WHEN the unpredictable weather this monsoon season gives you second thoughts on your travel plans, the tendency is to look inwards to the proverbial urban sanctuaries which can mimic an out of town weekend experience.
While there is a plethora of popular hotels in the metropolis, even jaded travelers look for a departure from the predictable niceties and amenities offered by the luxury brands. Many families want to explore the below-the-radar intimate and cozy places which may offer unexpected finds at a friendly budget.
Here are some of the urban hideaways you can check out this monsoon, while waiting for the year’s second travel season to kick off.
U Hotels Makati
Standing quietly in the buzz of the city’s Población district is this nine-story edifice which prides itself as “The First Art Hotel in Metro Manila” for incorporating artworks in its overall design. The lobby exudes an Old World charm and a garden feel, punctuated with welcome greetings in various foreign and Philippine languages.
Each floor acts as mini-galleries by featuring the works of a popular Filipino painter, with each room made up of modern minimalist interiors, industrial fixtures, five-star hotel quality bed and a hand-painted mural that is unique to each wall.
During its first anniversary, the hotel spearheaded a mural painting activity at the Población neighborhood to jazz up the area with street art and add soul to it, being the heart of the pre-gentrified old Makati. It also eyes doing culturally engaging initiatives in the area, starting with occasional art lessons with the hotel guests.
It may not look like it, but U Hotels Makati boasts of a wide selection of American, Chinese, Japanese and Filipino cuisine, most of which consist of the owner’s heirloom dishes.
As a proof of its culinary prowess, it hosted the country’s first Bourdain Day a few months back which recreated the dishes associated with the late TV celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Curated by youthful chefs Sharwin Tee and Karla Reyes, the five-course dinner is a fund-raiser for a public school library which organizers aims to put up next year.
Just over a year into operation, the hotel has already earned the nod of the market with the Guest Review Award 2019 of 9/10 rating by the popular Booking.com site.
Citadines Bay City Manila
Those dreaming of a seaside interlude can find a worthy alternative in this spanking new serviced residence by the bay known for its most beautiful sunset. While located in a commercial zone, this apartment hotel evokes a laid-back feel with tree-lined and master-planned environs.
Managed by a Singapore-based group, the apartment property has 212 fully furnished units with modern amenities, including kitchens which are designed for long-staying guests.
The country’s largest chain in its category, which also carries the prestigious Ascott and Somerset brands, Citadines Apart’hotels which gives the best of both worlds with the luxury of a hotel and the comforts of home, with services, such as laundry, dry cleaning and grocery shopping.
A modern fitness center, outdoor jogging path, and group exercise area will keep you fit while binging on a staycation. Adjacent is a 25-meter swimming pool, a kids’ wading pool, a pool bar, and a sun deck, which lend a tropical resort touch in the midst of the concrete jungle.
Completing the “Inspired Lifestyle” experience, Citadines’s is peddling delectable cuisine, which covers all-time favorites to seasonal promos and surprise offerings.
Selah Pods Hotel
Coined from the Hebrew word for “rest,” this 11-floor urban oasis is tucked in Pasay City’s old genteel area overlooking the postcard-pretty Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay. A masterful handiwork of youthful architect and designer Jefferson Tomas, it has an assortment of stylish lodging for millennials, couples, families and groups tailor fit for hip lifestyles. It also has hanging pods suspended on cables where you can swing 30 feet above the ground.
Rated as three-stars, this 108-room boutique hotel’s banquet hall has a mesmerizing view of the kaleidoscopic dusk by the bay, as well as the night lights of the Makati skyline by the pool deck bar and lounge.
Guests are welcomed with the modern chic foyer adorned with native-themed but exquisite furnishings which are reflective of Filipino character and artistry. The whole facility exudes understated elegance to take away the trappings of luxury accommodation and make the staycation feel closer to home.
Selah Pods is a fitting sequel to its sister property, Selah Garden Suites, a three-story green getaway known for its canopy of centenarian hardwood trees, hydrophonic hanging gardens, and native furnishings. Its piece de resistance is recreational facilities like outdoor wall for rappeling and wall climbing, a mini zipline and hanging bridge which even children can try.
Schumacher’s “small is beautiful” maxim must have been the guiding principle behind these hotels, as they don’t feel cramped because of the open spaces and greeneries, despite the constraints in the land area. Take a gustatory tour through their menu which is a remarkable crossover of homestyle comfort food and fancy hotel cooking.
As raindrops keep falling on our heads, this is an opportunity to rediscover the urban soul through the metro’s not-so hidden retreats this monsoon season and beyond.