Amélie Hotel Manila is a charming new boutique hotel that captures the bohemian spirit of the old-world neighborhood of Manila in a contemporary setting. Everything about the place — from the graphic art deco details of iconic landmarks to the warm and sincere service — makes the hotel stand out from the typical business hotels in the area. The hotel was formally launched amid Chinese New Year festivities last February 19, 2015 to signal the start of a prosperous life in the heart of the city.

LOCATION

Located in the vibrant district of Malate, Amélie Hotel Manila provides an elegant and secure place to stay for those who want to explore the diverse restaurants, historic landmarks and colorful nightlife in the city of Manila. For business and leisure travelers, the hotel is less than 15 km away from the international and domestic airports and a short drive from the business districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City. The hotel is also walking distance from Robinson’s Place Manila, a major shopping mall. The hotel is accessible to several transport options, including public commutes to private vehicles.

AMBIANCE

The hotel gets its name from the owner’s granddaughter, who I believe was named after the 2001 French film Amélie, which happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time. Like the titular character, you may not notice the hotel at first hidden in plain sight along the bustling street. But once you step inside, you’re immediately charmed by the quirky and distinctly mod character of the hotel. It’s really the little details that stand out.

The hotel takes inspiration from the spirit of old Malate but still manages to stay current by incorporating the work of top Manila-based artists. The main lobby, with its patterned hand-painted floor, Deco-inspired furniture and antique accent pieces reflects the allure of Manila’s bygone charm and opulence. I really liked the striking yet subtle architecturally graphic icons of old buildings that adorns the lobby and elevator.

According to Amélie Hotel Manila brand director Mark Abellon, the hotel aims to bring something new to the Malate scene by infusing the hotel with Manila’s local contemporary and hip culture. They plan to collaborate with a new wave of artists, including painters, photographers, graphic designers, fashion designers and musicians in Manila. The hotel also plans to have special areas and rotating galleries where modern artists can display their latest work. They will be featuring fresh, young and groundbreaking music from independent and underground artists to give guests a taste of Manila’s thriving culture.

ROOMS

Amélie Hotel Manila has 70 spacious Deluxe and Executive guest rooms with all the amenities guests would want for a comfortable stay after a day of soaking in the city sights. Just like the rest of the hotel, the rooms designed by noted interior stylist Anton Barretto, reflect the rich cultural texture and charm of old Manila. The main color scheme for the whole hotel is black, red and gray which provides a refined and modern minimalist palette. One interesting design feature is the stylized, linear canopy behind the bed reaching the ceiling that gives the room more depth. All rooms come with large and comfortable queen-sized beds and are equipped with amenities such as a 32-inch flat screen LED TV and Wi-Fi.

I really liked oversized graphic red and black map details in each room showing landmarks around Manila like the San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Manila Planetarium, Rizal Park, National Museum and Chinatown, to name a few. These maps can actually be used by guests to navigate around the city’s nearby tourist attractions.

The framed black and white photographs of iconic Manila landmarks and architectural details displayed in each room were also a nice touch. I noticed prints of Intramuros and details of the Manila Metroolitan Theatre by photographer Andy Lim displayed in several rooms. I heard that the hotel plans to rotate the artwork quarterly to celebrate the work of different artists. Dedicated portions of the hallway on every floor will also contain paintings, mixed media art, photographic art, and smaller sculptures as a tribute to Filipino art and artists.

DINING

While the Malate area is known for its numerous dining establishments and watering holes, Amélie Hotel Manila has its own in-house restaurant for guests and patrons. Galleon by Mario’s Kitchen is inspired by the historic galleon trade that fostered goods and cultural exchange between the East and West.

Galleon’s restaurant and bar serves Filipino, international and fusion cuisine. The restaurant welcomes in-house and walk-in guests, providing all-day dining, room service and catering for functions from 7am to 12 midnight.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK IN:

As a boutique hotel, Amélie Hotel Manila’s staff offer warm and personalized service at an affordable price point that sets it apart from larger business hotels. But being owned by The RuyGroup Hotel Corporation and managed by Paramount Hotels & Facilities Management Co. Inc., (the core of Microtel Inns & Suites, Inc. Philippine master franchisor of the Microtel by Wyndham brand), you can expect a higher level of professionalism when it comes to service and amenities.

The hotel’s unique contemporary design interiors and overall aesthetics will appeal to artists and leisure travelers looking for a classy experience in the heart of Manila. Meanwhile its location is ideal for business travelers and international tourists who want a base near the business districts and airports. The hotel has a function room and an open air roof deck that can accommodate up to 130 pax for meetings and special events. There’s also a small fitness gym, while a small rooftop swimming pool is currently in the works.

ROOM CATEGORIES & RATES:

• Introductory rates start from Php 3400/net.
• Room categories include:
• Deluxe 1 (1 bed, good for 1-2 pax) – good for solo travelers
• Deluxe 2 (2 beds, good for 2-4 pax) – ideal for families, friends or colleagues traveling together
• Executive (1 bed, good for 2-3 pax) – ideal for couples and business travelers

ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO:

Amélie Hotel Manila is located at 1667 J. Bocobo Street, Malate, Manila. For more information, call tel. (632) 875-7888, email inquiry@ameliehotelmanila.com or go to the website at www.ameliehotelmanila.com.