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The penthouse living room |
H O S T E D
S T A Y
E X P E R I E N C E
Traveling the Philippines, I consume every fiber of quiddity a destination has. Regardless of the location, there is always something to explore and a temporary dwelling to retire to. In Makati City where moving around can be relaxing one moment and demented the next (due to vehicular traffic), a pivotal spot for touring the cityscape is essential. Where hotels and hostels fall short in, an apartment stay fills. In my recent staycation in Legazpi Village, an apartment penthouse by Alcoves Philippines did just that.
Alcoves Philippines seems to be amping up the tourism scene in the country with its unique approach to hosted stays. My accommodation check-in involved being welcomed by an Alcoves host directly at the penthouse past the building lobby which felt more personal than hotel-like, but as soon as I closed the door, any further correspondence was up to me. A phone for outgoing calls was available at the penthouse for emergencies or other inquiries, but it was really up to me if I'd bother myself with it.
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The master bedroom and bathroom next to it |
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Interior design details |
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The view from the master bedroom |
4-Bedroom Penthouse
I simply settled in to imbibe the hip style cred of the 4-bedroom apartment where anybody's distinctive sartorial code can easily be unimportant. To begin with, it has a showstopping living room which is at its communal best for having the only flat screen TV given that it has three more rooms, with two rooms being loft-type. Everything inside the penthouse seems to gravitate towards that area -- the living room. And why not? It's strikingly graphic from the tree-inspired mural that accentuates the flat screen TV wall to the eclectic shapes of high-design furniture, lighting, and accessories found in some of the country's stylish properties. Thanks to the owners who are travelers themselves, the accommodation has both the essential features of a 5-star hotel suite (including a standard housekeeping done every 2 days of a long-stay) and the domestic charm of a homestay. The satisfaction range is that expansive.
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Penthouse kitchen |
Alcoves 6, the apartment penthouse I booked myself for, is located inside the BSA Mansion which is a good 5-minute stroll away from the commercial district of Greenbelt. There's even a couple of 24-hour convenience stores near the building along the same street (Benavidez).
Strong Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi access was strong during my entire stay anywhere inside the apartment. This means that any traveler on business can really consider an Alcoves long-stay worth the booking. As I determined browsing through the Alcoves website, any guest can even request for a discount rate in the form of free nights.
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Second bathroom with bathtub |
Good For 10 Guests
I would have loved to have brought with me my younger siblings -- identical twins -- to enjoy my overnight stay since the penthouse has a room with a double deck bed. The whole space can actually accommodate 10 guests which is why it has a total of three bathrooms (one next to the master bedroom, the other next to the dining area where the bathtub is, and a third small one for the household help should a guest have any). However, I was also in work mode as I was there in the city to meet up with a client for a possible freelance project. Instead of holding the meeting at a posh restaurant, I just decided to have it there away from unnecessary distractions.
Fully-Equipped Kitchen
The apartment is fully equipped with kitchen essentials anyway. Its kitchen has a cooking range, plates, glasses, toaster-oven, pans and even an electric kettle for heating water. The host even made sure to leave instant coffee and a liter of drinking water for me before he left. I honestly did not feel that I was 21 floors up re-heating a few pieces of pork floss because of its kitchen's vintage encaustic floor tiles that reminded me of bungalow homes.
Balcony Moment
At the balcony next to the living room, the view was truly penthouse-like. It was refreshing to see a swath of Makati City from a different perspective while dressed down to my skivvies with a hot cup of coffee in hand. I suddenly can't remember having a similar city view from a toxic work spot at a corporate building in Ayala Avenue. My next activity before finally calling it a night was an indoor soak at the bathtub.
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The city view from the living room balcony |
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Satisfied notes from previous guests |
More Features
Bathroom essentials were just enough like in a hotel room and there are a lot of towels available, especially since the building has a swimming pool. Unfortunately, though, it was being renovated during my stay, so I missed out on that experience.
When it was time for check-out, I simply ascertained that every appliance was turned off before locking the door behind me. I was just glad that the stay did not have to require me to formally check-out at a front desk which sometimes takes time.
Standard check-in time is anytime after 2:00pm and check-out is on or before 11:00am. Earlier or later times may be requested but subject to availability.
Alcoves Philippines
Official website of Alcoves Philippines
Apartment Locations: Makati City, Philippines (Check detailshere)
Alcoves 6 4-Bedroom Penthouse Address: BSA Mansion, Benavidez St., Legazpi Village, Makati City, Philippines
Phone: +63 917-506-3312
Email: alcovesph@gmail.com
More Photos Below: