Into a New World order

Abed, a bathroom, a window with a breathtaking view of a wall.

So began my Parisian adventure, which sounds a bit like the setting of a Jean-Paul Sartre existential play — with lots of waiting around, much wondering, and no promise of exits. Linguini from Ratatouille would scoff at how spartan my room was; same with the little chef. I was in a tiny boutique hotel near the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris, France; a block away from Arman’s installation of black clocks and the roads snaking into the City of Lights. Now there was I waxing philosophical like André Gide on a particularly bad day. Weeks before that I was in a totally different frame of mind.

The Greenbelt area of Makati City.

New World Makati Hotel.

One of the Residence Club suites.

And I was a happy camper. Sartre, who? Oh that guy name-checked by Crash Test Dummies in Afternoons and Coffeespoons? Too chirpy to remember. Places do that to your head, I tell you.

While having Heineken and chips at the Residence Club Living Room, a hotel executive told me about New World having completed the first phase of its renovation initiative. The 595-room property has unveiled a new lobby and lounge, its Events Gallery, first-rate function spaces for upscale events and all-new executive club floors. So, it’s level up on the plush factor.

New World Makati Hotel director of communications Nini Icban explained, “New World Hotel embodies modern Oriental hospitality. We are inspired to create experiences borne out of new interpretations of Oriental tradition. We deliver genuine and engaging style of service that is elegantly efficient, allowing guests the time and space to make the most of what’s important for them.”

(I heard that general manager Farid Schoucair even acts on guest comments himself, and makes sure those individual requests are addressed accordingly.)

Icban pointed out the new high points in terms of design.

The hotel’s new spaces, designed by Singapore-based White Jacket, reflect clean lines with a thoroughly modern vibe and hints of Oriental influence, mirroring clearly that “Oriental hospitality” philosophy. A newly installed sculpture punctuates the redesigned driveway, and the hotel lobby now features gleaming marble floors, dark wood furnishings, and strategically located bold accent pieces. The lobby flows seamlessly into the lounge, where guests can hold informal meetings or people-watch over refreshments. Another Heineken, please.

 She added that the new Events Gallery serves as a showroom for fresh banqueting facilities and services. “Here, while enjoying coffee and snacks, guests can personalize their events by selecting their preferred tables and floral arrangements, customizing menus and finalizing programs.”  

Two premier function spaces have been also introduced. Gallery I, located at the lobby floor, accommodates a maximum of 30 guests. And the Glasshouse room on the second floor is ideal for events of up to 100 heads. 

Icban said, “Stylish events are set within these beautifully furnished spaces, with premium hardware and luxurious menus that can be prepared á la minute in the fully equipped show kitchens at each venue.”

The hotel’s top four floors have not only been redesigned, but renamed the Residence Club. Guests are welcomed at the 24th floor by a simple but elegant reception area with a panoramic skyline view as its backdrop. The new Residence Club Living Room is illuminated with natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows, presenting guests with yet more city views. A far cry from the “walled city” view of my hotel room in Paris.

Icban shared, “Residence Club guestrooms and suites have been totally modernized with hardwood flooring, open closets and enhanced bathrooms. The rooms are also appointed with new artwork, lighting, draperies, furniture as well as new bedding and signature bath linens.” Wood is again used as a key design element in the corridors, giving them a quiet, elegant ambience. 

I learned that in a New World Hotel in another part of the globe, there are leather club chairs and a library containing more 200 books, making it a perfect venue for a relaxing evening.

Don’t say you haven’t been forewarned: get your grimy hands off ‘em French Existentialist books for a while. In Makati, be posh hotel explorer Richard E. Grant for a change: get unlimited dim sum at Jasmine, partake of the sumptuous buffet at Café 1228, sip some afternoon tea at The Lounge, and, please, step away from the Dostoevsky.

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For information and reservations on New World Makati Hotel, call 811-6888, fax 811-6777, e-mail reservations.manila@newworldhotels.com or visit www.newworldhotels.com.