Tagaytay Prime Residences: Staycation Under $20 (Php 1,000)

"Money, money, money. Always sunny in the rich man's world". Thank you Abba for this song. When I was a little kid, you know the elementary school days, I was told that money is the root of all evil. Totally true but for me, it's not all the time. Not only in school but often we still hear negative connotation from someone about money even up until now. Come on! Let's be honest, money can be a "Tree of Life" too, like a coconut tree. I mean, it saves lives. It gives sunny day and happiness to everyone. Right? If I gave you $20 right now, oh! Since I'm in the Philippines, let's change it to 1,000 Pesos. It's not a big amount of money but, what would you do with it and where would you like to spend it? Don't worry these are just hypothetical questions. So, sadly you won't really get money from me. Well, there's a lot! As an answer to my questions, I would either go to the grocery store and buy different varieties of Spam or drugstore to buy multivitamins good for roughly three months. Others would also use it to fund school project or one week of job hunting. Staycation! Oh yeah, what about that? Isn't that a great idea? Definitely! But is 20 bucks enough? 

Yes, of course! It's enough. Look at the cool picture above. Do you know where it is? That's okay, let me introduce to you the Tagaytay Prime Residences. Isn't it lovely? Would you like to spend your 1,000 Pesos here? I'll be honest, the amount will surely work if you're residing in Metro Manila but if you're a bit far like Subic or Bulacan, you may need more money for a one night staycation in this place because of the transportation cost. Plus, if you don't want to pay the whole price without even compromising the great memories you could get, never ever forget to bring your friends or loved ones with you. Staycation is very popular nowadays. Do you agree? Well, thanks to social media and Airbnb. 

There are reasons why occasionally it's better for us to choose staycation than vacation. I mean, traveling outside the country is always awesome but sometimes because of the tight budget and short free time we tend to just rent a great place to stay near our home for one night or two, just to get away from the worries and reduce stress.

Staycation is also less hassle because you won't bring a lot of clothes since it's only for one night or two and somehow you can also avoid traffic congestion since it's nearby. Renting a place for staycation is also a piece of cake, even a 5th grader can book on Airbnb or booking.com by just installing the app and creating an account. I'm very happy to say that there are a lot of astounding hotels and residences, inside and outside Metro Manila that are offering staycation. They will let you experience their great amenities like beautiful swimming pool, soft bed, free Wi-Fi and even gastronomic delights.

Free swimming pool access. Love it!

It was my friend who booked our one night staycation in Tagaytay Prime Residences. How? I know you're interested since holiday is just around the corner and it can be a great choice for staycation. All you need to do first is to like the facebook page of Tagaytay Staycation-Cozy Vintage Unit(@cozyvintage1651) and second is to call them at 09176712376 for inquiries like how much is per night and the room availability.

Rates as of November 2017 (Good for 2-4 Persons)

Monday-Thursday 2,000 Pesos/night (roughly $40)

Friday, Saturday and Holidays 2,500 Pesos/night (roughly $50)

Sunday 2,000 Pesos/night

*Additional 250/head after 4 guests (roughly $5)

*No hidden charges, All-in

*Rooms are subject to availability

*Rates may vary

Do you want to swim?

Pool for kids. An excellent staycation must always have a lovely pool.

Tagaytay is always the top choice for anyone who likes to escape from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. I can attest to that! Simply because it's only 2-hour drive from Manila, it has the scenic view of Taal Volcano, unique restaurants, many hotels and definitely the cold weather which is perfect for coffee or tea time but not really if you'll swim in the pool at night. It may sound a bit exaggerated but it was uncomfortably cold when we swam in the pool, that evening of our staycation. Sadly, my skin couldn't resist the water and failed to stay longer. It was fun though, especially if you're a bit sleepy. Just jump into the pool and for sure, in the blink of an eye you'll be awake.

Welcome to our room! As far as I know, my first staycation was roughly two years ago in Microtel Manila with my friends and because I find it always affordable, even as we speak I would still do it if I have extra money or free time. How to go to Tagaytay Prime Residences? You're may be wondering how we got to this place. Don't worry, I'll share it to you. Usually for commuters like us living in Metro Manila, there are buses going to Batangas that pass by Tagaytay Rotunda/Fora Rotunda Tagaytay like DLTB, Erjohn & Almark, Jam Transit and Genesis. There are bus terminals in Cubao, Pasay Buendia and EDSA MRT 3-Taft Avenue Station where you can go. The bus fare is roughly 80 Pesos(roughly $1.60) per passenger and usually 2-3 hours drive if there's no traffic jam.

Let's go the classic vintage room. The rooms have different themes like London, Parisian and Vintage. Luckily, we got the Vintage style room because it's more spacious than the two. My friend booked Sunday to Monday schedule with the rate of 2,000 Pesos(roughly $40) for the whole room inclusive of free swimming pool access. We were required to pay the downpayment worth 1,000 Pesos(roughly $20) or 50% of the room rate and paid the remaining to the caretaker when we got to the room. Be mindful because check-in time is 2PM.

From four down to three. Unexpectedly, we were only three who checked in. We really thought we could lessen spending too much money by adding another person but sadly, that 4th person didn't come. It was a good thing still that my friend Daice, who booked our staycation shelled out 1,400 Pesos(roughly $28) to pay for the room. Thank you, Ma'am! So, instead of paying 667 Pesos(roughly $13.34) each, me and my friend(the 3rd person) only paid 300 Pesos(roughly $6) each. Why? Isn't it unfair?

Actually, no, because we were assigned to buy food. I shelled out another 300 Pesos(roughly $6) for the drinks, chips and meal. Bring your own food and cook. That's what I like also when we stayed in Tagaytay Prime Residences, we had freedom to cook our own food and liberty to drink wine or beer. Oh! I hate beer. Oops! They also have free two instant coffee and two bottled water. Yeah, you can drink it to get sober.

Very nice shower room and clean bathroom. As a guest, the first thing that I always check is the bathroom or shower room. I make sure that it's clean and doesn't smell bad. Yes! Our room met my standards. I also liked the idea that there's a separate toilet and shower room. At least someone can go to the toilet without harming someone who is in the shower. Did you get it? Worrying about toiletries? Not to worry, it's inclusive. They have local shower gel, shampoo and even towels, but it's also okay to bring your own.

Our city view room. Although we didn't get the "Taal Lake" view room(for sure it's more expensive), our one night staycation in Tagaytay Prime Residences was exceptional. We had soft bed with pull out, air-conditioned room, complete kitchen wares, fridge, free Wi-Fi and Netflix. Yes, we watched JoKoy. Hilarious! Fog at night too. Oh! I couldn't ask for more. The experience we had is worth recommending and indeed, has a value for money.

Bag of Beans Cafe & Restaurant. We checked out exactly 12PM the following day and one of my friends told that we would go to Bag of Beans first before we go back to Manila. We rode a tricycle from Tagaytay Prime Residences to the Cafe for only 20 Pesos(roughly $0.40) each.

I thought we would just go to a normal cafe like Starbucks but no, what I saw was a breathtaking view of Taal Lake. Its beauty never fades and it always surprises me when I see it. Sorry, I didn't act strange in this cafe, It was just my first time.

Caesar's Salad and Mocha Frappe to end our staycation. Perhaps, the best thing that anyone could do in the morning after being drunk last night is to go to a coffee shop and relax. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while slowly eating your salad. Feel it like it's your cleansing day. Somewhat, that's what we did to end that sunny afternoon.

Mocha Frappe for only 135 Pesos(roughly $2.70). It was a nice treat for myself.

And thank you to our friend in the middle, Kiko, who bought the Caesar's Salad worth 235 Pesos(roughly $4.70) as a treat. We didn't spend so much time in this place because we started to feel tired and sleepy. Luckily, when we went outside Bag of Beans, there was a bus going to Pasay-Taft Avenue Station passing through Tagaytay Rotunda and it stopped for me. Yes, for me. The fare going back to Manila is roughly the same, 80 Pesos(roughly $1.60) and almost the same length of travel, 2-3 hours drive if not traffic. End of the story.

Pretty much some of you are not yet convinced that you can really have a one night staycation in Tagaytay Prime Residences for less than 1,000 Pesos. If you're at least group of four friends, here is the summary of your (possible) expenses.

Bus Fare(Manila-Tagaytay)- Php80

Room Rate(ex. Sunday-Monday)- Php500 each

Bus Fare(Tagaytay-Manila)- Php80

Technically, you will only spend 660 Pesos(roughly $13.20) and if you have a budget of 1,000 Pesos, you have an excess of 340 Pesos(roughly $6.80) to buy for your food.

Thanks for reading this new article and I hope you learned something today. Always remember to spend your money wisely because every penny counts. Don't forget to like my facebook page Supermarkymacky etc. and instagram supermarkymacky. I have another great news for you! I just recently created a facebook group SuperMarkyMacky & Folks, so that not only me but also you have the chance to post your blog article, food and travel experience. No matter who you are, don't forget to add yourself there. Thanks and see you on my next article!