They say old structures hold stories of a country’s historic past, define its rich culture, and provide a glimpse of what life was like back then.
But if there is one thing that can be regarded as a constant about Filipinos throughout history, it would be their culture of hospitality and generosity.
And if only the walls of these old, sturdy structures could talk, it would surely share many interesting anecdotes of how Filipinos had entertained guests in the early days, how they would have had prepared for them the best and grandest fare available, so as to make them feel right at home.
This particular facet in the local culture has played a key role in the country’s hospitality and tourism industry, spurring the growth of the apartelles, apartments, residential suites, and hotels long before the globally renowned brands reached Philippine shores.
What is remarkable though was that despite being in the industry for decades, and despite the rise of the more modern “serviced apartments,” the old brands continue to captivate the hearts of many tourists, local and foreign alike.
To give you a feel of the past and a taste of the future, Inquirer Property listed some of the more famous “apartment hotels” of decades past and likewise compiled the new and modern version of these famed “serviced hotels and residences”.
TROPICANA SUITES AND RESIDENCE HOTEL
Situated in the heart of Manila, Tropicana Suites and Residence Hotel has long served the needs of local and foreign tourists who wished to explore the beauty of the city and the rest of the country.
For almost five decades, Tropicana Suites served as a perfect home for individuals in search of a serene hideaway while offering the comfort of being within the core of a busting metropolis.
In 2014, Tropicana went through a major renovation to upgrade and improve its suites and to keep its facilities attuned with the changing needs of its guests. Tropicana has a total of 100 well appointed rooms, some of which had its own living room, dining spaces, and even a fully equipped kitchen.
Over the years, the staff of Tropicana Suites has mastered the art of personalized hospitality and dedicated service, which allowed every guest to have a more relaxing stay.
SOURCE: https://www.tropicanasuites.com.ph
MABINI HOTEL AND RESIDENTIAL SUITES
Considered as a pioneer in the country’s serviced apartments industry, the Mabini Hotel and Residential Suites has managed to master the craft of entertaining tourists and making them feel at home.
The hotel is under the Mansion Group brand, and is operated by Hotel Systems Asia Inc. Mabini Hotel and Residential Suites is considered as one of the oldest serviced apartments and was deemed to be one of the most preferred by the economy and quality-minded travelers. Since its started operations in 1977, it has long been known for its unique brand of service. It has, however, undergone substantial renovations to keep up with the changing times and varying needs of discerning guests. The preferred hotel choice by many local and foreign tourists currently provides quick access to many destinations such as the old walled city of Intramuros, the famed Rizal Park, and other places of interest.
SOURCE: https://www.mansiongroup.com.ph
COPACABANA APARTMENT-HOTEL
The Copacabana Apartment-Hotel provides quality accommodations at a modest price. Even the most seasoned traveler is expected to find comfort in the 11-storey apartment-style accommodations of the Copacabana hotel in Pasay City.
Travelers are assured of a relaxing stay given the hotel’s spacious and cozy rooms, as well as its wide array of features, amenities, and facilities that are said to be comparable to some of Manila’s upscale accommodations.
These included an on-site restaurant, function room, business center, and swimming pool. It also has a tour desk, which makes it easy for tourists to better plan their itinerary, airport transfers and even visa assistance for those seeking support for their travels.
But beyond all these what makes Copacabana Apartment-Hotel a great alternative is the unique service and warm hospitality that awaits every guest.
SOURCE: https://www.copasuites-
manila.com
ARUGA SERVICED APARTMENTS
Named after the famed Filipino term for “nurture”, Aruga Serviced Apartment is upscale developer Rockwell Land Corp.’s first foray in the growing hospitality sector.
Opened only in July 2014, Aruga has already made quite a good impression, as it delivers an exceptional kind of service to guests and provides the highest standard of sincere hospitality.
“Aruga brings the same brand of sophisticated service, exclusivity and unparalleled lifestyle that is synonymous to every Rockwell Land development. Imagine having all these combined with the company’s unique and genuine stamp of Filipino service,” Aruga general manager Angela Pagulayan had said.
The Aruga Serviced Apartments, which formed part of the 50-storey Edades Tower and Garden Villas, has a total of 114 suites, which are tastefully designed in impeccable Asian contemporary style and fitted with Rockwell’s standard of premium finishes, a well-equipped kitchen, uninterrupted Internet service, among others.
Given the company’s deep understanding of its guests’ needs, Aruga has facilities that could make life even more convenient such as an e-lounge, a fitness gym and a swimming pool, a breakfast lounge, a babysitting service, and a grocery delivery service.
And as Rockwell expands its reach among an even more discerning clientele, it also recently opened Aruga at The Grove which, through its 80 apartments, aims to bring the same quality of comfort that global travelers, businessmen and vacationing families can all enjoy against a backdrop of a verdant resort themed setting.
CITADINES
The first Citadines-branded serviced apartments opened in the country in 2014 to cater to a new and growing market of expatriates and business travelers. Citadines Salcedo Makati, is located in the country’s premiere business district, and is within walking distance to various financial and corporate offices including Citibank Tower, Ayala Tower and the Philippines Stock Exchange.
Recreational facilities and attractions such as the Makati Sports Club and Velazquez Salcedo Park are also located within the vicinity, as well as leisure areas such as restaurants, bars, and lounges.
Residents also has access to the different amenities that Citadines Salcedo offers such as a fitness center, 25-meter lap pool overlooking the city, and self-service launderette.
Citadines Salcedo Makati has a total of 215 units that come with a full equipped kitchen, separate living and sleeping areas, wireless Internet access and IDD phone facilities.
Thoughtfully designed, the apartments feature local touches with lighting fixtures accented by capiz shells and works of contemporary Filipino artists on display.
SOURCE: https://www2.citadines.com/en/philippines/manila/salcedo_makati.html
MAKATI DIAMOND RESIDENCES
Opening its doors at the heart of the Philippines’ business district early this year, the Makati Diamond Residences is every individual’s home away from home. Strategically situated on Legazpi Street, the Makati Diamond Residences serves as a perfect choice for business folks looking for a spot to relax and unwind after a hectic day at work, and for those who simply want to experience a luxurious stay in the city without missing the warm comfort of their own home.
Just a few minutes away from some of the country’s best entertainment and leisure destinations, the 5-star property carries the Diamond hotel brand. This luxury serviced apartment has 418 fully-equipped guest rooms that are quietly elegant with its use of neutral palettes and smartly designed storage spaces that house necessities such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers, thus befitting the units’ nature as serviced apartments.
And making the guests stay even more relaxing and enjoyable are topnotch amenities that includes among others a 24-hour fitness center, a 25-meter indoor lap pool, a Club Lounge, bar lounge, a whisky and cigar bar, private cinema and a kitchen studio that can be used for intimate celebrations.
SOURCE: https://www.makatidiamond.com
ASCOTT BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, the first international serviced residence in Bonifacio Global City, has made quite a mark when it opened its doors in late 2014.
It has, since then, reaped a number of accolades and recognitions from various organizations, including the BCA Green Mark Certification, a recognition being given by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.
Located within Taguig City, home to headquarters of multinational corporations such as Hewlett-Packard, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp., Deutsche Bank, Fujitsu Corp. and Ericsson, the serviced residence is a mere 15-minute drive away from the Makati central business district.
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila offers travelers studio units as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments of lavish living spaces featuring plush interiors and state-of-the-art amenities.
Facilities included well-appointed office suites, cutting-edge boardroom and meeting areas, plus modern recreational venues.
SOURCE: https://www.the-ascott.com/en/philippines/manila/ascott_bonifacio_global_city.html