Tuesday, November 11, 2014

About to Bloom in Boracay: Azalea Hotels and Residences to Open Second Property in Premiere Tourist Destination

Azalea Residences Boracay, said to be the “first four-star quality serviced apartment hotel,” will open in the first quarter of 2015 at Station 2, with 285 rooms
Azalea Hotels and Residences, which is fast becoming popular for its hotel in Baguio City, the Philippines’ summer capital in the Cordillera region, is opening its second hotel in the another summer destination, Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
Slated to open in the first quarter of 2015, Azalea Residences Boracay is said to be the “first four-star quality serviced apartment hotel” in the island known for its fine white sand, beaches and parties.
Located at Station 2, the property will have 285 rooms. While the property is not beachfront, it is a short walk from the famous White Beach and the location affords guests to easily step away from the crowds.
The main characteristic of Azalea Residences is the size of its rooms, which are designed to allow guests to stay longer. All rooms are of the suite type, ranging from 30 to 75 square meters.  All can accommodate multiple guests, unlike many hotels which are usually restricted to accommodating two guests at a room. The two-bedroom (45 square meters) or the three-bedroom (75 square meters) unit can accommodate families and barkadas. Guests can save by not getting multiple rooms. Adjoining rooms are also available for bigger groups. Each suite also has a convertible sofa bed, aside from the bed.
All rooms have kitchen and dining facilities, another Azalea characteristic. With these, guests can stay longer or save money from dining out. Cookware and dinnerware are provided for free. The kitchen has electric cook tops with range hood, a microwave oven, a rice cooker, a refrigerator, and an electric water kettle. Pots and pans are provided upon request. Dinnerware and silverware sets are also available. These are aside from the usual complimentary tea and coffee amenity set, complimentary bottled water and guest mini-bar.
Safety and security of guests are assured in Azalea Residence Boracay. Doors are fitted with electronic identification door lock system. Safety deposit boxes fitted for laptops and gadgets are provided in all rooms. The property has surveillance cameras and 24-hour security personnel as well as medical and first-aid assistance system.
The property will have two rooftop pools, one for kids and another for adult, for recreation in the comforts of the hotel. If guests want to venture out, tour and transport arrangements can be made through a vacation concierge. Guests tired from a day of activities can avail of the in-room wellness services.
As Azalea Hotels and Residences continue to grow, it is but apt that the burgeoning franchise puts up property in the country’s number-one tourist spot.
“We felt we should establish a presence,” said Marin Martinez, Azalea Hotels and Residences chief executive officer and chairman. “And the presence was really premised on the basis of our membership concept, the Azalea Vacation Club.”
The Azalea Vacation Club offers its members exclusive vacation ownership privileges in all Azalea properties such as discounts and special features on their stay.
“We realized that the Baguio user, at a certain point in time, is going to look for other places to use,” Martinez added. “When we decided to diversify and go into the business of tourism and leisure, we said, ‘If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do a chain so that our members will have a variety of venues to choose from.’ It’s really more value for money. ”
According to Dulah Lipardo, chief operating officer of Azalea Hotels and Residences, guests pay just a one-time fee for a lifetime Azalea Vacation Club membership.
“That’s the value for money we offer, a high quality of service but affordable to the Filipino,” she said. “The membership is transferable and you get the benefits of a member such as discounts on rooms, our restaurants, etc.”
Along with the expansion, Azalea Hotels and Residences made booking rooms for local residents more convenient through its Web site. With the online booking button, guests can make online reservations and receive instant confirmations without having to pay immediately upfront. Once a booking is made, an option date to guarantee will be sent via e-mail. Should changes in travel plans arise, it is easier and more flexible to make modifications in the booking. Azalea is currently accepting bookings for the Boracay property. To entice early bookings, it has a special P2,015++ promo for early bookers.

Azalea Residences Boracay’s deluxe bedroom
 Azalea Residences Boracay’s one-bedroom suite
Living and entertainment area of the one-bedroom suite
For more information, call the hotel reservations in Manila at (632) 450-1151 or 0917-8611641. E-mail reservations@azalea.com.ph. For Azalea Vacation Club Membership inquiries, call (632) 634-7742 or (632) 925-8518 or visit their Web site at www.azalea.com.ph.