It was during the pandemic, in 2021, when we decided we were ready to go on a staycation. Establishments were slowly re-opening and the pandemic policies have become relaxed; people can be out and about again. After so many months of being holed up at home, afraid and unreasonably paranoid of catching the virus, we wanted to go on a short staycation near us, and the only hotel that stood out was The Bayleaf Cavite in General Trias.
I was familiar with the Bayleaf Hotel as I wrote a feature for a magazine years ago about the Bayleaf Hotel Intramuros. So when I learned that they also had a hotel in my province, of course I wanted to give it a try and stay there. We stayed overnight during the weekend, and just really loafed around.
The Bayleaf Cavite: Entrance, Reception & Waiting Area
The hotel was beautiful from the outside. The facade was breathtaking. It stood proudly in the middle of a field, surrounded by lush greenery. Beautiful trees and shrubs lined the outside, and the hotel drop off area was really spacious. The ambiance really felt grand at the entrance, as we alighted the vehicle we hired.
The lobby and reception was even grander. It seemed as if we were transported to a luxurious hotel in Europe; with the checkered floors and chandelier and splendor. At one corner was a small pastry shop, and in another was a waiting area, where there were plush couches. I was amazed because it didn’t feel like I was in my humble hometown. Even though General Trias is a city, we were still in the province after all. The Bayleaf Cavite really gave off that special vibe with its exquisite interiors.
Down at the ground floor, several events or meeting spaces were located. We entered one and it was empty, but the entire room was already prepared for a seminar about to take place. The conference rooms were huge and they incorporated aesthetically pleasing furniture, decor, and lighting. More people have started to arrive at the hotel for the seminar.
We took the elevator to our room, and from the upper floor, we could see the atrium in the middle. Light seeped in beautifully from the ceilings, illuminating the atrium. It had contemporary chairs that looked comfortable; I could imagine myself having some pastries and coffee there. Unfortunately, it wasn’t opened yet to the public due to the pandemic and was a restricted area at the time.
The Bayleaf Cavite: Room Tour & Amenities
We were given a key card to open our room. Upon entering, we found the bathroom to our left and the closet to our right. The closet was so spacious, leaving more than enough room for travel luggages. It also contained an electronic safe for valuables. The room was well-pointed, with a tea-making facility, and a spacious and comfy bed. The window lets the light in and opens up to a calming view of green fields and the sunrise/sunset.
We had a cup of coffee and enjoyed the view to settle in. Once we were a bit rested, we went out for a walk, as there really wasn’t much to do. We went downstairs to stroll the grounds and to check out the outdoor pool. There was a pocket garden towards the pool. There were rooms with a pool view, and their front view was adorned with a wide variety of plants and shrubs. The pool was huge and there were a lot of pool chairs all around, by the edge of the pool.
In the morning the next day, we took a walk around the place. It was nice to smell the crisp early morning breeze and feel the warmth of the slowly rising sun on my skin. That walk was truly rejuvenating to my soul.
The Bayleaf Cavite: Restaurant & Food
For lunch and dinner, there really was no other option to eat outside as The Bayleaf Cavite was in the middle of nowhere—well sort of. There are not a lot of establishments around, and if you go to the nearby town, it’s the usual popular Pinoy fast food. So it was a given that we had to dine at Fields. For lunch and dinner, the main dining area was closed so we had to dine at their outdoor area, which was an extension of the restaurant.
We had breakfast at Fields, their main restaurant, where guests are seated away from each other due to social distancing rules. Our hotel booking included a complimentary breakfast and we were treated to either Filipino or American style food. We ordered American style, which, as far as I remember, included brewed coffee, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and slices of fresh fruits for dessert.
We ordered several foods from their menu during lunch, including Salmon Sinigang, Buffalo Wings, Asian Chicken, and their caramel coffee frappe. On another instance, we ordered pizza for our lunch. The food at Fields did not disappoint and we finished everything in a swift. In terms of cost, the rates of the food was reasonable. Even though we were dining at a hotel, it didn’t feel like we were paying hotel prices for the food.
The Bayleaf Cavite: Hotel Location & How to Get There
The Bayleaf Cavite is a 4-star hotel located along Governor’s Drive, General Trias, Cavite. For public commuters, there are many buses going to General Trias that you can take. You can ride the bus bound for Trece then alight at the intersection or bus stop in Robinsons Pala-Pala. Go on another jeep or bus headed to Trece Martires town, and that will pass by The Bayleaf Hotel.
To save time and if you have a car, instead of going through Aguinaldo Highway, you can instead take Arnaldo Highway. Arnaldo Highway is a commonly used shortcut that we take from Imus to The Bayleaf Hotel. From Aguinaldo Highway, you can turn right at the intersection of Daang Hari and Aguinaldo Highway, located right before The District Imus. Go straight and at the end, turn left to Arnaldo Highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns The Bayleaf Hotel?
The Bayleaf Hotel is owned by the Laurel family of Batangas. They also own the school system, Lyceum of the Philippines. This is why, at times, when you Google it, it is stated online that Lyceum of the Philippines owns and operates the hotel. During my interview with the General Manager of The Bayleaf Intramuros years ago, she shared that Hotel and Restaurant Management students from Lyceum take their internship at The Bayleaf.
How many rooms does The Bayleaf Hotel Cavite have?
The hotel offers 148 spacious, well-appointed rooms fitted with contemporary furnishings.
How much is the price per night at Bayleaf Hotel?
The Bayleaf Hotel offers exceptional value for money, whether you’re staying at their Intramuros branch or their Cavite hotel. The hotel’s rates vary but it can range between $75 to $90, depending on the season and the branch. Of course, the rates for their Intramuros, Manila branch are higher than in Cavite, which is a province.
If you want to have a better feel of The Bayleaf Cavite and an insider look at my staycation experience, you can watch my silent vlog below. In my videos, you will see the rooms and the full facility, including the conference rooms and other places, from my POV.
The Bayleaf Cavite Contact Details
The Bayleaf Hotels Website: https://www.thebayleaf.com.ph/
The Bayleaf Cavite Address: Governor’s Drive, Manggahan
4107 General Trias, Cavite, Philippines
The Bayleaf Cavite Contact Number: (046) 435-5000
The Bayleaf Cavite Email: tbc-inquiry@thebayleaf.com.ph
