Having grown up spending my summer holidays in Manila, I have a soft spot for the city. I know that once you scratch its surface clear of the traffic and the sometimes confronting poverty, you hit a goldmine of culture, art, fabulous food and a truly welcoming people. Ascott Makati allows you to experience all this up close with ease.
We’re only in Manila for three short nights. This means we want less time in traffic and more time actually where we want to be. So when it comes to choosing a place to stay, the Ascott Makati ticks all the boxes.
Where is Makati?
Makati is located in the heart of Metro Manila, not too far from the airport (or where I spent my summers).
It’s here that I had my first hilot massage. It’s also where I first snuck into a bar, learned to love live music and developed a love for Philippine handicrafts and green mango shakes (more on these later).
Yes, it’s busy, but there’s space here too. Makati is home to the Ayala Triangle Gardens, a green oasis in the urban sprawl, and the Ayala Museum which showcases the very rich history and incredible artistry of the Philippines’ people.
At night, the city’s streets come alive with a mix of modern and traditional, from fab bars and international restaurants to local markets and eateries. And there’s always, always music.
How to leave your hotel without leaving it
Much like the city it resides in, Ascott Makati presents a tranquil refuge amidst the lively backdrop of Manila. Strategically positioned in the city’s heart, Ascott Makati is conveniently located near all the action, but allows you an easy retreat from it too. Situated in the upscale Ayala Centre, it’s right next to Glorietta Mall, guaranteeing easy access to various dining choices. Choosing what to indulge in becomes the only dilemma.
We have one thing on our minds: green mango shakes. Green mango is notoriously sour and tangy, but when blended with sugarcane juice and ice you have one of the best drinks on the planet. We can’t find our usual distributor straight away (Fruitas) but happen across the restaurant Manam, which not only serves green mango shakes but also Filipino cuisine with a twist.
Ask most Filipinos what their favourite dish is and invariably the answer will be sinigang. A sour soup made from a base of tamarinds or guava, this is the dish you have to try. And at Manam they add watermelon. As vegetarians, we are almost spoilt for choice in the restaurant. We’re even able to introduce our daughter to some dishes she hadn’t yet tried but soon loved like a veggie take on kare kare (a satay curry-type stew).
And all this is about a five minute walk from our hotel room.
It’s almost as though Ascott Makati is located at the intersection of malls. It’s kind of like Singapore where, away from the heat and humidity, you can simply follow the signs from one mall to the next and one hotel to the other. It’s near impossible to get lost.
Turn right out of the hotel and you’re in SM, which is home to my favourite store, Kultura, where you can get your hands on some lovely Filipino handicrafts. It’s pricier than going to a local market, but when you have only a few days in the country, it’s far easier to walk to the shops without having to sit in traffic to get to a market. Plus, the store has some really beautiful fair trade items. At SM, you’ll also find familiar international brands and even a grocery store on the lower floor.
Ascott Makati features 362 well-appointed serviced apartments, but we don’t really prep any food as eating out is a steal in Manila and the Ascott’s buffet breakfast is delish.
We do however go nuts on the local fruit from the grocery store. Mangosteen people, mangosteen!
The hotel also comes equipped with a water cooler so there was very little we needed to purchase.
The nearby Landmark also has a grocery store and its department store is a cheap place to stock up on essentials. Here, I buy my daughter a lovely Filipino outfit that sets me back just AU$10.
Adjacent to Landmark, we discover the Sto. Niño De Paz Chapel (or Greenbelt Chapel). Mass is held here regularly, but the building itself is interesting and it provides a cool reprieve when walking through the gardens. And if churches are your thing (you’re in the Philippines after all), the Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site is not far either.
Why my daughter never wanted to leave the hotel
Despite all the dining, shopping and cultural attractions at its doorstep, my daughter did not want to leave the Ascott Makati.
The spacious suite, featuring distinct lounge and dining areas, a well-appointed kitchen, and a separate laundry, provided a comfortable haven and allowed my daughter to play freely, without being under our feet. And even hosting friends for dinner was a breeze, with enough space left to socialise without feeling confined.
But it was the pool that kept my daughter occupied. Mornings began with a gym session for both of us until the pool’s allure took over. Only hunger could coax her out. The hotel’s additional amenities, including a hot tub, steam room, tennis, and basketball courts, ensured there was always something to captivate her (and our) attention.
And while its location was its biggest drawcard for us, the roomy and well-equipped lodgings, along with the variety of amenities, made our stay at Ascott Makati truly memorable. Highly recommended for short or long stays in the city.
Who’s it for?
The hotel is great for both business and leisure travellers, but the hotel is particularly good for families. All children under five stay free of charge when using existing beds. One child under two stays free of charge in a crib.
The author of this article travelled as a guest of Ascott Makati; however, the hotel did not review or approve the content before publishing.
