Escape to Tagaytay: OYO 814 Laurien's Budget Hotel Bliss!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a real-world review of "Escape to Tagaytay: OYO 814 Laurien's Budget Hotel Bliss!" and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. I'm not gonna lie, I went in with some… low expectations. Budget hotel, Tagaytay, right? Visions of cramped rooms and questionable… everything. But hey, a girl’s gotta get away, and the promise of a cool breeze and Taal Volcano views was calling my name!
First Impression: The Hunt for the Entrance (And the Elevator… or Lack Thereof!)
Accessibility? Well, let's be blunt. This ain't exactly the most accessible hotel in the Philippines. Navigating to the hotel itself felt like a scavenger hunt. The directions were vague, Google Maps played games with me, and I was pretty sure I was driving in circles for about an hour. Not a great start. And the elevator situation? Let’s just say, if you have mobility issues, request a ground floor room. Which is not what I asked for, I got a room in the third floor. The lack of elevator was a definite downside for someone hauling luggage (me!) and made me really consider the “Facilities for disabled guests.” Maybe not so much here. Definitely a point for improvement there, Laurien's!
*(SEO Keywords: Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator)
The Room: A Budget-Friendly Fortress of… Well, Let's Call it "Charm"
Okay, I opened the door, took a deep breath and stepped in. The room? Functional. Cleanish. I'm using my own hand sanitizer. Got the "Oh, this is as advertised" feeling. Air conditioning? Check. Air conditioning in public area? Double check. The bed? Surprisingly comfy, and the linens felt crisp. Okay, good start, Laurien’s! Things are looking up.
*(SEO Keywords: Air conditioning, Cleanliness and safety, Non-smoking Rooms, Linens, Bed)
The bathroom, though… A little cramped. But hey, you know what? The shower had hot water, and the towels were… well, they were towels! They looked new. And I am very happy they’re new. Other things to be happy about. They had a window that opens! Hallelujah! Fresh air is gold in a humid country. The complimentary tea wasn't bad either, and the desk, though basic was a good spot to organize my thoughts.
(SEO Keywords: Hot water, Complimentary tea, Internet access – wireless, Towels, Shower, Window that opens)
Internet: The Wi-Fi Woes and the LAN Line Lament
Now, let's talk internet. This is where things got a little… sticky. They advertise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And in public areas. But… it wasn't exactly blazing fast. I mean, I did get the internet working. But I would get frustrated while trying to look up a good restaurant and I gave up. I was looking for a strong internet connection, but I didn't get it.
(SEO Keywords: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet access – wireless)
Food and Drink: A Culinary Expedition (or a Trek to the Nearest Cafe)
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges? Well, that was a bit… limited. No restaurants on the premises. I walked out. That’s not ideal if you don't want to leave the premises. I ordered food delivery one night. I was hungry!
(SEO Keywords: Restaurants, Food delivery)
Things To Do and Ways To Relax: Tagaytay's Temptations
The real magic of this place is the location. It's Tagaytay! So, think stunning views, and crisp air. You're practically in the heart of it. I went to the nearby tourist destinations. That's the real reason to Escape to Tagaytay!
(SEO Keywords: Things to do, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Massage, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Cleanliness and Safety: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
I'm a stickler for cleanliness, and overall, I'd say the room was… acceptable. They advertised anti-viral cleaning products, hygiene certification and rooms sanitized between stays. All that’s cool! The staff seemed to be following safety protocols, staff trained in safety protocol. I saw hand sanitizer dispensers around. And the place felt safe enough (CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour]).
(SEO Keywords: Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Security, CCTV in common areas)
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the… Meh, and the Missing
They had a few conveniences, like "Daily housekeeping." The staff was friendly and helpful, and there was a 24 hour front desk! But there was no ATM within walking distance. No real concierge service. Basic stuff only.
(SEO Keywords: Daily housekeeping, Front desk [24-hour], Convenience store)
My Quirky Observations and Real-Talk Reactions:
- The TV: Satellite/cable channels! Yay! But the remote was slightly temperamental. I’m not gonna lie, I spent a good five minutes just trying to change the channel. #FirstWorldProblems
- The View (From the Balcony): The view from the room balcony! If there was one. But there wasn’t. I asked. But they don't have a balcony. I was disappointed.
- The Staff: The staff was really working it to the guests.
The "Bliss" Factor: Is it a Budget Paradise?
So, "Escape to Tagaytay: OYO 814 Laurien's Budget Hotel Bliss!"… is it bliss? Well, no, not really, not completely. The internet issues, the lack of a decent restaurant, and the not-so-accessible vibe, hold it back from being truly blissful. But! The location is fantastic. The basic necessities were covered. The staff tried hard, and it was clean enough.
My Honest Opinion: It's a solid option if you’re on a tight budget, need a place to crash while you explore Tagaytay, and aren't expecting the Ritz. If you're looking for luxury or a relaxing stay in the hotel, maybe look elsewhere. But for a clean, convenient base camp? It works.
The Offer: Escape to Tagaytay and Experience the Magic (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Here's the deal, folks:
Escape to Tagaytay: OYO 814 Laurien's is offering you a killer deal to experience Tagaytay's beauty! Book your stay today and:
- Save BIG! We're talking budget-friendly stays that let you experience the best of Tagaytay without draining your wallet.
- Conveniently Located: You're steps away from Tagaytay's best attractions, restaurants, and that breathtaking Taal Volcano view!
- Clean & Cozy Rooms: Kick back and relax in a clean and comfortable room.
- Friendly Staff: Our team is dedicated to making your escape a memorable one.
But here's the kicker: This offer is only available for a limited time! Don't miss out on your chance to experience the cool Tagaytay air, the stunning views, and the adventure!
Book your Escape to Tagaytay now!
(SEO Keywords: Book hotel, Tagaytay hotel, Budget hotel in Tagaytay, OYO 814 Laurien's, Tagaytay deals, Escape to Tagaytay, Taal Volcano view, Clean room, Friendly staff)
Escape to Heaven: Casa Rural Ecce Homo, Borja, Spain
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. We're going full-blown, unfiltered, slightly-hungover Tagaytay adventure. And it's gonna be… well, let's just say it's going to be memorable. Starting point, OYO 814 Laurien's Budget Hotel. Don't expect the Four Seasons, okay? It's BUDGET. We're aiming for a genuine experience, not a sterile Instagram post.
Day 1: Arrival (and immediate chaos)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Laurien's. Honestly, finding the place was a minor odyssey. Google Maps was, as usual, a suggestion, not a divine command. The "budget" part of the hotel quickly became apparent. The room's… well, let's call it "cozy." The AC sounds like a dying pterodactyl, and the Wi-Fi? Pray to the internet gods for a miracle. But hey, at least it's clean-ish. The air conditioner is dying, I swear.
- 1:30 PM: Unpack. Immediately find a rogue cockroach. Initial emotional reaction: mild revulsion, followed by a defiant "YOU WILL NOT WIN." (Spoiler alert: I think he won.) Spraying down the room with whatever I can find.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Head to the nearest kainan (small, local eatery). Ordered bulalo, the Tagaytay classic. Omg. It's everything I'd dreamed of and more—rich, savory broth, meltingly tender beef. Heavenly! I got it to go, and headed back to the hotel.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt a nap. The pterodactyl AC and the incessant street noise (mostly chickens and karaoke, which, I'm guessing, is someone's nightmare) make this an Olympic-level challenge. I gave up, and just decided to embrace the chaos.
- 4:00 PM: Wandered around, looking for coffee, and then just coffee, and then just trying to avoid getting run over by jeepneys (the public buses), those things are EVERYWHERE!
- 5:00 PM: Head to the best spot in Tagaytay. I will never forget that. The Taal Vista Hotel. It's overpriced, but that view! Taal Volcano is just… there. Majestic, brooding, like a grumpy old god. I bought a beer. A very expensive beer. I walked around, just soaking it in. It was… breathtaking.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a random roadside carinderia. This is where things got interesting. I knew exactly NO Tagalog and ordered by pointing. I have absolutely no clue what I ate, but for a moment I could forget about the cockroach.
- 8:00 PM: Karaoke. Because, Philippines. Everywhere. The singing was… enthusiastic. The sound quality was questionable. The experience? Unforgettable.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Attempt the pterodactyl AC and Wi-Fi battle again. Ultimately lose. Curl up in bed, muttering about tomorrow.
Day 2: Sky Ranch and the Questionable
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! Okay, so the "free breakfast" at Laurien's? Let's just say it required a certain level of optimism. I ate it, because, that's what you do.
- 10:00 AM: Sky Ranch! This is where things got real. Ride the Sky Eye, the giant Ferris wheel. Views of Taal Volcano are glorious (again), stomach lurching at every turn. Then, the roller coaster. I'm not a roller coaster person. But I did it. Screamed a lot. Laughed a lot. Felt slightly sick. Totally worth it. I will never ride a roller coaster again.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Because I had been screaming, I needed to eat this time. Found myself in a Jollibee (national fast-food chain). Chicken joy. It got me, it just got me.
- 2:00 PM: Wandering. Tagaytay has a lot of things for sale, you can get anything from fresh coffee to fake designer bags.
- 4:00 PM: Found a Spa, got a massage, which was exactly what I needed after a day.
- 6:00 PM: Final night. I'll be honest, I was done, just exhausted after the day.
Day 3: Departure (and the lingering cockroach)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up still in the hotel. I can still smell the cockroach. And it's not the hotel's fault, I'm sure.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast Part 2. Same breakfast.
- 11:00 AM: Checkout. Say a silent farewell to the pterodactyl AC.
- 12:00 PM: Departure. The ride back to the city was long, traffic was horrendous. Still, I found myself smiling. Tagaytay, with all its quirks and imperfections, had gotten under my skin. Would I go back to OYO 814 Laurien's? Nah, probably not. But would I recommend Tagaytay? Absolutely, 100%. It's a messy, chaotic, beautiful adventure. Just maybe pack some extra Raid. And embrace the karaoke. You won't regret it.
Escape to Tagaytay: Laurien's... Well, Let's Just Say "Budget" Bliss? (FAQ - With a Heaping Dose of Reality)
Okay, So... Is This Place REALLY a Budget Hotel? 'Cause My Definition of "Budget" Might Be a Bit Different.
Alright, let's be honest, yeah? It's budget. Like, "pack-your-own-toiletries-and-hope-the-hot-water-works" budget. Don't go expecting a five-star experience. Remember that time I booked a "budget" hotel in Bangkok and ended up sharing a room with a family of geckos? (They were remarkably quiet, actually.) This is *less* extreme, but… temper those expectations. Think "affordable" rather than "luxury." I remember the first time I saw the room. My jaw actually dropped a little. Not in a good way. More like, "Oh. Right. Budget." But hey, for the price, and with the Tagaytay view in mind, you can definitely make it work!
What's the Vibe? Is It Romantic Getaway Material, or More Like "We Need a Place to Crash After Eating Bulalo"?
Okay, so romantic getaway? Maybe… if your idea of romance involves a slightly squeaky bed and the faint scent of, well, *hotel*. It's definitely more "practical staycation" or "we're-mostly-out-exploring-Tagaytay-anyway" than anything wildly romantic. Think of it this way: the view from the balcony is your romantic element. The hotel itself... it's functional. My partner and I once did a weekend there, and let's just say the *romantic* moments weren't necessarily inside the room. More like, holding hands watching the Taal Volcano erupt in a glorious sunset, while silently hoping we'd remember to bring our own conditioner.
The View! Is That Taal Volcano Worth the Trip? I've Seen Some Photos...
Oh. My. God. The view. That's why you book this place, honestly. Even with the little quirks and imperfections, waking up to the Taal Volcano is just... breathtaking is too simple of a word. It is truly, undeniably amazing. Remember that one time I visited? We got up before sunrise, and the whole scene unfolded in front of our very eyes. It was like watching nature’s own IMAX. The photos? They don’t even do it justice. That's the magic, my friends. That view is worth every single peso, cockroach in the corner (just kidding, kinda), and slightly lumpy pillow.
What About the Room Itself? Is It... Clean?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room (which, thankfully, wasn't actually *in* the room during my stay). Cleanliness is... relative. It's not disgustingly dirty, but don't expect a sterile environment. It's more of a "lived-in" clean. You know, the kind of place where you might find a stray hair or two that isn't yours. I'd recommend bringing your own antibacterial wipes, just in case. It's not exactly the Four Seasons, but you can tell they try. They really, really do. But budget hotels... they're a gamble. You're rolling the dice. I've seen worse, but I've also seen much, much better. Just keep your expectations in check (again!).
Is There Air Conditioning? (Because Tagaytay Can Get Chilly, but Also Humid...)
Yes, there is air conditioning. Praise the heavens! But be mindful, the systems in budget hotels can sometimes be... temperamental. On one visit, our AC sounded like a dying jet engine. It was so loud, it made it hard to sleep. But hey, at least it gave us a good white noise machine. I'm a light sleeper myself, so I had a hard time sleeping! I suggest you bring an ear plug so that you would not need to suffer as I did.
What About the Internet? 'Cause, You Know, We're Millennials...
Wi-Fi? Possibly. Fast Wi-Fi? Don't hold your breath. Think of it more as a suggestion of internet, than a promise. Sometimes, it's perfectly fine for basic browsing. Other times… you're better off tethering to your phone. My advice: embrace the digital detox and enjoy the view. Or, if you *absolutely* need to be connected, download your favorite shows and movies beforehand. I went during a family reunion and the wifi was so bad! I ended up walking around the area so I can use other people's wifi connection.
And What About Amenities? Is Breakfast Included?
Okay, about amenities... Let's be candid. Don’t count on much. Breakfast? Highly unlikely. They might have some instant coffee in the room, but don't go expecting a continental breakfast buffet. The hotel provided a few instant coffee packs, so it was okay. The other things are the essentials, like towels, toiletries, and basic amenities. Don't go looking for a spa or a jacuzzi, because that's just not what they're known for. It's a basic place to stay!
Location, Location, Location: How Close is it to the Restaurants and Attractions?
The location is actually pretty decent! It's close enough to the main attractions, but you'll probably still need a car or a tricycle to get around. Eating bulalo is just a few minutes away! It's the kind of location where walking around is fun, and you can easily go shopping and eating out without any problem. When I was there, I just went there by a car but I had my share of walking around places. Overall, it's pretty easy to get around.
Would You Stay There Again? Be Honest!
Okay, the big question! Would I stay there again? Hmm... It depends. If I'm on a tight budget and prioritizing that *view* above all else and if I will be spending most time just exploring the area, then yes, absolutely. I've definitely had worse hotel experiences (I'm looking at you, that one with the questionable stains on the sheets in Boracay). Also, it’s cheap. So yeah, most likely. But if I'm looking for a comfortable, luxurious experience? Nope. I'd splurge a little more. But for the price, and that unbeatable view – Laurien’s is a solid choice. Just, you know, bring your own tissues. And maybe some earplugs. And a sense of humorExplore Hotels
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