Looking Up at Vivere Hotel

MANILA, Philippines - The first thing you notice, guaranteed as you gaze at the edifice, is a peculiar rooftop feature. The hotel is as normal as can be until you raise your focus on its summit, topped by a mix of odd-angled constructs and various knickknacks of purposeful design — some people have wondered if a whole other structure had actually landed right on top of it. In fact, that’s the beauty of this building as it stands out against other establishments in the area. Getting to the top is just one of many exciting discoveries at Vivere Hotel.

Situated in the fast-growing business district of Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Vivere Hotel delivers all kinds of delightful features and amenities for all kinds of guests. Winner of the 2013 Traveler’s Choice Award and ranked No. 1 in the Muntinlupa area by TripAdvisor.com, the hotel sets itself apart by providing, in the words of general manager Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon, “an excellent, gracious, and personalized service” from its staff.

Offering five-star facilities and amenities, Vivere is a veteran, being the first hotel of its class established in the area in 2001. It boasts of an all-Filipino staff which caters to a multinational array of corporate VIPs from companies in Filinvest and all the way from Calabarzon and other industrial parks in the south. This businessperson’s hotel also caters to a weekend market of vacationers who take advantage of the many world-class facilities it has to offer from accommodations to dining.

Start at the lobby level where a tropical theme permeates every nook and cranny. The steady chirping of birds can be heard piping in from speakers hidden in the décor, and a koi pond can be found near its far end. Decorative trees adorn pillars and wood accents line every wall. A breakfast nook offers free coffee near the reception area, perfect for guests who need to get to work quickly in the mornings.

Vivere offers 16 different room types, a large segment of which features room designs significantly different from one another. Seven room types vary from the standard deluxe room to the two-bedroom Royal Suite. What really stands out are the nine Penthouse Club floor room types that offer accommodations that are comparable to, and maybe even rival, full condominium living spaces with living rooms, kitchen areas and individual bedrooms. Each and every one of these room types are individually designed with a nature theme — no two rooms are alike — offering a unique space you can call your own. These spacious rooms come in the studio-type Penthouse Deluxe to the one-bedroom suite Grand Premiere, two-bedroom suite Penthouse Regal, three-bedroom suite Vivere Grand, and the best of them all, the Presidential Suite, a two-bedroom suite with a study room.

A security system prevents uninvited guests from accessing all the floors. Security doors flank elevators and only people with a keycard for rooms in that floor can access the hallway. Guests who get on the wrong floor also cannot enter the hallways if their room is not located there.

As indicated by the large atrium you see as you go to your room, along with much of the nature-inspired decor, Vivere has a strong affinity for conservation and the environment. Nowhere else can this be more felt than at the opening of the hotel’s newest dining facility.

Remember that funky-looking rooftop I mentioned at the beginning? That is The Nest, Vivere’s newest restaurant featuring an al fresco dining area and a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city. From here you can see not only Muntinlupa but outlying cities such as Makati, Las Piñas, Taguig and Mandaluyong, the Ortigas area, and the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas. Settle down and dine amid nature-inspired furnishings and take a look at the menu which offers Filipino and international dishes. An additional restaurant, Café Arts, is located at the lobby level, offering a place for you and your friends to unwind after a busy day.

Penthouse Club guests have exclusive use of the Executive Lounge. What make this area special are the furnishings that were handcrafted by Vivere’s very own carpentry department. Elvie says, “We make use of Filipino materials. Ceilings and tables were made in our very own carpentry department.” She also notes with pride, “We really aim for going beyond client expectations. We value relationships. We will make you extremely happy so you will keep coming back. And we are the only five-star hotel with an all-Filipino staff. We have Japanese and German-speaking staff (to cater to our foreign guests).”

As testament to Vivere’s quality facilities and services, many of its loyal and valued guests occasionally return, with one particular guest staying at the hotel continually for the past eight years. Many facilities make it very much a home away from home such as a spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool, gym, business center, and complimentary Wi-Fi in every room. Elvie mentions that Vivere is also the only hotel in the area with a kiddie playroom.

Vivere Hotel needs to be experienced. It offers a resort-type stay within the city and is perfect for people who work in the area or simply for families or groups to enjoy the city over the weekend. It’s not that hard to find — just look up.

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Vivere Hotel is located at 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For more information call (632) 771-7777, fax at (632) 771-0158, e-mail info@viveresuites.com or www.viverehotel.com.ph.