Serviced residences brand Citadines further expands its reach in the Philippines with the opening of its latest property in Bay City Manila (formerly Manila Bay Freeport Zone) in Pasay City.
The Ascott Limited apartment hotel brand caters to short-stay and long-stay—as in 30 days and above—guests looking for a place that offers the same services and amenities of a hotel but with additional facilities such as a washer-dryer and fully equipped kitchen in the room.
“Whatever you find in a hotel, we have here,” Ascott Ltd. Philippines country general manager Daniel Wee said during an intimate press conference at the soft opening of the third Citadines brand in the country on Nov. 28.
He continued, “There’s a washer-dryer and kitchenette in the rooms. You can cook here. In fact, some families stay here to host family gatherings and cook in the room.”
Citadines first opened in Salcedo, Makati, followed by Citadines Millennium Ortigas.
Although serviced apartments primarily cater to long-stay guests, Citadines, according to residence manager Rennan John Reyes, is designed mainly for short-stays.
“The ratio is about 70:30—70 percent of our guests stay for short term, while 30 percent for the long term,” said Reyes, adding that they expect short-stay guests to account for 80 percent of bookings during the first few months of its opening.
Hence, of Bay City’s 212 rooms, 146 are 32-square-meter Studio Deluxe units suitable for solo travelers or couples. Each unit comes with either a queen-size bed or two twin beds.
“About 30 percent of our rooms are designed for extended stays,” said Reyes.
Fourteen units are allotted for Studio Premier, which are ideal for long-stay guests as each room comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a queen-size bed. The 32-square-meter unit can accommodate up to two persons.
Families or guests who want more space may opt to stay in one of the 52 One-Bedroom Premier units, which, at 49 square meters, has a separate living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a washer-dryer unit, and a queen-size bed.
All apartments come with a television, en-suite bathroom with amenities, and split air conditioning system.
Reyes said Citadines Bay City Manila offers special rates for guests staying on a long-term basis.
“We actually have guests stay in some of our properties for more than a year. That’s something that we look forward to in the (Citadines Bay City) property as well,” he said.
Guests staying in units with a kitchen can easily whip up meals as it comes with basic cooking tools and equipment, including an induction cooker with range hood, microwave oven, bread toaster, rice cooker, pots and pans, ladle and spatula, and kitchen knife and chopping board. A set of dinnerware is also included.
Those who prefer to eat out may dine in Citadines Bay City’s own brand of food and beverage outlet, the Bay City Café. The restaurant serves buffet breakfast and ala carte meals for lunch and dinner. It also caters the 24-hour room service.
Bay City Café offers primarily Filipino and Asian cuisines, in keeping with the property’s Filipino theme.
“We always incorporate the unique elements of the location of each property,” said Reyes. Bay City is the reclamation area on Manila Bay, west of Roxas Boulevard and Manila-Cavite Expressway.
“That’s why we have a jeepney (display) outside which is inspired by old Manila.”
Meanwhile, the entire property features a vibrant blue color scheme in tribute to Manila Bay, and a modern design aesthetics as the brand targets the younger set of travelers.
Bay City guests are in close proximity to a number of business, commercial, and entertainment establishments. For instance, W Mall is beside the property, while convention sites, offices, casinos, the SM Mall of Asia, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are only a short drive away.
With health and wellness as its focus, the property has a fully equipped fitness center, a functional area for group exercise classes, a 25-meter swimming pool, a sun deck, a running path, and a spa.
Other facilities include a ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 persons, two function rooms, a wading pool for kids, a pool bar, and a self-service launderette.
On top of strategic location, modern design, and complete facilities and amenities, Citadines Bay City Manila, much like other Ascott brands, takes pride in its genuine, family-oriented service. The personnel goes all out in making sure guests feel truly at home.
Here’s an anecdote: I personally experienced the brand of service the company is known for during my stay at Citadines Millennium Ortigas last year. When one of the staff found out I was celebrating in the property when my friends borrowed a lighter for my birthday cake, he and with two of his colleagues came back to our unit to render a song number and give me a slice of delectable chocolate cake.
Home is truly where you feel loved.
As of this writing, Citadines Bay City Manila has completed 124 rooms, 93 of which are already on sale. Reyes said the apartment hotel is expected to be fully operational by April 2019. Call (02) 550-3200 or email enquiry.manila@the-ascott.com for more information.