For business travelers, location is of utmost importance when choosing a hotel; however, I think one factor that many forget to consider is the fact that each of us has individual living preferences. Sometimes, it takes more than a centrally-situated hotel to properly welcome us into that new city we are visiting, and I’m glad to announce that Somerset Millennium Makati, an Ascott-managed serviced residence, understands this important aspect of travel.
Sitting at the heart of Makati’s business district, Somerset Makati is one of the many posh and quiet establishments in Aguirre Street—alongside offices, restaurants, and upscale bars. Within a short distance are shopping malls and recreation areas where travelers can unwind after a long day of meetings—that is if they don't find Somerset’s spacious and comfortable apartments sufficient. The residence also offers in-house amenities designed for slowing down and getting some relaxation. Read on to find out more about my recent stay at Somerset Makati.
A Fabulous Welcome
It was last December when we visited—and Somerset Makati’s Christmas tree welcomed me and my aunt as warmly as the front desk staff did. After a fast and efficient check-in process, we were issued electronic key cards and we headed straight to our apartment.
As I was unloading my weekend bag, the doorbell rang—and not just rang, but rang ridiculously loud! A bit shocked, I went for the door and when I opened it, a number of Somerset staff (including the ones from front desk) were standing there with balloons, a cake, and a bouquet of roses! It was my aunt’s birthday, and before I could even say something, they proceeded to sing “Happy Birthday” to her. It was such a lovely and touching gesture—thank you so much Somerset!
The Location
Somerset Millennium is situated a few minutes away from Makati’s major entertainment, commercial, and business hubs, including proximity to the Ayala station of the MRT. Check out some of my recommendations below.
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The Apartments
Somerset Makati has 124 well-appointed apartments designed for optimum comfort and city living. We stayed in a 1-Bedroom Executive (check rates here), a 67-sqm apartment which features a King-sized bed, an en suite bathroom, separate living and dining areas, and a full-equipped kitchenette—perfect for any traveler’s ideal living preferences. The apartment comes with complimentary and fast Wi-Fi, perfect for business travelers in case they need to “take home” some work.
The spacious bed sits on a large fully-carpeted bedroom which boasts of an LCD TV, a workstation, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering guests a view of Makati City. The bed is comfortable with fresh sheets and fluffy pillows of varying softness. There are plenty of storage spaces as well, including ironing equipment, a clothes rack, and an electronic safe.
Stepping into the bathroom, you would think that it is small because of the configuration but it actually houses an alcove bathtub and a separate walk-in shower, apart from the toilet and vanity area. It comes with eco-friendly toiletries (Crabtree & Evelyn, Naturals, Somerset) and fresh towels, as well as a pair of robes.
The living area is spacious, with a plush sofa, an armchair, a coffee table, and a full entertainment system. The adjoining dining area has a dining table for four persons, where complimentary welcome treats awaited us upon check-in.
For travelers who want to prepare their own meals, the kitchenette is more than enough for them to do so; it has a stove, a microwave, pots and pans, cutlery and a load of other utensils for both making food and for dining. There’s even enough dinnerware and glassware to host a meal for several guests.
Daily housekeeping and turndown services are also provided. In fact, after dinner, I was surprised to find a small bottle of whisky and some chocolate for bedtime treats. I love whisky and hazelnut—they seem to know their guests well, huh?
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Dining
Abuela’s
Abuela’s Restaurant, Somerset Makati’s main and all-day dining outlet, offers a “semi-buffet” breakfast as well as an a la carte menu featuring Filipino and international cuisine.
The breakfast, complimentary for checked-in guests, has a small (unlimited) spread of salads, cheeses, breads, viands, and fruits—perfect accompaniments for their plated breakfast sets. I personally liked the steak rice, make-your-own salad, make-your-own congee, and the mezze (hummus, baba ganoush). From the plated set selections, I chose the Homemade Corned Beef served with rice and fried egg, while my aunt had a Vegetable Omelet.
To be honest though, I enjoyed the a la carte menu more than the breakfast. The Mila’s Roast Chicken (PhP395) for instance, which my aunt ordered, was very juicy and flavorful—the chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked, and it worked well with the delicious wild mushroom rice that it came served with. I was trying hard to stick to my fictional low-carb diet but it had truffle in it so I devoured a few spoonfuls!
The Red Snapper Chimichurri (PhP390) was my choice—and I was happy I didn’t make the wrong one! The pan-seared snapper topped with Mexican cilantro dressing and chimichurri was incredibly tasty; the fish had nice texture and the vibrant flavors made it even more enjoyable.
For dessert, try the decadent Molten Lava Cake (PhP290) or the unusual-but-good Choc-Nut Pudding (PhP230), which makes use of Choc-Nut bars incorporated in the bread pudding. They also serve apple pie, one of my favorite desserts, but I think their rendition had too much cheese topping that it masked the taste of the apples and cinnamon.
Ikkyu An
If you are craving for Japanese food, head over downstairs by the hotel entrance to Ikkyu An, Somerset Makati’s Japanese dining venue. The restaurant has an extensive menu composed of traditional Japanese cuisine, from soups, appetizers, and sushi, to mains and desserts.
We were cross-ordering from Abuela’s for dinner that night so we only tried a variety of sushi from Ikkyu An. The Salmon Sashimi (PhP490) is my personal favorite, served juicy and fresh. Coming close is the Una-Kyu-Maki (PhP360), which is rolled sushi made of grilled eel (unagi) and cucumber. If you love California Maki but avocado is not in season, get the Philippine Maki (PhP370), filled with crabstick, mango, and flying fish roe.
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Other Amenities
With my recent obsession with working out, the first thing I checked at Somerset besides our apartment was the Fitness Centre, located at the 10th floor of the residence. I loved their gym—it has all the basic equipment and machines I would need for a variety of workouts, including cardio machines, free towels and water, mats, and lockers (and coffee right next door!).
Just on the other side of the gym, separated by a wall of shelves, is the Resident’s Lounge, where travelers can just laze around with a cup of Joe from their coffee machine, read a book, watch TV, or browse in the internet. Checked-in guests can also entertain visitors or host casual meetings in the lounge.
The Swimming Pool is on the same level, a nice and quiet spot for a morning or evening swim. There are a couple of deck chairs, as well as shower rooms and a billiards table nearby, built for guests who just want to unwind.
Somerset Makati also has a Self-Service Launderette, perfect for guests who would prefer to do it on their own instead of paying extra for laundry. The machines are easy to use and cheap, definitely a good option especially for long-staying travelers. I used to do this when I was in San Antonio; I wrote articles and edited photos while waiting for my laundry .
Downstairs in the lobby, there’s The John Barbers Groomers, a high-end barber shop offering premium pampering services for men—not limited to haircuts but also including facial treatments, mani-pedi, and massages.
The residence also offers babysitting services, laundry and dry cleaning, limousine and car services, conference room use, and business equipment rental.
Somerset Millennium Makati: Life Is All About Living
As I have said at the beginning of this piece, it makes more than just a good location to be at ease with a new place, a new neighborhood. At Somerset Makati, not only is everything a short distance away, other aspects of your travel are taken into consideration as well. Your trip is not limited to your business agenda or, in our case, a staycation—you get to be immersed in a complete hotel experience and get to know the city as well. Kind of makes you wish all hotels can maximize your travels like this, doesn’t it?
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Somerset Millennium Makati
104 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
+632.750.7888
enquiry.manila@the-ascott.com
Criteria
Facilities
Service
Dining
Ambience
Location
TOTAL | Rating
4.5/5
4/5
3/5
4.5/5
5/5
4.2
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Comments
The apartments are spacious and well-appointed, with all the essentials.
Friendly and warm staff.
Good sushi from Ikkyu An and a la carte menu from Abuela's.
The residence has a simple and straightforward vibe, great for professionals.
Near business, entertainment, transportation, and commercial hubs.
The perfect residence in Makati for business travelers who want to get immersed in the city.
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Points for improvement:
- An attendant in the floor where the gym was would be helpful.
- Add more/change some items in the breakfast.
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Have you stayed at Somerset Makati? How was your experience?
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