Seda BGC front desk
In the course of my travels as a writer, I have often brought my family along with me so they too could experience the beauty and wonders of our fair and beautiful country.
Most recently, I had the chance to experience a weekend at the new Seda Bonifacio Global City courtesy of our friends in Seda, (thanks Berry Marfori!) With me were my wife Gardy, and my sons Leon and Jules.
Seda BGC eLounge
Seda BGC and its siblings in Cagayan de Oro (Seda Centrio), Davao (Seda Abreeza) and soon in Nuvali are billed as business and lifestyle hotels. How that would sit with a family out on vacation, here’s what my wife and children had to say.
Gardy is the manager of the UCCP Guesthouse, a hostel near the UCCP Cagayan de Oro City Church, and is a writer in her own right, having previously published lifestyle articles and romantic fiction in some of our women’s magazines.
“Whenever I go on a trip, I always look for an X-factor of the place I’m staying. A special touch or flavor, perhaps, which makes my stay worthwhile and nudges me to come back sometime.
A recent trip to Manila last April led our family to Seda BGC. It got me again: the thrill of first time. First time to actually be in Global City. First time to spend our last day in Manila in a plush hotel. First time for my sons to meet up their buddies and cousins in a different city. And first time to sleep in a suite room!
Seda BGC Lobby
From their lobby all the way to our suite room on the 11th floor, I started doing my mental checklist, a habit that turns on when I stay in hotels: Hotel lobby, check! Spacious, comfortable, sparse, with a curious brass giraffe guarding the main door, plus a free internet/pc area for guests (my boys gave that kicking thumbs up). Front Desk, check! It’s her job to smile and be accommodating. Bellman, check! He’s expected to be polite and entertaining. Elevator, two checks! It’s one of the most pleasant, smooth elevator rides I’ve ever had. Hallways, check! Specially noted the classy art deco and wall treatments.
Suite room now, and my story’s just getting started: lo and behold! three checks instantly for a well designed space! The kitchen, two checks! Spells comfort for coffee or tea time, hot or cold whatever pleases you. The living area, two checks with enough room to lounge around, watch NBA or just work at the desk. The master bedroom: three checks with a luxurious cozy bed, another TV (! ) The closet, two checks! The handy electric iron and board was a plus, not common in other hotels I’ve been to, even for Southeast Asia. The bathroom, two checks: big bathtub, excellent toiletries, hair dryer and neat storage. Well, seems everything here just exceeds my expectation! Still, I need to find what Seda BGC has which makes it beyond par…that fine fiber to finally say, ahhh…silky cocoon.
Those wonderful Seda pillows
I was musing on this as I slowly lay in the bed and then I found it : that X-factor, the fine fiber of Seda which would make me wish to come back…ten checks, twenty checks! drum rolling….it’s the PILLOWS. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. simple and basic it may seem, but pillows are all it takes for a sleeping log like moi. What would good would a million dollar bedroom be if the pillow won’t make you sleep and dream? Yes! Seda pillows are the best memory I will take home with me.
Yes, dinner at Misto was also a pleasant experience but that is another story.”
Leon, 26, is studying advanced software programming at Informatics Institute:
“I had to keep my mouth from gaping during my brief stay at Seda BGC. The place had a very conservative yet grandiose design to it, from the hotel lobby to the top floor lounge. The rooms that my family and I stayed in were very comfy and well-furnished and had everything that a traveler might need during his/her stay.
The hotel staff were also very courteous and excellent at their work. The chef, in particular, cooked up many deliciously unforgettable dishes. Hands down, the food I tasted there was the best I’ve ever had and could undoubtedly be bragged about as world-class cuisine.
Overall, I’d happily give SEDA a double thumbs-up. To anyone who might ask me which hotel to go to, I would definitely recommend SEDA BGC without a second thought.”
Jules, 22, just finished his B.S. Chemistry at Mindanao Institute of Science and Technology and is now undertaking a review for his upcoming board exam:
“My brief overnight stay at Seda Bonifacio Global City could only be described as spectacular. The services and facilities were superb and the people working there were very helpful and pleasant. The beds were very comfortable and the view was great and the room overall gave a homey feeling.
Not the least, I truly appreciate the security system with the rooms and the usage of the elevator being exclusive for guests only, exception for the roof deck and the second floor with the swimming pool and gym which were open to the public.”
So how’s that for an endorsement? Personally, the edge I believe Seda BGC has over similar hotels in Metro Manila (and believe me, I’ve done the whole kit and caboodle from the lowest to the highest) is its service. Courteous without being unobtrusive, Filipino hospitality at its best. Discreet if you may, from the bellman that whisks your luggage to your room to the front desk, to waiters (who actually wait on you), you will be pampered without being bothered.
Seda BGC is at the corner of 30th Street and 11th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City.