An alternative to stressful commuting?

It was said that when Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, was faced with very serious flooding during the monsoon season, international organizations and multinational corporations had reserved rooms in hotels near their offices to ensure that essential officers and employees would be able to report for work.

With the almost hopeless daily traffic gridlock in Metro Manila, this is an idea that residents of the metropolis could seriously consider. And the new Summit Hotel Greenhills that has just opened within walking distance of the popular shopping destination may just be the kind of temporary pied a terre harassed, stressed and constantly put-upon locals or visitors may need if they have to be in that area whether for business or pleasure.

Located a few meters away from Edsa in San Juan City, almost halfway between the cities of Quezon and Makati, Summit Hotel is a convenient temporary base for those with appointments in San Juan and the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig who want to avoid a stressful, maddening commute that may result in their being late or showing up sweaty and rumpled.

Even those who simply want a place to take a breather from the stresses of urban life may find Summit Hotel Greenhills ideal for spending a long weekend to catch up on much-needed sleep or bonding with loved ones.

Katrina Lardizabal, Summit Hotel Greenhills general manager, says the hotel aims to draw the corporate sector in the Ortigas-San Juan area and position itself as a “staycation” option for others. It is also counting on its being close to Greenhills to attract Philippine visitors, as well as balikbayan, who make the shopping hub a not-to-miss destination on their itineraries.

Lisette Arena, senior marketing manager for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, says Summit hotels, which now total six, have a history of crafting memories for their guests. Each also pays tribute to its host community. “The Summit group is a collection of business and leisure hotels that live up to modern standards of luxury and style,” she says. But it also strives to make every moment spent in a Summit hotel “truly enriching”.

Joy de Mesa, group director of sales and marketing for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, echoes Arena’s statement that the Summit group deliberately adapts to its host communities.

“It showcases the local look and flavors,” she says. —CONTRIBUTED INQ