Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast, Tagaytay

Tagaytay is now becoming our go-to place whenever we needed a quick and relaxing R&R. Since I had classes on my birthday, we decided to postpone our initial plan of going to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan and just spend the weekend somewhere nearer to save time and energy. Besides, its the person you are with that matters right?

Since it's my special day, DB let me decide where I wanted to stay and what I wanted to do *spoiled much*. I made a list of my top choices of hotels and bed & breakfast based on previous experiences, blog reviews and of course, from Tripadvisor.

1. The Inn at Cliffhouse - Too expensive at Php12, 000++ per night

2. Discovery Country Suites - Also way beyond our budget at around Php7000 per night

3. The Boutique Bed and Breakfast - The cheaper rooms were already booked

4. Taal Vista Hotel - We both find the hotel overrated based from our previous stay last May

5. Tagaytay Wingate Manor - I find the rooms too basic and ordinary

Until I chanced upon Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast. Now this is what I call destiny.

Its surprising and delightful to know that there's actually a tranquil gem tucked in between hotels and restaurants along Aguinaldo Highway that we can now refer to as Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast. Having known that its such a busy road, I had to make a thorough research of its proximity to the rooms since I'm a light sleeper and the sound of car horns would definitely wake me up.

The couple who owns the property, which I found out later was the very generous and good looking Mr. and Mrs. G, originally built the place to become their retirement home in the cool city of Tagaytay. No wonder the suites are so tastefully decorated!

The bed and breakfast, named after one of their sons - Joaquin, have eight suites available for occupancy. Guests have the option to stay in the rooms on the second level that offers a great view of Taal Lake or in the ground level with their own private mini-garden. Since my initial choice (the Purple Room) was not available, I opted to book the Blue Room at a promotional rate of Php4, 800 per night (weekend surcharge applies).

No rooms are alike that starts with the vibrant color palette, unique decors and other trinkets that add charm to the chichi and comfortable suites here in Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast.

I love the rustic look of our room!

Amenities include a private veranda with a clear view of Taal, toilet and bath, air-conditioning unit, an LCD TV with Cignal digital cable, a mini-refrigerator, an intercom that connects to the lobby and coffee and tea making facilities.

Taken from our room's veranda

Room service is available if you prefer to eat in the comfort of your room. I heard good reviews of the food they are offering here but I wanted to try Restaurant Verbena at Discovery Country Suites for my birthday dinner so we passed on this.

Now this is my favorite part of our suite -- the bed! The pillows smell really good and the sheets so soft that I just wanted to wrap myself in it! The firmness of the bed was just right -- not too soft that its difficult to move and makes sleeping uncomfortable nor too hard that it bring back pains.

It kinda reminds me of Thunderbird Poro Point's comfy bed. Read about it here.

Clean and well-kept toilet and bath with working hot and cold shower is also a plus factor why we opted to stay at Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast.

Even the bathroom door's design is well-thought of!

When we got home from our dinner at Restaurant Verbena, I had the chance to check out Joyce's Diner while waiting for DB to park the car. Joaquin's in-house restaurant takes pride in serving delicious Filipino cuisine that won't leave a hole in your pocket.

Customers have the option to dine inside or al fresco with a commanding view of Taal.

The open-air garden area could be a perfect venue for your intimate gatherings sans the rain.

Upon check-in, the courteous staff asked us for our complimentary breakfast the following day which we requested to be served in our room.

Filipino Breakfast - Beef Steak

Filipino Breakfast - Boneless Bangus

Also comes with hot chocolate, coffee or tea and fresh fruits.

Verdict: I love everything in Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast! From the homey and laid-back ambiance, the lovely suites, the delicious breakfast, the attentive staff, the comfortable bed and most importantly, the unobstructed view of Taal Volcano that can be clearly admired from any of the eight suites of Joaquin's.

Such a romantic and charming place, this is definitely my home away from home!

~o~o~o~

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast
Km. 58 Aguinaldo Highway
Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines

Tel.: (6346) 483-0463

Website: www.joaquinsbedandbreakfast.com