I know there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but I never expected to find it soon. That’s the best way to describe our experience at Seda Hotel in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
We had been eyeing a stay there for some time, just waiting for the right opportunity. I’m always particular about our trips because I want them to be enjoyable and comfortable for our son with autism. But an unfortunate event led us there soon, but what we found was more than just a place to stay—it was an experience worth coming back for. Here's my review on Seda Nuvali...
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Nuvali: The Perfect Quick Escape
Whenever we want a quick getaway in the South, Nuvali is always a top choice. With its beautiful lake and koi fish feeding area, wide open spaces for walking, great dining options, and fantastic shopping malls, there’s plenty to do—especially for an active child like mine.
But let’s be honest, Sta. Rosa can be really hot! That’s why we were waiting for December to visit, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring.
An Unexpected Stay at Seda Nuvali - Review
In April 2024, an unexpected turn of events brought us to Seda Nuvali. We were on our way to Tagaytay for a month-long stay, filled with excitement, when our car broke down in the area. With a car full of belongings and the sun setting, we had no choice but to find a place to stay.
Not knowing any good hotels or Airbnb options nearby, Seda was the first place that came to mind. Luckily, they weren’t fully booked that Sunday afternoon—probably because we arrived quite late.
We were offered a Deluxe Room in Tower 1, and what a great choice it was! The room had a fantastic view of the lake, a cozy alcove seating area, and felt more spacious than other hotels we had stayed in before.
After dealing with the stress of the car situation, Seda gave us a much-needed reason to relax. For dinner, we dined at their Misto Restaurant, temporarily relocated due to renovations. Despite the change in setting, the food was excellent!
I can’t recall everything we ordered, but I do remember that my son’s pizza was a standout. I knew that if we ever returned, I’d be ordering that pizza again.
We had a restful night, and the next morning, we enjoyed the breakfast buffet. I had a delicious kakanin that tasted like biko but even more special. I wished I could have fully enjoyed the moment, but our minds were preoccupied with finding a repair shop for our car.
Fortunately, we found a repair shop and our car was fixed quickly. Still, we had to leave the hotel soon, as the owner of the Airbnb we had booked in Tagaytay was already waiting for us.
A Missed Chance in November
Fast forward to November 2024—when a good friend told me about a Christmas event in Nuvali. Remembering our wonderful stay at Seda, I immediately tried to book a room, but unfortunately, it was already fully booked.
A December Return to Seda
December finally came, and this was our opportunity to visit Seda again.
We arrived at 11 AM, expecting that our room wouldn’t be ready yet. The front desk staff, as always, was warm and welcoming.
I should mention that Seda had sent me an email the day before asking for my complete information and details of my companions. I highly recommend filling it out in advance—it makes the check-in process much smoother.
We arrived early because we planned to dine at Misto Restaurant again and enjoy their pizza. The restaurant had completed its renovations, and we were looking forward to the experience.
Unfortunately, since it was a Friday, they only offered a buffet lunch, with à la carte orders available exclusively for in-room dining. Given the midday heat, we decided to go ahead with the buffet.
We’re not really fans of buffets, but Seda’s spread was tempting. They had lechon belly (which I hadn’t eaten in 10 years—lol!), shrimp, crab, and excellent fish dishes. Their creamy vegetable dish was a must-try! The dessert selection wasn’t extensive, but that was okay.
The buffet cost P2,000 per person, but they had a Buy 1, Get 1 promo, so we only paid for one adult. They were also kind enough to give my son a discounted rate, even though I didn’t have his PWD ID with me.
When it was time to check in, we got a Suite in Tower 2, which had a separate bedroom from the living area. I chose this setup thinking I could work at night without disturbing my son’s sleep. The room was really spacious, with complimentary sweet camaroons. However, the view wasn’t as nice as our previous room— though a great view of the hotel's pool, it only had a very partial lake view.
If you’re booking, I highly recommend asking about the view beforehand. Another downside was that the suite had a connecting door to another room. Though it wasn’t too noisy, we could hear some sounds from the adjacent space. Sometimes, my son can be really sensitive to noise that may disrupt his sleep. So we planned that at night time, we will close the bedroom door and for sure it will provide additional soundproofing.
A Less Festive Nuvali Experience
That evening, we went out to the koi fish feeding area, expecting a festive Christmas atmosphere. To our surprise, there weren’t many decorations—nothing like what we had seen in previous years. While this wasn’t Seda’s fault (since I assume the area is managed separately), it was a little disappointing. Luckily, the nearby malls gave us the Christmas vibe we were hoping for.
Still full from the lunch buffet, we just grabbed a light dinner at Kenny Roger’s that my son is craving for. I missed Seda’s pizza but it's ok, I know there will be next time.
We returned to the hotel around 7 PM and thankfully, there was no noise from the adjacent room. All was well.
Breakfast and Final Thoughts
The next morning, we headed to the breakfast buffet. The restaurant was packed, but since it was spacious, we easily found a table. My son wanted to sit al fresco, but I think there was a private event outside, so we stayed indoors.
The food was excellent again! I was hoping to have the same kakanin from our first visit, but it wasn’t available this time. However, they served taho, which was a nice surprise!
I also noticed someone with bacon on their plate, but I hadn’t seen it at the buffet. When I asked a staff member, they told me bacon was available upon request (no additional cost). I ordered a small portion for my son, and they ended up cooking enough for about three people. My son was delighted!
Looking Forward to the Third Stay
Overall, our stay at Seda Nuvali was absolutely worth it and a great fit for our child with autism. While I didn’t get to enjoy the view, the pizza, and the kakanin I was craving (and I wish there was unlimited drinking water readily available), everything else—especially the delicious food and the very welcoming staff—made the trip memorable. The calm and accommodating environment also helped make our stay comfortable for our child.
Will there be a third stay? Absolutely!
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