New boutique hotel opens to mark Chinese New Year

TWIN room at Amelie Hotel

From being the haven of visual and performing artists in the 1980s, Malate has become the bohemian enclave of Manila. The once exclusive residential areas on the western side of Malate began to transform into commercial spaces, with some large homes and low-rise residential apartments being converted to boutique hotels with themed restaurants and cafés.

The real estate scene in Malate is continuously transforming itself as the center of recreation and entertainment. Surrounded with some old buildings dating back to the Spanish era, the Malate area has many historic sites with quaint plazas like the Remedios Circle.

Down the road from Remedios Circle, Amelie Hotel Manila, a new boutique hotel officially opened its doors in time for this year’s Chinese New Year. Rising above J. Bocobo Street in the heart of Malate, the unique hotel combines the dainty charm of Old Manila and the eye-catching appeal of modern architecture and interior design schemes.

Its contemporary yet vintage charm is felt in the 70 hotel rooms in three size types to suit the particular needs of guests. The Single Room (24 sq m), Double Room (33 sq m) and Suite Room (31 sq m) are all equipped with essential amenities such as a large flat screen LCD TV and WiFi connection.

The rooms have been designed in modern minimalist style with chic furniture, bohemian-inspired accent decors, framed photos or visual representations of fascinating facets of Manila’s culture and a sleek headboard of the queen-sized bed. An oversized map of Metro Manila acts as a decorative element as well as an actual guide to help tourists navigate the streets of Malate and the rest of Metro Manila.

AMELIE Hotel rises in Malate, Manila.

Interesting design motif

Designed by noted interior stylist Anton Barretto, the rooms all feature an interesting design motif: a stylized, linear canopy that sets the bed apart and gives the room more depth and dimension. Aside from designing this hotel, Anton is also the editor of Metro Home & Entertainment and is busy with several interior design projects in the city.

Anton designed the lobby to have a mix of modern furniture and vintage accent pieces like the wall finish using old wood strips. He additionally created interesting niches from the hallways to the rooms where works of young Filipino artists could be displayed. The quarterly rotating artworks would give local and foreign guests the opportunity to get acquainted with Manila’s art scene.

Works of art

Inspired by the bohemian spirit of old Malate, Amelie Hotel Manila is set to display the works of contemporary artists at work in Manila today. Mark Abellon, the hotel’s brand director, shared that they have been collaborating with the new wave of painters, graphic designers, fashion designers and musicians in the area and giving them the venue to showcase their art.

At the festive opening, Ruy Group Hotel Corp. chair Roberto Uy, Dr. Federico Cruz, Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales, Ruy Group Hotel’s Giselle U. Abellon and Amor Cruz, and Paramount Hotels & Facilities Management Co.’s Jose Mari del Rosario were all part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony that featured a traditional lion and dragon dance.

At the Roof Deck, the Galleon by Mario’s Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, prepared sumptuous treats and cocktails for the guests. Situated at Amelie Hotel’s top floor, the Roof Deck offers a breathtaking view of Manila’s skyline and the Manila Bay.

Managed by Paramount Hotels, service is an important aspect of the Amelie Hotel Manila experience. Its GM Jose Antonio Sacluti is proud to offer five-star service to their guests. This will be carried out through their professional, efficient, but extremely warm service.

Amelie Hotel Manila is located at 1667 J. Bocobo, Malate, Manila. For inquiries and reservations, please call +632-875-7888 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ameliehotelmanila.com. The hotel is owned by The RuyGroup Hotel Corp. and managed by Paramount Hotels & Facilities Management Co. Inc.