ALCOVES: Your Vacation Apartment in Makati
I wanted to welcome the new year right, so I started looking for places where I could possibly enjoy some 'me time' during the first week of 2017. And I'm glad that I found Alcoves -- a cozy vacation apartment in the heart of Makati.
My first impression while browsing the Alcoves website is that they had this AirBnB setup, wherein personal spaces are rented out at very affordable prices. I confirmed later on that they did rent out their rooms in AirBnb, where they've also gained a considerable number of positive feedbacks from guests. But what makes them stand out from the rest is their support for numerous advocacies (recycling plastic bottles and paper, promoting Philippine heritage and culture).
I loved the idea that guests' used plastic bottles are recycled and sold for extra income for their cleaners, and that all papers (tissue and kitchen paper) provided were made from recycled paper.
My bed, however, wasn't furnished with an actual Inabel blanket (as stated on their website). I kind of expected to see and use one during my stay, since I love products that are made from Philippine Indigenous Textiles (like Lakhambini). So I emailed one of the owners regarding that, and was informed that ours was store-bought. But I was told that guests could request for an Inabel blanket, should they need a thicker material. Anyway, if you want to buy your own, just visit this Facebook page to place your order/s.
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| Alcoves 9 (Studio Apartment) |
"An Alcove is your own private space, tucked away from the world where you can relax and unwind. Alcoves is just that for any traveller to the Philippines – spacious, clean, comfortable apartments where a traveller can rest, relax and enjoy his visit to Manila."
True to every word, my Alcoves room in Greenbelt Radissons provided me these and more. It may be located in one of the busiest areas in the city. But it was tucked in a quiet street of Makati, in Aguirre to be exact. It was a homey space that offered rest and relaxation. It also had access to one of the best views in Makati.
I loved my stay in my studio apartment because not only was it a 3-minute walk to Greenbelt 1, it was also conveniently located near several malls, fastfood chains (Mcdonalds, Charlie's Grind & Grill), convenient stores (Family Mart, Mini Stop), parks (Legazpi Park, Washington Sycip Park), churches and museums.
My 2-night stay in Alcoves definitely gave me the best sleep in days, as my comfy queen-size bed was complemented with a lot of soft pillows (we had four!). Now, two people can fit in the bed. Plus, an extra person can be accommodated in the room, provided that s/he sleeps on the sofa bed, which was just as cozy. Just take note that each guest beyond three pax will be charged an additional $10 per night.
The room also had its own private bathroom, complete with two towels, a bath gel and shampoo dispenser, and a small bar of soap. We didn't have any problems with the water, as it heated quite fast. But our toilet was a different story, as it didn't have a bidet to go with it. So we had to look for other ways to wash our bums. Sorry for the graphic imagery, haha!
Other than having a fast wifi connection in the room, and a reliable Cable TV reception, the highlight of my stay was also having our own kitchen in the room. It comes fully equipped, complete with an electric stove, microwave oven, rice cooker, pans, silverware, plates, glasses, water heater, etc. My friend and I were able to save on dining out because we got to cook our own food in the apartment.
On our first night, Paula cooked Sinigang na Manok and plain rice. The next day, she fried some Daing na Bangus from Dagupan (thanks to our friend, Jherson), and heated our leftover Sinigang. Do take note that Alcoves doesn't offer complimentary breakfast, which wasn't a problem.
All in all, I had a relaxing stay at Alcoves. The reception was warm, and my inquiries were always met with pleasant and quick responses (they keep their promise to reply to you promptly). Truly, Alcoves has the essentials that you need in an accommodation in Manila: location, comfort, security and affordability. What more can you ask for?
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
Alcoves 9 - Studio Apartment (P2,600/night)
Greenbelt Radissons, Aguirre St., Makati City
Directions: Exit from Greenbelt 1 (cinema side), cross Paseo De Roxas towards Gamboa Street.
Turn left to Trasierra, then turn right on Aguirre Street.
For more room options and locations, click HERE.
Note: This is a sponsored stay with Alcoves. (Budget Biyahera) I do not represent the thoughts, intentions, plans or strategies of the establishment or its owners. All views and opinions shared on this website are solely my own.
1 comments
Very nice! I love how they showed their support for the environment and for the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteSenta is also a great place for a staycation in Makati! Pools, jacuzzis, gardens, party lawns, babecue areas, kiddie play areas, gym, and more. I would highly recommend it to you for you to also experience a different kind of relaxation there :)