Oakwood rises in Ortigas
MANILA, Philippines - The opening of Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila in Ortigas marks another exciting chapter in Oakwood’s success story. What began back in the 1960s as a concept of temporary housing by Oakwood Worldwide chairman and founder Howard Ruby, Oakwood now boasts of a worldwide network of serviced residences that combines hotel elegance and home comfort.
For this Ortigas property, Oakwood has 233 fully furnished apartments specifically designed for guests on short or long-term stay, from the studio executive type to the presidential suite.
General manager Brian Connelly says, “Because we are a residence, we offer more space. That is, 30 to 50 percent more space than a typical hotel would for pretty much the same rate. A traditional hotel room is about 30 square meters. Our smallest room is 41 square meters. The extra space is a benefit along with everything else you expect.”
Connelly shares that Oakwood Premier primarily caters to business clients. “We provide what they need to make them do their business.” The suites come with broadband Internet 
connectivity, safety, and privacy. Oakwood Premier itself has meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities, wireless Internet, and a business center.
Of course, at the end of the day, the busy executive would want to go to the comfort of his own suite and enjoy its amenities. Connelly volunteers that the washer and dryer in each of the suites have provided immense help to their guests.
“That is the thing with Oakwood Premier. We give our guests options. The fully equipped gourmet kitchen in the suite lets guests bring their own ingredients and cook their own meals, if they wish,” he says.
Each suite also has a dining area, a marble bathroom with waterproof flat-screen television ad steam shower, ironing facilities, 40-inch home entertainment system with surround sound speakers, build-in DVD and multimedia interface, and a king-size bed.
“Our residences take into account the seemingly little things such as dimmers,” he says.
Should the guest decide on exploring the dining options supplied by Oakwood Premier, it has its signature restaurant, the Oakroom, with its Filipino and Asian cuisine earning top marks. The adjacent Oakroom Bar is perfect for “Happy Hour.” Connelly also recommends Enchanté, the restaurant owned by the popular and respected Chef Jessie Sincioco.
“The fact that we are at the heart of Ortigas Center puts us in an enviable position,” he continues. “We are surrounded by restaurants, malls, offices, among others.”
To complete the Oakwood Premier experience, it has an indoor swimming/lap pool with Jacuzzi, fitness center, and banquet space.
Despite its new entry in the field, Connelly says that Oakwood Premier is also attracting local families who check in on weekends and basically hold their own urban retreats.
The best part of it all, he says, is the staff or “associates.” The GM says, “Our Filipino associates make it all happen for us. Our team knows they are empowered to make our guests happy. That, I think, is what separates us from the rest.”
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Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila is located at 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For more information, call (63) 2637-7888 or (63) 2910-8888, e-mail at premiermanila@oakwoodasia.com or log on to www.oakwood.com.
