TO be sure, the concept of serviced apartments—“a type of furnished apartment available for short-term or long-term stays, which provides amenities for daily use,” according to Wikipedia—was nothing new when Discovery Suites opened for business on ADB Avenue in Ortigas Center in February 2000. Serviced apartments or residences have been around for decades, and Manila has had its share (Gilarmi Apartments, anyone?).
It was, however, Discovery Suites that redefined the concept of serviced residences in the Philippines. Unlike the typical low-to-mid-rise serviced apartments that dotted the landscape of Makati and Manila back then, Discovery Suites—with its wall of glass that rose to 42 storys-high—towered not unlike the modern hotel one can find in any metropolis, and offered features and amenities similar to a five-star hotel...and then some.
While hotel guests can enjoy the comforts of a home only in outrageously expensive luxury suites, Discovery Suites offered every guest—on top of the typical bed and bathroom facilities—all the niceties of separate living, dining and kitchen areas, including a fully-functional kitchen from which one could whip up yummy goodness for an intimate party. The kitchen came with its complement of pots and pans, along with the necessary cutlery, china and glassware. After the party, one only needed to call housekeeping for a quick and efficient cleanup.
Since it opened its doors for business more than a decade ago, the premier serviced residence has undergone transformations both minor and major to keep it ahead of the curve in the hospitality industry, adding a full-serviced spa (Terra Wellness Spa) and retooling its F&B outlets (Restaurant 5, Prime 22) to meet the demands and constantly evolving tastes of guests, not a few of whom have become “residents” (long-staying guests) of Discovery Suites. In fact, they account for 40 percent of total room revenue.
More recently, Discovery Suites unveiled its new suite collection, branded as Serendipity Suites.
“Our Serendipity Suites targets corporate guests and frequent individual travelers who desire enhanced levels of hospitality,” says General Manager Bobby Horrigan. “It should appeal to individuals who value the care, pampering and overall experience of a five-star hotel, but also want the privacy and creature comforts that a private home or apartment provides.”
The Serendipity Suites experience offers exclusivity through a distinguished collection of junior, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites in three specially-dedicated floors.
The Singapore-based Miaja Design Group served as the interior design consultant for the newly-minted accommodations, while Filipino designers added a few practical elements for that local touch. The interiors present a more contemporary vibe with the color scheme anchored on earth tones and natural light. The combined effect of bright light and deep color gives the guests an exquisite sense of lightness and well-being.
A fully-furnished kitchen with an oven and refrigerator, a dining table and reception area for suite-category rooms lends well for small gatherings and private entertainment for the more social guest. En-suite entertainment is ensured with the provision of 32-inch flat screen TV, iPod dock and a personal stereo component system. The Internet savvy will get to enjoy complimentary broadband connection for the whole duration of his or her stay.
Despite the modern trappings, the emphasis will still be on the familiar comforts that Discovery Suites “fans” have become accustomed to. Soft billowy beds remain the highlight of the stay. However, the experience is made even more pleasurable because one is given the liberty to select from a menu of pillows (goose feather, foam, cotton or hypoallergenic) from the hotel’s roving Pillow Concierge.
Guests who book Serendipity Suites accommodations are accorded extra benefits such as express check-in and check-out assistance by guest relations associates, complimentary one-hour use of the boardroom, one personalized training session at Balance Lifestyle Fitness Center, preferred rates at Discovery Country Suites and Discovery Shores Boracay, a courtesy 10-minute neck and shoulder massage en-suite by therapists, P500 discount voucher to the exclusive Terra Wellness Spa, complimentary broadband Internet, daily newspaper delivery and access to the Serendipity Lounge.
Besides the new Serendipity Suites, Discovery Suites has also undertaken a massive makeover program that will ultimately see all suites on the rest of the floors fully renovated to reflect the modern Asian aesthetic of the Serendipity Suites. Already, the ongoing program which has been fast-tracked, has yielded refurbished function and meeting rooms, plus one renovated elevator cab.
And so, The Suite Life continues....
In Photo: Discovery Suites’ new suites collection provides the “care, pampering and overall experience of a five-star hotel,” as well as the “privacy and creature comforts" of a home,” says General Manager Bobby Horrigan.
