CLUB BALAI ISABEL - 404 Malvar (no elevator)

We stayed in a first-floor, one-bedroom residence during the Holy Week rush, arriving on Holy Wednesday. The building is dated, but the apartment was clean and practical, with enough room for two large beds and a useful kitchen. The bathroom was clean too, though these are residential-style units rather than fancy hotel rooms. The staff were attentive and proactive even with the holiday crowds. There was lots to do: volleyball, pickleball, billiards, darts, and an e-car ride we especially enjoyed. There’s also a church, three restaurants, I think, and a massage place, though we didn’t try those. The main pool is large. For a quieter swim, look for the Terrazas pool, which is more secluded and seemed less known to guests. It was peaceful compared with the crowded main areas on Maundy Thursday. We had a solid stay and stayed entertained.

The staff were nice, and the restaurant was a pleasant spot to sit and look out at the lake. Talisay is a good place to relax and see Taal Volcano. Compared with Tagaytay, I’d choose Talisay for the volcano view because there’s less traffic and it’s closer to the lake. The property was described as wheelchair and PWD friendly, but that wasn’t really the case. There were steps into our room and steps in the building. We didn’t try the pool, though it looked inviting, maybe next time. I ordered fried sweet potatoes, but they tasted bitter, as if they might have been from an old batch.

There’s lots of space here and good things to do, including basketball, tennis, and billiards. My room was comfortable, though a little cold, and the pull-out bed was handy. I also appreciated having a stove for cooking. Rugs in the rooms would make it better.

The pool was okay, and the restaurant staff deserve more credit. But the room conditions were really disappointing compared with how well the outdoor area is kept. The floor was slippery, the wood was cut up with holes all over, and the bedsheets were dirty. There was no way for elderly guests to reach the upper floors. There weren’t enough towels. I saw some families with stacks they weren’t using, while other families, including ours with a baby, had none, even though towels should be part of the service. The place needs to renovate the rooms, clean the sheets, and get more towels. It’s not just about how it looks outside. I wouldn’t recommend it.