9 photos
Fraser Place Serviced Residence, Makati
I recently stayed at the Fraser Place Serviced Residences, Forbes Tower, Salcedo Village in Makati.
Booking:
Booked and prepaid through internet travel agency for a double room, double occupancy, breakfast, taxes, one parking space etc. included. Costs: 150 USD/night, less than Fraser offered when negotiating with them directly.
Arrival:
Most taxis do not know the place as it is rather new and most guests living at Fraser use private transportation. However, Fraser Place is easily accessible, being close to Citibank and Pacific Star Building.
Check-In:
Quick and smooth as everything was prepared, very friendly staff. Each resident receives a card which grants access to public areas (every floor is secured) and only one’s own floor.
Room:
The apartment (see pictures) was located on a private, high-level floor. Fraser Place has a separate maintenance/service elevator and also staff staircase. The double bedroom apartment was about 230sqm, beating any hotel room; large dining area, fully-stocked kitchen, comfy living room with TV, DVD and so on. The master bedroom (girl on the pic not included) had a nice kind-size bed and working desk with broadband internet. The second bedroom was equipped with twin beds and an own shower/toilet. The master bathroom offered a multi-point shower and a large bath-tub for two in addition to a cabinet with safe as well as a staircase to the public pool. The apartment also had features, such as separate air conditioning control for each room and a TV monitor for the door.
Breakfast:
The lounge is located on the same floor as the public pool and terrace. Breakfast offering and quality was average but the staff was very attentive.
Business Center
Apparently there is one, but I haven’t been there.
Services:
Great. Regardless of requests ranging from technical assistance to special laundry service, qualified and friendly staff showed up within minutes – much better than in most 5-star 600 rooms hotel. The room was everyday meticulously cleaned, also at times when I left the room late afternoon. Guest relationship officers are always around, taking care of any concerns one might have. As in any property, security is important and the guards do not just pretend but actually check every person and in particular car entering the premises.
Pool:
Not as big as in a hotel but large enough to have fun and relax after a hot day out in the city. There is also a secluded public Jacuzzi for more private relaxation.
Gym:
Apparently there is one, but I haven’t been there.
Restaurants:
I have ordered room service. The food presentation was nice, the food good but very western-style, likely due to the clientele of Fraser Place.
Location:
Forbes Tower on Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati. Salecdo Village is a rather quiet non-gated community within Makati. One can walk (not stroll) to Glorietta within about 15 minutes following the new overpass from HSBC Tower – but well, who is walking in Manila anyway. Apparently, many new coffee shops, bars and restaurants have opened in Salcedo Village, making it more populated and also in my perception safer in the evening. Burgos Street is about 5 minutes away, depending on how quick you can safely cross Buendia.
Girlfriendliness:
I had a guest for most of my stay there and I have not experienced any hassle. Guests usually have to register which makes sense for your own security. I also received a call from the front desk whenever my guest was leaving. Most of the residents at Fraser Place are long-term expats with their families but I hardly saw anybody else during my visit. I can imagine that Fraser Place would not appreciate guests misbehaving and bringing back loud and noisy bargirls. Just bring back quality girls to this quality place.
Overall rating:
Certainly a top serviced residence in Makati but does not top in terms of furniture my experiences at Ascott in Bangkok and Singapore. I felt more at home when comparing the place to for example Oakwood at Glorietta. Staying here once again confirmed that I will never ever stay at a hotel unless there is no comparable serviced residence. A simple deluxe room at the often cited Shangrila costs USD 200++ – ridiculous when compared to what you get for USD 150 at a place like Fraser.
[b][u]EDITOR'S NOTE[/u]:[/b] [blue]I certainly hope that the author or somebody else will post a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread.[/blue]
apartments or similar rooms
I'm going to be there for 3 weeks this month and 4 weeks starting in late July. Anyone know of a good deal on a short-term apartment or condo or something like that? I'm flexible with the area, but want it to be close to some good action and good security.