A New Residence: Ascott Opens First International Serviced Apartment in Bonifacio Global City

With a growing economy and a new aggressiveness in tourism promotion, the Philippines has seen several major developments in recent years, especially in the hospitality and tourism industry. One of the most recent to open a property is Ascott Limited.

Fresh from celebrating its 30^th anniversary, the Singapore-based serviced residence owner-operator, which is part of the large real estate company CapitaLand, is strengthening its presence in the Philippines. Just May of last year, Ascott opened a property at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, the Ascott Citadines Salcedo Makati, which has 215 units. A few months after, Ascott unveiled another hotel in the country’s commercial hub—the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City

“Bonifacio Global City has been recognized globally as the Philippines’ newest financial center as it is able to cater to the needs of various international businesses. In developing business cities like BGC in Taguig, serviced apartments are preferred, especially with companies just starting their offices in the city which will require travelers to stay for extended periods. With this, we find Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila as the remaining piece of the puzzle that can cater to the upscale clientele in BGC to truly make the city the country’s newest CBD,” said Arthur Gindap, regional general manager of The Ascott Limited.

                With several multinational companies holding offices as well as concept restaurants and bars, and luxury retail stores, BGC has also seen several boutique hotels catering to business travelers rising. Bigger hotels of prominent international brands are expected to open soon in the commercial center.

                Located at the corner of 4^th Avenue and 28^th Street, Ascott BGC distinguished itself by offering rooms designed for long-term stay, thus, their preference for the term “serviced apartment.” Each unit is furnished and equipped with modern conveniences such as a home entertainment system, a fully functional kitchen and a washer with dryer.

The 30-storey property has 220 units that range from studio to two-bedroom units. Its location is very near shopping and dining centers such as The Fort Strip and Bonifacio High Street as well as corporate buildings such as Net One, Net Square, Picadilly, Marajo Building, One Global Place and Maybank Corporate Center.

“The Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila will be the second Ascott-branded property in the country,” shared Gindap. “Ascott Makati successfully catered to the needs of Makati City expatriates and corporate dwellers. Now, we are bringing this brand of hospitality to Taguig to help the city be recognized as another premiere business hub of the Philippines.”

                A prominent feature of Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila is its design, particularly the all-glass façade. According to Ascott, this feature is one demonstration of green practices. The glass façade allows more natural light to enter the building, thus lessening electricity consumption. Additionally, they use Low-E glass, which lessens internal building temperature that reduces the energy used for air-conditioning. The property is said to receive a provisional Green Mark Certificate from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority for environment-friendly practices including achieving Concrete Usage Index (CUI), use of Low-VOC Paints, Low-VOC Adhesives, Low-E glass panels, and low-flow toilet fixtures.

                Also, Ascott boasts of its Best in Hotel Architectural Design award at the 2014 Philippine Property Awards and its recognition as one of the highly commended hospitality projects at the 2014 Southeast Asia Property Awards.  While glass walls provide a modern and handsome look from the outside, art and indigenous materials used as accents provide character for the interiors of Ascott BGC.

Facilities inside Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila include office suites, meeting rooms, function rooms, a boardroom and a ballroom for work and events. For leisure and relaxation, the hotel has a 25-meter outdoor lap pool and Jacuzzi, a gym that overlooks the city, children's wading pool, playroom for kids, sauna and steam room.  

One of the pride of Ascott BGC is its restaurant. For this, Ascott partnered with one of the country’s prominent chefs, Margarita Fores. Called Alta, the restaurant will be her first in the area. Fores will also be providing the food for the property’s future banquet events in Ascott’s grand ballroom, a first for any Ascott residence, which can accommodate 200 guests for a sit-down event to 600 guests in a cocktail setup.

                To make the stay more comfortable and easier, Ascott offers the Ascott Host Program, designed to help guests, especially long-staying ones, transition into living in the Philippines and quickly settle in the new city. The program includes activities such as neighborhood and city tours, a security orientation, special events for kids, and social gatherings to know the other residents in the property.

“Ultimately, Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila aims to give residents a luxurious living experience combined with the familiar comforts of home. In order to do this, every detail from the design, amenities, and list of services were carefully chosen and curated to ensure a genuine personalized stay,” shared Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila residence manager Philip Barnes.

Ascott opens first serviced residence in Bonifacio Global City with (from left) Joanne Golong-Gomez, sales and marketing director; Verna Buensuceso, director, Office of Americas, Europe and the Middle East; Lino Cayetano, District 2 representative, Taguig City; Arthur Gindap, regional manager for Philippines and Thailand; Jose Luis Montales, city administrator, Taguig City; and Philip Barnes, residence manager, Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila.

During the opening of Ascott BGC, the latest property under The Ascott Limited brand in the country, Arthur Gindap, Ascott regional manager for Philippines and Thailand (left)  receives cooking tips from celebrity chef Malcolm Lee (right) where a traditional Peranakan lunch was served to the guests.

Chef Malcolm Lee and chef Margarita Fores collaborated to create a delicious Peranakan lunch for its guest in Alta, Fores’ first restaurant in BGC located in the serviced-residence.

 

 Photos from Ascott Limited.

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.

Staying in Quezon City: Luxent Hotel Stands Out with Classy Service and Affordable Rates

Luxent Hotel's Garden Cafe is a dining destination

Once a quiet neighborhood, the area of Tomas Morato and Timog avenues in the barangay of South Triangle, Quezon City, has become a dynamic night strip peppered with interesting food joints and a burgeoning business hub punctuated by two giant television networks. The sprouting of hotels, ranging from budget to four-star, is not surprising.

Aside from the bars and restaurants encrusting the area, these hotels offer easy access to several government offices; malls such as TriNoma and SM City North Edsa; the UP Techno Hub; sites such as the La Mesa Eco Park and La Mesa Nature Reserve, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and the Quezon Memorial Circle; and major schools such as the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University.

Among the hotels such as Tune Hotel, Sequoia Hotel, Imperial Palace Suites, Hotel Rembrandt, La Breza Hotel, Palm Plaza Hotel, Torre Venezia and Cocoon Hotel that dot the area, the 16-story Luxent Hotel, along Timog Avenue, near the 11th World Scout Jamboree Memorial, stand out with an elegant and modern façade. At night, it sparkles like a jewel. The hotel opened in July 2012 and is fast becoming a favored place not only for events, but to stay, dine and relax.

Comfy Stay

For a hotel of its kind, Luxent has 117 well-appointed guestrooms that are refreshingly spacious with bathrooms that are equally roomy. The Deluxe King (with one king bed) and Superior Queen (with two queen beds) rooms have a floor space of about 39 square meters each. A host of amenities — LCD flat-screen television with cable and DVD player, Wi-Fi Internet connection, in-room safety deposit box, mini bar, complimentary coffee or tea, complimentary bottled water, complimentary daily newspaper, individual climate control air-conditioner, hair dryer and vanity mirror — assure a pleasant stay.

Additionally, Luxent has seven Executive Suites. With 50 square meters, each has a separate living room and pantry, and provided with an espresso machine. For a luxurious stay, the hotel proffers the Luxent Suite with a total floor space of 161 square meters, boasting of a complete dining space, two master’s bedrooms and a Jacuzzi, among others. At the topmost floor, the suite is luxurious with a panoramic view of the city, according to general manager Melanie Siy-Pagkalinawan.

Luxent Hotel's room

 

Business and leisure

Luxent Hotel has a range of business and recreational facilities, making it advantageous for business travelers. A newly-opened business center caters to numerous needs. Two conference rooms are available for meetings and small seminars. The bigger Seasons Ballroom, which is high-ceilinged and pillar-less, can be divided into four function rooms. Actually, the hotel is a favorite venue for wedding receptions and other big celebrations, which make use of the ballroom that can accommodate about 300 to 400 people.

Aside from business people, Pagkalinawan reveals that they also get families, especially during the weekends. Most relax and bond at the hotel’s infinity and kiddie pool at the sixth level, which has a beautiful view of the city.

Additionally, near the pool is the AquaTrim Fitness Center for the fitness needs of guests. On the other hand, Reluxe Spa, a concessionaire, at the second floor has an array of pampering services. Luxent sales and marketing director Mayette Sagales-Delfin says that the hotel does not limit itself to serving a corporate clientele, but also to a market seeking a place for leisure and relaxation. With the proximity of hospitals and beauty centers, the hotel is also tapping the medical tourism market.

Sagales-Delfin adds that the hotel enjoys robust business all year round, with 70 percent occupancy being their lowest mark. Half of their clientele is foreign, while the other half is domestic.

 

Infinity pool at the sixth floor

AquaTrim Fitness Center

A Dining Destination

Despite the number of good restaurants in the area, Luxent Hotel’s dining outlets are gearing to be stiff competitions. At the high-ceilinged lobby, one is greeted by the Lush Bar and Lobby Lounge, where a satisfying array of snacks and pastries, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are being offered. Bread lovers will be delighted by the Bread Indulgence corner, open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., where freshly baked breads are made available everyday. At night, the lounge, which can seat about 30 people, turns into a bar with a live band during weekends, where one can unwind after a busy day.

Next to be lobby lounge is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Garden Café, under the helm of executive chef Christian Martinez. The restaurant, which can accommodate 94 people, offers Continental and Asian comfort food, with ample choices of salads, soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, entrees, desserts and beverages. Steaks, ribs, chicken, lamb and fish are freshly prepared.

According Sagales-Delfin, the bestsellers are the pancit palabok and the kurobuta belly. But numerous items in the menu are worth a try. The flatbreads are delectable, as well as the pasta dishes. Must-tries are the Filipino dishes, given sophisticated twists but retaining the flavors that we love.

Luxent’s buffet, which is competitively priced, presents a good spread of international fare. Pagkalinawan admits that the lunch buffet is not as comprehensive as other hotels’, but it is well selected, keeping in mind the quality of the foods. The breakfast buffet, however, is rather sumptuous, priced at P999, but they are always on promo offering half that price. The other buffets are priced at about P799. 

Pagkalinawan reveals the restaurant attracts a lot of diners from around the area. The place is usually bustling during weekends. Sagales-Delfin says they receive a lot of positive feedback, others comparing their food with those in five-star hotels.

Aside from the main dining area, Garden Café has two private rooms for meetings and small gatherings—the VIP 1, which can accommodate 20 people, and the VIP 2, which can hold 50 people.

Ambiance, the quality of the food and the service, according to Pagkalinawan, are what set them apart of other dining places and accommodations in Quezon City.

Minestrone

Kilawin

Bagoong rice

Sinigang ang bulalo

Flatbread

Kurobuta pork belly

Luxent Hotel's Garden Cafe

Luxent Hotel staff with sales and marketing director Mayette Sagales-Delfin, executive chef Christian Martinez and

general manager Melanie Siy-Pagkalinawan.

 

The Luxent Hotel is located at 51 Timog Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City. For more information or reservations, call (632) 922-8888, fax at (632) 411-3030, e-mail sales@luxenthotel.com or visit http://www.luxenthotel.com.