The hype
Beautiful for photos and relaxing for a night, but the 'hidden' costs for pool and parking frustrate many.
La Bella Tagaytay By Lea's
$40-80/ night
Book this if You want the 'Santorini' Instagram aesthetic on a budget and don't mind paying extra for pool access.
Why People Love It
- Instantly recognizable white-and-blue architecture
- Glass-walled 'aquarium' pool perfect for photos
- Secluded, quiet location away from the main highway traffic
Quick Take: A budget-friendly photo studio disguised as a condotel where you pay extra for every amenity.
Reviewed by @lutein05: I honestly fell in love with the artistic vibe here. It feels like a slice of Greece right in Tagaytay. The library was my favorite spot to just disconnect, and having a kitchenette in the room made our family stay so much easier. A total hidden gem.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms can smell musty due to Tagaytay's humidity, and the pool water is often freezing cold.
- Your main goal is taking Instagram photos
- You need a quiet place to work (Lea's units often have 300Mbps fiber)
- You want a self-contained staycation with a kitchen
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Self-catering style. Don't expect daily turndown service unless specifically requested/paid for.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean grout, but watch out for weak water pressure and slow drainage.
- Maintenance: Common areas show wear (peeling paint, rust). Unit interiors depend heavily on the specific owner.
- Linens & towels: Standard residential quality. 'By Lea's' usually provides fresh, decent towels, but not luxury plush.
- Odors & scents: Can be musty if the room hasn't been aired out; humidity is high in Tagaytay.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud window-type air conditioners
- Hallway noise from other guests
- Construction or renovation in nearby units
Before you book
Good to know
- Bring cash for the pool fee (P100/head) and parking (P300/night)
- Tricycles from the main road cost ~P30-P50 per person
- Data signal (Globe/Smart) can be spotty inside units; rely on the unit's WiFi
What to pack
- Toiletries (condo units often provide bare minimum)
- Thick jacket (Tagaytay gets chilly at night)
- Swim cap (sometimes required for the pool)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Units with 'Veranda' or 'Balcony' for fresh air (essential in Tagaytay)
- Higher floor units for better light and less hallway noise
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor units near the pool (noisy and privacy issues)
- Units facing the parking lot (less scenic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking a unit By Lea's. Please confirm this specific unit has the upgraded 300Mbps WiFi and is located on an upper floor away from the pool noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool free?
No. For 'Residences' guests (Airbnb/Agoda condo bookings), there is a fee of P100-P150 per person.
Is parking free?
No. Condo guests typically pay P250 (motorcycle) to P300 (car) per night for overnight parking.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, 'By Lea's' units specifically advertise 300Mbps Converge Fiber, which is much better than the building's public WiFi.
Can I cook in the room?
Most 'Residences' units have a kitchenette with a microwave and kettle, but heavy cooking is usually prohibited.
Is it pet friendly?
The complex is generally pet-friendly, but you must confirm with the specific unit owner (Lea) as policies vary by room.
Is the pool heated?
No, and it can get very cold, especially during 'Ber' months or early mornings.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'glass wall' pool is smaller than it looks in photos—go early (8 AM) to get a shot without people.
- ✨
El Cocinero, the Spanish restaurant inside, is legit (Chef trained in Ibiza) and better than most tourist traps on the ridge.
- ✨
Bodhi Library is free to enter; you don't strictly need to buy coffee to browse books, but the waffles are cheap (P65).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Santorini' white paint is showing its age with visible peeling and rust stains in common areas.
💡You have to wear a wristband or carry a pass to prove you're a guest when walking around.
💡Mobile data is notoriously weak inside the concrete buildings.
💡The 'Jacuzzi' mentioned in some ads often requires a separate, steep reservation fee (P1,000+).
💡Getting a tricycle back to the highway at night can be difficult; get the guard to help you hail one.
Local Playbook
Map
See where La Bella Tagaytay By Lea's is located and what's nearby.