A Stay at Vivere Hotel Alabang [Part One]

Vivere Hotel and Resorts Alabang is one of the oldest five star hotels in Alabang area that boasts of a grand 31-storey building which houses 200 elegant suites. Tagged as the gen of the Southern part of Metro Manila, it is said to be one of the best places to be when one is traveling for business or for recreational pursuits.

I was hosted by Vivere Hotel one weekend to check out what their property can offer. Their timely invite couldn't be more apt as I am currently scouting for best hotels in Manila for some business clients who will be flying in from the US and Zurich.

Staycation at Vivere Hotel Alabang Metro Manila YedyLicious Manila Blog Review

As with most of my Hotel Stay / Staycation Blog Feature, this one about Vivere Hotel in Alabang is a series of three blog posts (Read: Part One, Part Two, Part Three) Meanwhile, let us start with the first part - the room I have stayed in.

I live in the Eastern part of the Metro so Alabang is really far from me. But when needed, it is one of the areas I am more than willing to explore. I have stayed at B Hotel in Alabang before and while its classification is not really something I am looking for right now, I remember having a really grand time during my stay at the property.

One of the good things about Vivere Hotel is its proximity to several recreational malls and dining places in Alabang area like the Alabang Town Center, S&R Membership Shopping, and Festival Supermall just to name a few. Accommodation at Vivere Hotel entitles the guests to have a complimentary hotel car service to such places within Alabang.

Waiting Area by the Lobby of Vivere Hotel Alabang

Rooms at Vivere Hotel Alabang are called suites and penthouses. Being marketed as such, I have high expectation set from the get-go. I have searched online some information about the suites and penthouses at Vivere Hotel and found their 40sqm. Executive Suite enough for my short stay since I won't be coming in group like I normally would during hotel staycations as an invited online media.

I figured I could just request for a hotel tour so that I can take a peek of the other vacant suites as well as the hotel amenities which can be helpful for this blog post and for my client recommendation. Vivere Hotel was kind and generous enough to accommodate my request and even booked me the Premier Suite for the duration of my stay.

Extra Layer of Security Doors at Vivere Hotel Alabang

PREMIERE SUITE

The Premier Suite I was booked in is located at a floor level which overs a great view of Alabang skyline. First thing I noticed as I was being billeted to my room was the extra layer of security in every level in the form of door accessible only through the same card key the guests have for their own suites.

The Premiere Suite is a 60sqm suite with one bedroom, living area, dining area, kitchenette, spacious work area, and one bathroom. The room as I observed gives some signs of the hotel's age but equally noticeable is the effort made to keep the suite livable despite some quirks and small nuances.

Living Room of the Premiere Suite at Vivere Hotel Alabang

The living area is equipped with TV Set and can seat around 3 to 4 persons. The unmatched chair and sofa is part of the charm that blend quite nicely with the marbled floor and small carpet which is just enough for the space. The floor to ceiling window provides the beautiful view outside - photos of which can be found towards the end of this post.

Beautiful Living Area of the Premiere Suite at Vivere Hotel

There is a small dining area located in between the living area and the kitchenette. A very strategic place as one may still have a view of the TV set at the living area while dining if so desired.

Dining Area at the Premier Suite of Vivere Hotel Alabang

Also part of the accommodation at Vivere Hotel is a welcome gesture in a form of either choice of seasonal fruits, SMB grande, or Rum and Coke as published on their website. I figured it can be arranged during the check in process. As this was a different case, the platter of fruits was readily available in my room as I walked in.

Complimentary Welcome Fruits at Vivere Hotel Alabang

The kitchenette served its purpose during my stay. It may not be as equipped as the impressive kitchen I fell in love with during my stay at Oakwood Hotel, this one is still a serviceable feat. Also, should the guests need some kitchen utensils and equipment like electric stoves, they are free to request and the hotel will provide.

Kitchenette of the Premiere Suite at Vivere Hotel in Alabang

What can be found that are readily available in this kitchenette is a microwave oven which is best for reheating packed food that guests may have with them.

View of the Kitchen at the Premiere Suite of Vivere Hotel

Electric kettle, saucer and cups, and the complimentary set of coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer - basic necessities in a hotel room is ever present.

There is also a mini ref that houses ample amount of mini bar grubs. The mini bar stub/check list that indicates the prices of the items in the minibar is conveniently placed on top of the ref for guests reference. The complimentary bottles of mineral water are thoughtfully placed inside the ref to ensure a refreshing temperature when consumed by the guests.

Another thing that is noteworthy in this kitchenette is the bar affixed on the wall which provides extra space when preparing food or should the dinner table space proved to be too small for comfort.

Left side by the main door is where the bathroom is located and in front of it is the closet and a luggage rack.

View of the Kitchen, Closet, and bathroom of the Premiere Suite Vivere Hotel

The bathroom is not the most spacious hotel bathroom I have ever encountered considering we are talking about suites here, but is is decent enough to be functional.

Bathroom with bathtub at Premiere Suite of Vivere Hotel

I was even surprised that there is a bathtub in there which occupies the same space as the shower area. A rubber mat is provided to avoid guests from slipping should they opt for the rainshower instead of soaking at the tub.

Rainshower at Premiere Suite of Vivere Hotel Alabang

There is a bidet and a good supply of tissue paper available. A glass partition that interestingly swings back and forth is the only thing that serves as a partition between the shower area and the toilet bowl. So, there is a high probability of wet floor (which I hate the most) after bath time especially when the tub is used. Good thing there is a cotton floor mat readily available.

Usual hotel toiletry set is also well provided. Props to them for using Ilog Maria Honey and Spiced Glycerin Soap as opposed to the generic ones I often encounter even on some high rated hotels in Manila.

The closet holds the usual stuff that one may find in a hotel rooms' closet such as hangers, slippers, laundry bag, hangers, bathrobe and safety box. Only one bathrobe is available in the closet during my stay, I usually find two in other hotels especially if the room is best fitted for couple of guests. But I was told that just like the other things not readily available inside the suite (iron and board for instance), it can be requested from the concierge.

Closet at the Suite of Vivere Hotel Alabang

The spacious work area which features a private den behind the work table is one feat of the room that gives an impression that it is best for business traveler occupants. Otherwise it can be a great reading nook as it served me that way during my stay.

Work Space at the Premiere Suite of Vivere Hotel

Spacious Working Area at the Premiere Suite Vivere Hotel

The work area is also equipped with some things one may need when using the space for its purpose. I just notice that there are only few electrical sockets and no ethernet cable which can be useful for some. Although the free wi-fi which comes with the accommodation is fast enough. It has its own phone and lampshade as well.

The room on the other hand is an intimate affair space-wise. Very straightforward as it suggest a space only meant for sleeping and perhaps lounging during free time.

It has no bathroom of its own nor closet which could have made it perfect. But what it lacks in space was compensated by the comfortable bed with pristine covers and fluffy pillows.

Bedroom of the Premiere Suite at Vivere Hotel

There is a vanity area which can double as work space if needed, although the lack of electric sockets may still be an issue. Nonetheless, it is a lovely little space that adds character to the room.

Vanity Area at the Premiere Suite of Vivere Hotel

A TV set is also available inside the room and is placed on top of a drawer which can be used in lieu of the non-existent closet inside the room.

TV Set inside the bedroom of Premiere Suite Vivere Hotel Alabang

Below is the beautiful view from my suite. Always lovely during daytime even comes night time.

View from the 19th floor of Vivere Hotel

All in all I find the Premiere Suite I have stayed at Vivere Hotel Alabang quite a lovely place. Although it shows some signs of its age, it is still functional and conducive to a relaxing stay.

I was able to take a peek of the other rooms at Vivere as well as its amenities and restaurant which I will be sharing in my next post.