Saan Sa PH is lucky to have partnered with ECO HOTEL, a group who does not only have beautiful properties under their name but also champions a great advocacy of being eco-friendly and sustainable. They are one of the very few hotel chains in the Philippines with a strong ecological conscience. They are committed to what they call green travel which relates to an enjoyable stay that reflects both sustainability and quality of life.
They have also categorized themselves as a Green Service Hotel.What is a Green Service Hotel? As from their website, www.ecohotels.ph.com, they describe it as: Our room amenities are scaled to essential comforts while hygiene kits are given upon request to minimize unnecessary consumption of resources. Fresh linens and towels are provided but we greatly encourage guests to reuse them if possible. Every energy saving effort is considered significant. We appreciate switching off of all electrical equipment when not in use, especially aircon, tv and shower heater.We were able to tour three of their eco-friendly branches, which have embraced sustainability and have implemented practices that recognize sustainable tourism.
VILLAS BY ECO HOTEL (Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas)
Out of the three properties we visited, this was my favorite. It is situated in the rolling landscape of Mataas na kahoy, Batangas. Eco Hotel Lake View Villas is the ideal destination for those who want to escape city life and be immersed in nature. Upon arriving, you are welcomed by luscious greens, great villas, an inviting swimming pool and the best of it all, a majestic view of the Taal volcano.
We were told that this was once the vacation home of the Cruz Family. They have seven kids, so probably each villa belongs to one of each child and the other rooms for the master bedroom and guest bedroom or storage room. It’s just so wonderful to imagine how lucky these children are because they have great parents who have provided them with a great vacation home. Now, renovated and owned by Eco Hotel, guests can now enjoy the same relaxing experience and magnificent view.
The beds were made from sustainably sourced materials all from sustainable farming. Even the flooring were recycled hardwood from old homes. The light bulbs are LED because they are more energy efficient.
Enjoy rooms with a stunning Lake View while sipping your coffee from the coffee machine available in the rooms.
They even preserved all the trees inside the property and have built around it as evidenced by this shower and bath with the tree inside.
Villas by Eco Hotel offers a complete green experience to travelers and tourists. In the Balok-Balok Bar, they have a lovely space for dining, yoga, or meetings, also overlooking the lake, where one can witness one of the perfect sunsets after Manila Bay. The perfect romantic setting that will blow away anyone.
The Balok-Balok Bar is equipped with a full kitchen and bar for their guests’ dining pleasure and enjoy mostly local dishes. You may customize your food, just ask from the staff.
While we were there, we were served a boodle fight dish of rice, eggplant salad, grilled meats (pork belly, fish and chicken) and some vegetable dish served on top of a banana leaf.
Relax and go for a dip in the pool and simply take in the stunning view.
This place was also declared as a Bird Sanctuary so binoculars are provided in every room for the guest’s enjoyment. Fireflies may be visible at night too.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with the stunning views, great amenities and peacful ambience? This place definitely is a perfect venue for those who just want a quick respite from all the hurlie-burlies of city life.
Location: Mataas Na Kahoy, Lipa City, Batangas
Published Room Rates as of June 2019: Standard Rooms for 3 pax starts at Php 3,000+ while Family Rooms for 5 pax starts at Php 6,000+. Children under 9 years old are free of charge.
CABINS BY ECO HOTEL (Tagaytay)
This is the budget-friendly flagship property of Eco Hotel. This houses 16 guest rooms that are configured to provide comfort in a compact and very functional space.
As you enter the property, you will be greeted by their lovely and cute pet, Blue. Adorable, isn’t he? I hope he is a he. Yes, this hotel is pet-friendly and they welcome furry pets up to 25 pounds, subject to a pet fee of Php 500 per pet per night.
Do not be fooled by the affordable price tag since all rooms are definitely eco-chic with beds covered in clean, high thread count sheets (you know how this matters for some of us) and enclosed in walls of pine wood that gives a feeling that you are in a secluded far-away place.
There also available common areas or co-working spaces for your social or business needs that are playful and display a lot of repurposed materials.
Do not miss the breakfast as it is served at the roof deck, the Chinampa Taqueria, giving a picturesque view of Taal Lake. The meal selections come accompanied by their signature, locally sourced coffee (projectlocoph.com). Either this taqueria turns into a lively salsa-chacha place or a dine-under-the-stars romantic restaurant during the evening, what’s your guess?
Guests are invited to join their daily happy hour at the lobby from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. A complimentary glass of wine awaits all takers.You really get more than what you pay for in this comfortable and budget-friendly boutique hotel.
Location: Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Published Room Rates as of June 2019: Standard Rooms for 3 pax starts at Php 2,000+ while Family Rooms for 3 pax starts at Php 3,000+. Children under 9 years old are free of charge.
CONTAINERS BY ECO HOTEL (Tagaytay)
This hotel embodies the Eco Hotel principles of reuse, reduce and recycle and renew as it repurpose the sturdy and mighty steel shipping containers.
These containers are stable even when stacked together but are quite an eye sore if left by its original state. Good thing that the owners thought of eye-catching murals and relaxing interiors and artworks that when looked upon closely, are junks that have been reborn unto their next lives.
The design and interiors of the rooms are cutely themed after the room’s name. For example, the room’s name is beehive or pukyutan, you will see beehives and bees in the murals and some beehive shaped mirror above your bed’s headboard.
The hotel also boasts of a unique rooftop amenity: a grilling and camping sanctuary.
You may enjoy their cocktails while munching on their unlimited BBQ and beer matches or their yummy entrees like the hot and delicious bulalo, which is a Batangas specialty.
Have your glamping goals achieved in here with their tents and sleep or dine under the stars.
They also have a playground and a set of swings for the kids and the kids-at-heart.
Location: SVD Road corner Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Published Room Rates as of June 2019: Standard Rooms for 2 pax starts at Php 2,000+ while Family Rooms for 5 pax starts at Php 5,000+. Children under 9 years old are free of charge.
It was an exhausting afternoon touring these three lovely properties but it was a great to see that a group like Eco Hotel does their part in trying to preserve mother earth while being great too at the hospitality part. It would be very endearing for me to patronize such establishments and I hope you too!
To know more about Eco Hotel and their current promotions, follow them on their social media sites:
Website: www.ecohotels.com.ph
Facebook: Eco Hotel Philippines
Instagram: @ecohotelph
For Reservations, contact them at their Central Reservations Office, Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- +63 2 881 5318 to 19
- +63 46 4043142
- Email: info@ecohotels.com.ph
