Taal Lake, Banga, Batangas, Philippines | (888) 905-8267
Scenic location on the shores of Taal Lake
Wide range of room types, some for up to 12 guests
Rooms have AC, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and safes
Suites and villas feature full kitchens and living areas
Three pools, including one with a shallow end for children
Two restaurants, both with outdoor seating and pleasant views
Spa offers massages and salon services for a fee
Motorized and non-motorized water sports available for a fee
Basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a playground, and bike rentals
Extensive event space, including a lovely chapel for weddings
Free Wi-Fi and bottled water
Breakfast buffet included in all hotel room rates
Most rooms have maintenance issues and drab bathrooms
Reports of slow, unstable Wi-Fi
Only some buildings have elevators
Breakfast not included in suites or villas (but in-room cooking allowed)
Food gets mixed reviews, and restaurant service can be slow
Set overlooking Lake Taal and its famous volcano, the mid-range Club Balai Isabel is a decent option for families and groups who prioritize access to activities over luxury. Three pleasant pools -- two of which offer views of the lake -- extensive (if basic) sports facilities, a playground, and a water park keep guests of all ages busy. A basic spa has indoor massage rooms and outdoor water areas. Both the main restaurant and the pizzeria have pleasant outdoor spaces that draw guests and non-guests alike, especially in the evening, though food gets mixed reviews. The resort’s 288 rooms range from simple standard units with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, to comfortable 12-person villas with patios and full kitchens. Many, however, are showing wear and have drab bathrooms and spotty Wi-Fi. Travelers wanting an oceanfront stay may like Club Punta Fuego.
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Scene
Charming grounds and traditional architecture, but maintenance is lacking
Club Balai Isabel is a sprawling property that draws tourists and locals alike with a privileged location right on the shores of Taal Lake. Its grounds are pleasant and serene, with tons of fruit trees dotting lush gardens that go all the way to the water. Stone paths wind through patches of grass peppered with tile-clad fountains, while stone bridges cross over small ponds filled with waterlilies. Big, manicured lawns offer plenty of space to relax, and tropical trees provide some shade. The hotel’s architecture is rather charming, with a number of low buildings with yellow facades that blend in well with the landscape. The style is a mix of colonial and local, featuring dark-wood ornaments, stained-glass details, and big glass doors that open onto balconies.
The property is constantly being expanded, and while new buildings are mostly up-to-date (they even have elevators), the original structures are starting to feel rundown, with maintenance and cleanliness issues, and basic amenities and decor. Rates aren’t the most competitive in the area, so couples seeking something offering better value may prefer the charming View Park Hotel, though it lacks lake and volcano views. The historic [Taal Vista Hotel](Taal Vista Hotel) is more expensive but overall better, with a small gym and several well-reviewed restaurants.
Location
On the shores of Lake Taal, about 90 minutes from Manila
Club Balai Isabel is located off a busy road that leads straight to the center of the small town of Talisay. There aren’t many restaurants or shops within walking distance, and the surroundings are rather dull, but the town is generally bustling, as it is the launch pad for visits to the famous Taal Volcano, located just a short boat ride away. Travelers can take a jeepney or a trike to Tagaytay, which is about a 40-minute drive away. Local attractions, such as the People’s Park in the Sky, the Sky Ranch amusement park, and scenic Picnic Grove can all be reached by car within an hour. Manila and its international airport are about a 90-minute drive from Club Balai Isabel.
Rooms
Basic rooms with drab bathrooms, but many offering great volcano and lake views
Club Balai Isabel has 288 rooms housed in a number of low buildings spread over big gardens. Room types range between 230-square-foot standard hotel rooms to huge 12-person villas with full kitchens and patios. All are simple and traditional, outfitted with dark-wood furniture with clean lines, tile or hardwood floors, and white walls with few ornaments. Most have terraces, some offering wonderful lake and volcano views. The hotel has been built in several stages, and while the most recent structures are charming and well-equipped for a mid-range hotel, the original ones are in need of urgent renovations. In the latter, AC units are old and faulty, bathroom doors have water damage, and furniture is showing wear and tear.
In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi (but most guests find it spotty), air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Most units also have kitchenettes, but cooking is only allowed in suites and villas. Bottled water and coffee are provided free of charge daily. Bathrooms are lackluster and dated in most units, featuring either tubs or wet room-style showers with no curtains, dirty grout lines, worn taps, and just the most basic toiletries.
Features
Water sports, three pools, two restaurants, and a simple spa
The main draw here is the water park, complete with several inflatable waterslides, a number of swan-shaped floats, and other water features right off the shore. Guests can also borrow kayaks to tour the lake, and there are banana boat rides for a fee. Those who prefer to relax on a lounger can do so around any of the hotel’s three pools, two of which have pleasant lake and volcano views. A spacious restaurant serves local and international cuisine for lunch and dinner, as well as a basic buffet breakfast that is only free for guests staying in hotel rooms. There is also a casual pizzeria in the gardens and a small bar by the main pool.
Guest looking to stay active during their vacation can use the tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts free of charge, or rent a bicycle for a few hours. There is also a playground, a pool table, darts, and an obstacle course. The spa is rather basic, but it offers a decent array of massages and salon services. Extensive meeting space, both indoors and outdoors, is also on-site. The beautiful chapel is a popular wedding venue among locals.
