Starbucks Downhill Tagaytay — Restaurant in Tagaytay

My partner and I experienced blatant discrimination at this Starbucks location in Tagaytay last week. We ordered a cinnamon bun and two drinks, but to our surprise, we weren’t provided with any trays. When we asked, we were told they had run out. Curious, my partner counted the tables around us and noted there were only seven trays in use.

How is it possible that one of the most frequented Starbucks locations in Tagaytay—a large branch at that—has so few trays? The excuse was not only implausible but also unacceptable. To make matters worse, it was early morning, the store was far from full, and yet, they served our food in a paper bag meant for takeout. When we politely requested plates instead, we were told they had run out of those too.

What’s even more troubling is that moments after receiving our order, we saw other customers being served with trays and plates. This leads us to believe we were treated differently because we weren’t dressed in “classy” attire and had tattoos visible.

This branch, known as a popular tourist spot, should uphold a higher standard of service and fairness. Instead, we experienced judgment and discrimination. Think twice before visiting this location—you might encounter the...

There was a time I used coffee shops for studying (can you believe that) before my boards. More than a decade ago. It seems there are people who still do that. This Starbucks chain however seemed to be a little different.

This particularly unique stopover for alot of people from Manila proves to be for who come and get their coffee fix while enjoying the dusk sunset looking over the Taal lake and volcano. There were 4 (possibly more) chains along the highway, and this was the last before heading back to Manila. The line for coffee was extremely long for some reason leading out of the building and into the parking lot (I kid you not), possibly as it was a Saturday. And the crowd seemed to be made by 99% of the Instagram generation who took selfies on the stairs while waiting for their names on their brews to be called out.

We stayed long enough to grab our order as it wouldn't have been possible to get a seat as most tables were taken by groups of people who were their for socializing and a weekend catch-up with friends. Perhaps need to be earlier next time? Overall the stop at this Starbucks was ok. The mission was of course successful as we came for the coffee fix and left for Manila...

Starbucks Downhill Tagaytay, officially known as Starbucks Reserve™ Hiraya, offers a unique coffee experience with breathtaking views of Taal Volcano and Lake Taal. Situated along Aguinaldo Highway in Silang Crossing West, this flagship store boasts a design inspired by coffee terraces, featuring terraced seating and expansive windows that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. The ambiance is enhanced by the use of local materials, such as mahogany wood and lava stone, reflecting the charm of Tagaytay. Visitors can enjoy signature beverages like the Hiraya Latte, crafted using the innovative OVISO™ espresso machine, and indulge in freshly baked pastries exclusive to this location.

While the setting is idyllic, some visitors have noted challenges with the steep parking lot and potential wait times during peak hours. However, many find the experience worthwhile, appreciating both the scenic views and the elevated offerings. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or someone seeking a tranquil retreat, Starbucks Downhill Tagaytay provides a memorable destination to savor both nature and a...