also have cottages which costs about Php2500 ++ per night. It has four big bedrooms.
But I guess not everyone can stay there, you must know someone working in DAP to make a reservation.
ALmost all government and private companies doing executive training in Tagaytay stay in their lodging dorms or cottages. Maybe try to inquire from DAP in Pasig next time.
I used t work in DAP so I still have conenctions there and the Director of DAP Tagaytay is my best friend(talking about connections).SO if you know someone there you can probably book a cottage.
Connie 11.09.06 at 4:59 pm
Hi Betty. Thanks. Yes, I’ve heard of DAP’s facilities and food. The company my husband used to work for held a planning seminar there once. And… he came home with the most horrific stories in relation to ONE particular cottage. Not the one he stayed in though. So, it wasn’t really his experience.
According to the people who stayed in that particular cottage, there was a “heavy” feeling. And they were all grown men in the cottage. One of his supervisors bolted out of the cottage in the middle of the night, barefoot, half-naked with only a blanket wrapped around him. Of course, it’s just a story as far as I am concerned.
betty 11.09.06 at 9:04 pm
Hi Connie, Ive heard about that too. Its either the gardener who doubles up as a manghuhula is playing a trick on the cottage guests or its one of their companions trying to scare the whole group.
We have heard stories about that too but its normally clean good kidding and horsing around.Magandang story kasi yan dahil madilim doon.
sam 11.09.06 at 9:48 pm
gee,,, i never got any stays anywhere near view, coz i never went to Tagaytay since maybe 1990 or so. thank youvery much for the tip you guys have given in this post especially you ” sassy “.
sam 11.09.06 at 9:50 pm
the last time i went there i was with my ex-girl friend who is now my wife and we only had 400 or 500 bucks combined in our pockets and when the picnic grove closed, we had nowhere to stay but accidentally stumbled upon a cab going to manila and paid him 120 bucks for the agreement. “thanks to that kind driver “.
Connie 11.09.06 at 10:26 pm
Betty, pag madilim and it’s an unfamiliar place, medyo hindi yata nakakatawa hehehe if someone did that to me, nakuuu….. LOL
sam, maybe it’s time you and your wife went for a weekend there. sarap when it gets really cold.
Al 11.10.06 at 11:59 pm
Look at the bright side of it. Sometimes, places that you think (at the moment) are the pits make for good memories. Usually, comfortable situations fade from one’s recollection but those that aren’t, stick in the mind like glue. So that in years to come you will be saying something like: “Remember that time….” and easily bring back a flood of memories of the particular trip. Sometimes, that’s what travel is all about - experiencing the odd one out.
Connie 11.11.06 at 1:58 am
LOL Al, you are right. The bad memories stick out like anything. And not just with travel, in fact.
OziChris 11.14.06 at 3:21 pm
Connie, thanks for the good oil on some places to eat, things to do and especially where to stay in Tagaytay.
We are now booked at the Mi-Jo for a few days during our trip to the Philippines over December/January.
Connie 11.14.06 at 4:53 pm
You’re welcome, OziChris. But stay tuned for more on Tagaytay. I have about three or four more entries coming up.
yen 11.17.06 at 2:06 am
correction on keni po.. they charge 1200 lang pala =) but if you’re a regular, they’ll give a room for 1k only. =) oh, and i love bag of beans. their shepherds pies are good, and the cheesecake– to die for.. btw, if you want good but cheap bulalo, you ca try the eatery beside mahogany market. it’s just a carinderia, nothing fancy like leslie’s or josephine, but it’s really good. and fresh too =)
Connie 11.17.06 at 12:18 pm
yen, my entry on Bag of Beans with all the photos will be posted within the day in Pinoy Food Talk.
yen 11.20.06 at 2:24 am
wow, looking forward to those pics =) parang gusto ko tuloy mag-tagaytay para lang mag- bag of beans.. =P
Sydney 11.22.06 at 12:56 pm
Day’s Inn is the absolute worst hotel in Tagaytay. A few years ago, we decided to check in at Day’s Inn for Holy Week. Every morning of our stay, we had to practically beg for fresh towels. Their responses: (1) the hotel was fully booked because it was Holy Week; (2) they didn’t have enough towels for all the guests; and (3) they were still laundering whatever towels they had. Sheesh! And this was a hotel that was charging practically the same rates as a Makati 5-star.
Connie 11.22.06 at 2:06 pm
yen, the bag of beans entry will be delayed a bit. am sending it to the newspaper first
sydney, yikes. good thing i was not seduced into checking in by the fantastic-looking cakes in the coffee shop.
Kongkong 11.28.06 at 12:33 pm
Hi there!! I will definitely check out mi-jo and keni this weekend. I’m planning to take my 2 little girls to Tagaytay for the long weekend break. The clean air really helps them get over their asthma attacks which they usually have this time of the year. Last year Subic was our refuge. Do you by any chance have the contact numbers of these hotels? I’d really appreciate it if you could provide them. Thanks and good luck.
Btw, my husband’s a lawyer too.
Regina 02.14.07 at 2:29 am
Thanks for the tip and photos :smile:! My husband and I will try Mi-Jo and/or Keni po one of these days!
By the way, do you know any other places to go to aside from the picnic grove, roadside shops, Sonya’s Garden, Casino Filipino and Bag of beans?
Connie 02.14.07 at 2:25 pm
Kongkong, there is a link to Mi-Jo’s site.
Regina, try the boat ride to Taal Volcano.
Wina B. Antonio 03.15.07 at 11:18 am
Hi Yen. You’ve checked in Keni Po several times right? Would you have their contact no.? I got a number from another website but I think it’s no longer in service. Would appreciate it very much. My family and I are scheduled for a trip on the 26th of this month. Thanks!
aNnA 03.19.07 at 9:12 am
Hi Connie!
can u e-mail me the # of the house near poveda?
i need a place to rent this weekend with a bunch of relatives…pls…
Thanks!!
Connie 03.19.07 at 10:07 am
aNna, it’s 09202070496. Look for Mang Onyo.
Wina 03.21.07 at 3:09 am
SOS! I’ve been trying to reach Keni Po but their line’s no longer in service. My family and some friends need a place to stay this coming Monday na and I recommended Keni. Do they have a new landline or any celfone no. ? Need to make reservations. Hope to hear from you guys. Thanks!
Bibim 03.28.07 at 12:43 am
Keni Po in Tagaytay - 09209570214.
That’s the place owner’s number. A bit late but I hope I’m still able to help.
Apps 03.30.07 at 11:07 am
^^^ can i please have the number of that house near Poveda? thanks, thanks! =)
Connie 03.30.07 at 12:58 pm
If you will read the comment thread carefully, Apps, it is already there.
Toni 04.21.07 at 2:04 pm
Hey,someone please help czni find a room intagayatay with a price lower than 1k where just three anyway, my husband me and my 3 yr old daughter just want to wind upo a bit..Been so stressful the past few days
Connie 04.21.07 at 3:07 pm
Toni, lower than 1K per night? I don’t think there’s such a thing.
brenda 04.25.07 at 8:19 am
connie,
does it give you a view of the Taal volcano from your room? Plano ko punta mga October siguro
Connie 04.25.07 at 1:25 pm
brenda, the hotel? no it does not. the house (comment #31) does.
brenda 04.26.07 at 3:18 am
oh, OK Connie, salamat. nae-excite ako kahit sa October pa plan ko umuwi ng Manila.
jam 04.27.07 at 11:03 am
Hi! my friend and i will be going to tagaytay next weekend and we are totally clueless where to stay and how to get to the nice places without a private car.. Hope you could give an advice.. thanks!
Sol 05.12.07 at 6:11 pm
Ms. Connie, your site has been very helpful. So are you guys who posted here. Thank you!
My boyfriend and I are planning to “drop by” in Tagaytay next weekend. We’ll only be there for a few hours, midnight to sunrise and we don’t find it wise to spend so much for a hotel. We first planned to “tambay” in Starbucks but then all Starbucks, I think, close at 2 am. That leaves us in the car for the rest of the night. But thanks to your site, we just might find a place. We’ll definitely check Keni Po and Mi-Jo. ü
Connie 05.12.07 at 8:03 pm
Hi Sol… Jam, sorry late response. I hope you get a chance to try Bag of Beans. It’s lovely there and the food is just great. I wrote two reviews here and here.
ading 06.02.07 at 2:55 pm
hi,
my friends and i are planning to go to tagaytay next weekend..have no idea wer to stay..sana house where a group of 8 could fit in and of course sana cheap lang ..thanks : )
Ramir 07.10.07 at 8:19 pm
Thank you for the insightful story and thread.
chuchu 08.07.07 at 6:49 pm
HI! My boyfriend and I are planning on a getaway this August 18. I have yet to check Keni Po and I have already heard good feedbacks about it. Wud someone have a photo of Keni Po?TIA
proudmom 08.09.07 at 11:31 am
Hi Connie,
This thread is very helpful. My hubby and I are planning for our first wedding anniversary and I am really considering Tagaytay since it’s near in Manila. I’ll definitely suggest Keni Po or Mi-Jo.
mia 08.27.07 at 8:33 am
mei lower pa nga sa 1k room for rent sa tagaytay pero yikes! electric fan and whatta dirty bed… buti na lang nakita namin un keni po. So Relaxing after a half day of touring in picnic groove and people’s park.
raphaela 09.05.07 at 3:27 pm
I also suggest Keni Po and you can try also Lakbay Inn, such a nice place like Keni Po.. pwede rin sila ng 4 hours lang for 600 pesos exceeding hours is 75 pesos and if its overnight 1k plus ( i forgot the exact amount).
Mar 09.10.07 at 7:28 pm
Does anyone know the contact no. of keni po?
rach08 09.22.07 at 1:04 pm
hi! can anyone provide the address and contact number of mi jo? thanks!
rach08 09.24.07 at 11:01 pm
can someone email me the contact numbers of mi-jo? thank you so much!
Connie 09.25.07 at 9:06 am
rach08, why don’t you just click the Mi-jo Hotel link in the entry instead of expecting to be spoonfed with the info?
marky 10.04.07 at 4:16 am
thnks for the info now iknow where to go been thingking hard where to go with my gf… may i ask how much would be the estimate budget in staying in tagaytay so i can prepare it… thnx
cj 12.06.07 at 4:25 pm
hi guys … I’ve been to tagaytay last April. I forgot the place where we stayed but it was quite far but the place was great. We also encountered this new restaurant called “taj” .. its owned by an indian & you’d get to try their indian specialty & mind you it’s yummy! … I would want to try another place & maybe i’ll try Keni Po or Mi-Jo …. Thanks guys!
neah 12.07.07 at 3:09 pm
how much the accomodation?
Connie Veneracion 12.07.07 at 8:13 pm
Neah, the link to the site of the hotel is in the entry, THE AMOUNT IS THERE IN THE ENTRY, and you’re still asking? Magbasa ka naman!
nyls 01.15.08 at 5:46 pm
Hi Connie. Loved reading your entries!
My family is planning to spend a weekend in Tagaytay this Feb. to celebrate my mom’s birthday. I heard about good stuff about Keni Po & MiJo but also interested to check out the house near Poveda House of prayer. I think I’ll try the cell no. you posted. Is it big enough for 8 pax?
Connie Veneracion 01.15.08 at 7:17 pm
nyls, there are several rooms for rent in that house. The largest one can accommodate 16 people. Huge.
joanna 01.22.08 at 11:32 am
hi… mi-jo hotel was good enough for staying overnyt… i stayed there for 2N/3d… thefacilities wer good… and it rilly looks like a mini hotel… if you guys are interested… i can email the numbers to you so that you can check it out… iloveto stay there… because it is near to the food chain around magallanes…
RB 01.26.08 at 11:30 pm
I’ve been trying to find a place to stay in Tagaytay with a couple of friends. We’ll be staying only for a few hours….just a place to crash during the mid afternoon…but will be back to manila in the evening. Your comments and suggestions are realy good. i’ll try Keni Po and mi-Jo…. These help alot.
LFrancia 01.31.08 at 12:29 am
Hi CJ, TAJ is owned by four individuals who are not Indians. Three Filipinos and a British. But they do have Indian consultants. The majority owner is an Interior Designer and a member of PIID. They have hotel rooms and a spa also. Try to copy and paste this link on to your browser for a comprehensive information on the establishment: http://tajoftagaytay.blogs.friendster.com
elisha 02.02.08 at 10:19 pm
hi everybody,does anyone here know a place (kung house mas maganda) that i can rent near tagaytay highlands?I’m getting married there & i need a place where the rest of my family can stay masyado kasi mahal sa loob ng highlands.Please..thanks in advance.
elisha 02.02.08 at 10:26 pm
Connie,
i saw & copied d number u posted on the house near poveda,although isesearch ko pa kung malapit yun sa highlands,thanks pa din ,dami ko kasi pamilya mga 20-30 siguro ang ihahouse namin.:-0
Connie Veneracion 02.03.08 at 11:11 am
elisha, that house has several rooms for rent. I just hope that the number is still good.
Best wishes to you and your future hubby.
Ronald and Connie Tiangco 02.05.08 at 8:51 am
More about Keni Po: My family had an overnight stay last January 26.
The place is good! Lots of parking spaces and rooms are clean and comfortable to stay. We stayed at single/twin sharing room with bath tub and our kids really enjoyed their bath :-)We are six in the family so we still have to take one family room which can occupy four (4). Well, the room was also clean with an efficient and quite new air conditioner. There were installed cable TVs in the room and sala/family hall. We opted to just order and take our breakfast and lunch in the family room (with kitchen and dining table) because their food are good, with very reasonable price (as low as P75 per serving of tapsilog, tocilog, etc.) What impressed us was… foods were served freshly cooked and covered with cling plastic wrap. Obviously, their foods are delicious and clean. Drinks stored in the ref/bar are not that expensive, only a difference of P5 - P10 if you’ll buy it from the grocery store outside. It was a nice and memorable stay but would suggest the administrator to provide a family room that can accommodate at least 6 persons; it’s a family room anyway. BTW, the stair going to the 2nd floor is covered with tiles, slippery when wet, so better be careful. Admin, please do something about this.
We took a peek of their villas but it didn’t suite our need. We find the stair going to the attic too steep and not that safe for our kids. The room which can occupy two persons is air-conditioned (split type), but we didn’t see one in the attic. For the price of P3, 500 overnight, we think it’s reasonable. Villas are located in a nice garden with 3 nipa huts where guests can stay to eat or chat.
The staff was very accommodating too.
So overall… we rate the place very good… a nice place for a family to stay at very reasonable price.
http://keniporooms.blogspot.com/
(EXCERPT from their website)
This is located at 110 Calamba Rd., Sungay West, Tagaytay City, besides Ina ng Laging Saklolo Church and on the way to Picnic Grove.
The contact number is 046-4830977. Courtesy reservation is till 4:00 pm should you fail to make a deposit for your booking.
Roland 03.04.08 at 3:39 am
Thanks for your blog. Very informative. My wife and I, plus our 2 1/2 year old and 4 month old, plus 2 nannies will be overnighting in Tagaytay in mid March. You’ve provided us with a lot of leads for accomodations. Thank you. Can you suggest a reasonably priced place where our group can stay more towards Caleruega? Don’t know Tagaytay very well, where is Poveda in Tagaytay? Sorry if I should already know this.
edu 05.17.08 at 7:11 am
Viewing the panoramic Taal volcano and lake at MC Mountain Hotel and Restaurant while sipping your hot coffee with breakfast is such a relaxing experience. The rooms are clean and the king size beds are so comfortable
that you can have a very relaxing sleep.
Thanks for your blog, it is helpful really!!
danny 05.17.08 at 7:13 am
Hi to everyone!!. For Rolands’s queries on hotels near Caleruega or Chapel on the hill, MC Mountain Home Apartelle is one great find . It is located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway , Buck Estate, Alfonso Cavite. It is on the right side of the highway just after Splendido Taal , Royal Tagaytay and Sonyas/ sign along the highway. From the highway the hotel has a big sign of MC Mountain and it appears to be only 2 storey building with a restaurant. But in reality if you just go down and check this out , the hotel has 2 four storey buildings.wiith 18 comfortable rooms with aircon television, hot and cold shower in private rooom and beautiful views of mountains, sunsets , gardens and Taal Volcano and lake view at the restaurant whcih serves very affordable prices Filipino specialties like bulalo, chicken inasal, Tagaytay green salads, pasta, sizzling sisig sinigang na bangus. . For your family of 2 adults and 1 kid and 2 helpers with just one extra mattress the Total will be about P2,480.00 for a delus room and P2,725.00 for a room with kitchen area. and ref. Since the restaurant just opened there is a promo of 2 free breakfast and a gift certificate of P200 to be consumed at the restaurant with a panoramic view of Taal Lake and volcano.You can text Adora at 09277033798 with your queries. Please visit http://www.mcmountaintagaytay.com.
Your blog is really helpful for people asking for Tagaytay places to go. Keep it up
cherry hernandez 05.28.08 at 4:56 am
paki text nmn po kung magkano rent ng 4bed room 09279940023 bali po 6 na katao kami lahat kasama ang dalawang bata
Sonny Asuncion 06.26.08 at 11:06 pm
Hi pow, can u please email me the contact number of MI JO and KENI PO? I planning to surprise my wife with a second honeymoon there in tagaytay. 4 Years n rin kmi hindi ngkikita ng wife ko and now im coming home in July. Thanks I’ll wait for your reply!
ma.clarissa ibias 08.01.08 at 10:02 pm
ask ko lang saan ako puwedeng mag inquire plan ko kasi dalhin ang family ko jan sa tagaytay pero uupa kami ng cottage for 10persons.uwi kasi ako sa dec for vac surprize ki sila dalhin jan.plz reply
Athena 10.06.08 at 2:57 pm
My coousins just got married last month in Tagaytay instead of getting hotel
they rented 3 houses from this site http://shopblinker.multiply.com/ nice place
and cheap pa for a family of more then 10 it is reasonable. You can choose which suits your requirements or needs.
eric 10.08.08 at 5:39 pm
I know of a place in tagaytay, actually a hideaway. it is located just in front of the market along sta-rosa tagaytay road. Name of the street is Pagibig st. and there is a big colettes marker beside the small road. Just go straight down and you will see a gate at the end of the road. When we had our team building seminar, we rented their three bedroom loft type house for just 6000 overnight good for 15 persons. they have a pool and a big gazebo. I think they have added rooms good for max 4 persons for just 2,500 per room. The place is not crowded and near the market. New restos we visited are balais and chateau hestia. Balais serves authentic vietnamese cuisine with average price and chateau hestia serves european cuisine but a little bit pricey with big servings. Both serves good food.