Tried & Tested

Serviced Apartment: Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center

30 Apr 2010

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The residents’ lobby is a compact space consisting of the reception counter and a small but plush sitting area, made to feel more spacious by towering ceilings. The security team is an alert bunch, but courteous at all times. Set in a new mixed-use development, guests of Oakwood serviced apartments enter by the Topaz Road entrance, while office tenants in the same building enter on ADB Avenue.

WHERE IS IT? In a prime location, in the heart of the Ortigas Centre, one of Metro Manila’s two CBDs (the other is Makati City), directly opposite the Asian Development Bank. It’s at a walking distance to a couple of shopping malls such as the swanky Podium – the closest – and the more mass market and humongous SM Mega Mall. Travelling time from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, during non-rush hours, takes about 40 minutes.

ROOM FACILITIES The three-bedroom executive unit was ideal for our group of five people. It was spacious enough for us to go about our various activities – napping, watching TV, reading, surfing the Web – without too much disturbance. Two bedrooms had ensuite bathrooms, and the third bedroom had one adjacent to it. There was a washroom by the entrance, which was handy for the stream of visitors we entertained during our occupancy. Every room had a flat-screen TV.

The kitchen contained the latest gleaming appliances. Six could be comfortably seated around the dining table, although we managed to fit in 10 during one impromptu dinner.

To gain internet access, guests have to input the user ID and password given them upon check in. Connection was always swift.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITiES Unlike other serviced apartments, Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila has extensive business and meeting facilities. It has two ballrooms, each catering up to 250 people for cocktails. Each ballroom can be divided by soundproof panels into three separate areas to accommodate smaller meetings.

The property has a business centre called Genesis Business Services, which provides secretarial services and is equipped with individual workstations. The business centre also has a boardroom fitted with a videoconferencing system. Meanwhile, wireless internet access is available in all public areas.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Oakroom offers fine-dinning international cuisine by French executive chef Jerome Cartailler. Besides gourmet classics, the menu gives a choice of Filipino and other Asian favourites. Oakroom is open to the public and has three private rooms that are perfect for business lunches. An executive set lunch is available from Monday to Friday. Adjacent to the Oakroom is the cosy Oakroom Bar, which is open daily from 6am to 12 midnight.

LEISURE FACILITIES There is a 24-metre indoor swimming pool, which is linked to a Jacuzzi at one end. The sauna and massage amenities are located in the locker area. Oakwood offers a choice of spa treatments in the massage area or in the privacy of one’s apartment. The fitness centre is open to residents and members and it features top-of-the-line gym equipment. There is an aerobics studio that can be used for special fitness sessions and a Residents’ Lounge.

FACT FILE

How many units? There are 233 apartments in the following categories: Studio Executive (41sqm), One-Bedroom Superior (86sqm to 89sqm), One-Bedroom Deluxe (94sqm), One Bedroom Executive (94sqm), Three-Bedroom Executive (182sqm) and Presidential Suite (282sqm).

Room Highlights The floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and all of the bedrooms with the view of the Ortigas Center and neighbouring gated communities help create a great sense of space that relaxes one’s mind instantly when coming in from the inescapable traffic congestion below.

Price Until the end of the year, Oakwood Premier has introductory rates both for short- and long-stay guests. Rates range from PHP6,500 (US$143) for a Studio Executive apartment to PHP12,455 (US$275) for a three-bedroom Executive apartment per day.

Contact 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, tel 63 2  637 7888,
www.oakwood.com

 

VERDICT Excellent product in an excellent central location. As our stay coincided with the property’s early days, there were some teething problems such as the key cards refusing to register our floor number on the lift panel, which happened quite often, as well as the faulty plumbing in two of the bathrooms in our unit. Otherwise, the staff were quick to respond when we needed help with anything, such as figuring out how the dishwasher worked.

 

 Gigi Onag

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