New service residence tries to stay ahead of competition

Innovation is the name of the game in the hospitality industry, particularly the serviced residences. One has to be innovative to stay ahead of the competition or beats its competitors.

The newly opened Somerset Alabang Manila located in the integrated and commercial district of Filinvest City in Alabang is banking on the innovative ideas of its officials and staff to attract a large number of business and leisure travelers, both foreign and local. According to the regional general manager for Philippines and Thailand, Arthur Gindap, this is The Ascott Limited’s third managed Somerset international serviced residence in the Philippines. The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand in Singapore.

Innovative features

“The façade of the first international serviced residence in the south is like a banig or sleeping mat,” said resident manager Cecille Bay Teodoro. “There’s a painting of different versions of  bahay kubo or nipa hut on each floor of the building.”

Aside from these innovative features, Teodoro said the management has lined up activities for the residents through The Ascott Host program for long-staying guests. Among these are  cultural and historical tours in Calabarzon as well as fitness and wellness activities for them.

Spacious units

Somerset Alabang Manila has 150 prime apartment choices—60 studios (premier), 58 one-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom configurations and 8 three-bedroom units.

Ranging from 43 to 128 sqm, the units are so spacious that they have contemporary interiors with all the home comforts and modern conveniences like a well-equipped kitchen, separate working and living areas, entertainment system and broadband internet connection.

Units also have balconies where guests can enjoy the spectacular view of the vibrant cityscape with pockets of green and Laguna de Bay.

Recreation

Recreational areas for guests include a lap pool, a well-equipped fitness center, a residence lounge or library and Cubbies room where kids can play. Café Madrigal and Bar provides culinary delights and refreshing beverages for guests who like only things that are of good quality.

The serviced residence is leasing 11 serviced offices for business travelers, two function rooms that are collapsible into two or three smaller meeting rooms for corporate affairs and social events,  and two boardrooms. Also available for lease are parking spaces.

The largest international serviced residence owner-operator, The Ascott Limited has over 290 properties in more than 100 cities spanning more than 25 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. It operates three award-winning brands—Ascott, Citadines and Somerset—each catering to various needs of travelers.