City living can be truly stressful. Those who do the 8 to 5 know that, counting traffic and overtime, their work day extends beyond 9 hours. Oftentimes, you find yourself so drained that you just stop at the nearest bar to grab a drink and calm your nerves, steeling yourself for the next day. The harsh truth is that in Metro Manila, if you don’t live close enough to where you work, it will be hellish—and most of the time, there’s nothing you can do about it.
It’s probably why more people prefer the South, where it is known to be a lot more “chill” than the busier cities (Makati, Pasig, and Taguig). Here, laid-back communities abound, fostering an atmosphere that is conducive to both work and play. Quiet residential areas mingle with business and recreational hubs—and the best part is that it is still accessible to the crucial (i.e. airports) and busier parts of the capital. If you are someone who loves staycations or an expat who suddenly finds yourself assigned in the Philippines (pray that your office is in the south!), you would most probably want to check out Somerset Alabang in Filinvest City in Muntinlupa.
Managed by The Ascott Limited, Somerset Alabang Manila sits on a quiet side of Muntinlupa, in the midst of residential, leisure, and commercial facilities. It’s close to establishments but not too close—evoking a sense of privacy but at the same time, accessibility. Perfect for those who prefer to stay away from the city bustle, Somerset has gardens and bike lanes, making guests—long-staying or not—feel as if they were in an exclusive subdivision instead of a hotel. The serenity continues inside, where guests can retreat from Manila’s hubbub with bubble baths, plush beds, and relaxing living spaces in one of the hotel’s 181 serviced apartments. Read on to find out more about Somerset Alabang Manila.
The Perfect Home in the South
Whether you’re booking an overnight or an extended stay, you will surely appreciate the location of Somerset Alabang. It is easily accessible via the South Luzon Expressway and the Skyway, which is linked to the international airport. The hotel is near a lot of lifestyle hubs in Alabang, and linked to other business parks in nearby provinces via the expressway.
Once you enter the serviced residence, you will not regret that booking decision. The front desk is manned by polite and helpful staff. The grand lobby boasts of tasteful pieces and native touches. The receiving area resembles a library, complete with heavy couches, floor-to-ceiling shelves, and a sliding ladder—I swear I had dreamed of a library like this when I was younger.
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The Serviced Apartments
We stayed in a 1-Bedroom Deluxe Apartment, a 56 sqm. serviced apartment that features separate living and dining areas, a full kitchen, an en suite bathroom, and a separate bedroom.
I loved the relaxing feel of the bedroom, which was finished with gray, blue, and brown tones. It has a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows on one side, offering a view of the quiet city. The King-size bed, which comes with a variety of pillows, is divine. The room also comes with a reach-in closet, a work desk, and a 55-inch LCD TV.
The bathroom is small yet elegant, entirely in black and white, and is accessible from the bedroom and the living room. An alcove tub sits at the far end, sharing space with the shower. Other features include a toilet with bidet, a solo sink with a marble countertop, and Bio Naturals toiletries.
Sofas, a coffee table, and a chair furnish the living area, which boasts of another 55-inch TV and its own balcony. The adjacent dining area provides space for 2 persons, so whether you’re requesting an in-room breakfast feast or ordering from their a la carte menu while you entertain a guest in your apartment, there is certainly enough room.
The kitchen, like the one in Ascott BGC, is fully-equipped: from cutlery and dinnerware to cooking paraphernalia. Guests—especially long-staying ones—who prefer to prepare their own meals can do so with ease, and even have the right tools for storage. This facility is important especially to guests who just can’t always eat out because of strict dietary needs. Each apartment also comes with a washing machine and a dryer.
The Studio Apartment, while smaller (27 sqm.), still holds all of Somerset Alabang's basic amenities. As with Ascott BGC, it has a walkthrough kitchen instead of a U-shaped one, and a dinette and a single sofa instead of full living and dining spaces.
If you want bigger spaces, inquire about their 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom Deluxe Apartments.
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Dining
Café Madrigal and Bar is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, offering buffet breakfast and an a la carte menu consisting of Filipino and international dishes. For breakfast, savor an assortment of breads, pastries, salads, cheeses, cold cuts, dim sum, and fresh fruits, and partake of breakfast staples like bacon, sausages, longganisa, eggs, and daing na bangus. Don’t forget to try their Eggs Benedict—not available from the buffet stations but can be requested from the chefs.
The restaurant is divided into two areas: the main dining area and the bar area. The former can be a little busier, so if you prefer a quiet spot (and a nice view of the pool), you better grab a table at the bar area. The bar itself offers a selection of beers, wines, and liquors.
If you seek local, familiar flavors, a good choice would be the Pork Sinigang cooked with tamarind broth, which comes with steamed rice. This one was among the best sinigang renditions I have tried (other than my Lola’s home cooking, of course). Another item to order is the Beef Salpicao: sautéed US rib eye tips topped with garlic, and served with garlic bread.
If you plan to just spend time at the bar, order the Spinach Artichoke Dip served with homemade vegetable chips—an incredibly addictive snack or accompaniment for your drinks. However, if you want something filling, the “The Works” Burger will not disappoint with its hefty portion of USDA chuck beef patty, onion rings, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce, mozzarella, cheddar, and Jack Daniel’s sauce—all sandwiched in an English muffin. If you seek “daintier” meat options, they have a Pan-Seared Duck Breast and a nice Lamb Loin Noisette, complete with Mediterranean veggies.
If you wish to try other restaurants around the area, scroll down to the bottom of this post for my recommendations.
Other Amenities
Somerset Alabang’s fourth level houses what is probably its nicest recreation facility: the swimming pool, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. Whether you like a quick morning workout in the lap pool or a relaxing sundown session with cocktails and refreshments in the Jacuzzi, this spot is a guaranteed pleaser. The Fitness Centre is also in this level, completely free for checked-in guests. State-of-the-art equipment, a fitness instructor on-duty, and a yoga area are some of the features of this gym. While the adults do their thing, kids can spend time in the Cubbies Room and play with toys or watch educational shows.
For business travelers, the hotel offers meeting rooms and function rooms (including audiovisual equipment for rent) that can accommodate small group meetings. A Business Centre is also set up, complete with special working areas, serviced fully-furnished offices, as well as a pantry. Services such as courier and secretarial assistance can also be availed upon request.
Synergy in the South
Few hotels can mix privacy and accessibility so well, and Somerset Alabang does it quite impressively. With its great location, modern facilities, relaxing leisure spaces, proximity to dining hubs, and warm Filipino service, it is undoubtedly a great—if not the best—hotel choice in Alabang, and in fact, it is the ONLY serviced residence in the South. One moment guests can find themselves in the comfort of their own rooms, reclining with a cup of coffee while watching TV shows—and the next, they can be a few blocks away, immersed in all that the city has to offer.
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Somerset Alabang Manila
#3409 Spectrum Midway, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
+632.643.0999
enquiry.manila@the-ascott.com
Criteria
Facilities
Service
Dining
Ambience
Location
TOTAL | Rating
5/5
4/5
4/5
4.5/5
5/5
4.5
|
Comments
The apartments are modern, cozy, and well-equipped.
Helpful staff. F&B can be further improved.
Great breakfast choices; Cafe Madrigal offers superb Filipino food.
I love the modern Filipino feel of the hotel.
Relatively near establishments but still offers a secluded feeling. Quiet surroundings.
A hotel that combines privacy and accessibility in the South. |
Points for improvement:
- Add more items to the mini-bar.
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Have you stayed at Somerset Alabang Manila? What can you say about it?
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