BGC’s Ascott Serviced Apartments
Ascott BGC is a serviced-apartment located at 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
For my 26th birthday, I decided to have a stay-cation over at Bonifacio Global City. Aside from my best friends who are staying in the area, my previous company transferred here from Makati as well. Because of this, I had to consider the location so Ascott was my best choice. It was right next to Net Park (where my best friends work), across Marajo Tower (where my previous company is), and near High Street (where shopping and dining are).
Initially, my parents wanted me to do round-trips between Valenzuela and BGC, but I argued that it would just take too much of my time. Imagine driving 2 hours one way for a much shorter meet-up. Plus, I was going to have dinner so I would be home late. Yes, I had to have a lot of reasons before they would let me out. Anyway!
Booking a Room at Ascott
Before I decided on Ascott, I browsed through Agoda, Booking, and Expedia – the usual sites one would look at when booking accommodations. A number of choices showed up such as Shangri-La, F1 Hotels, and Seda BGC. However, after checking the room types, amenities, rates and location, Ascott was the better option. In addition to those sites, it’s best that you also look at the accommodation’s direct booking page since they would sometimes offer better prices and other promos.
For one, Ascott offers the AOA or Ascott Online Advantage membership. Aside from already better rates, they also have promos which makes it even more attractive. With my American Express Credit Card, I got a total of 30% discount and ended up paying only PHP 9,000.00 instead of PHP 11,000.00 – 12,000.00. It is pricey, but I consider this as the first birthday treat to myself in my 26 years of existence.
Going through the Check-In Process
Prior to my stay in Ascott, I received an email from them requesting for additional information. This included some preferences such as whether I wanted my room to be in a higher or lower floor, smoking or non-smoking room, etc. I was also asked for an estimated time of arrival for faster check-in. Special requests such as whether you are celebrating any event can also be made here.
I arrived at Ascott around 11:30 am, went straight to the reception, handed over my ID and gave my credit card for deposit. Unfortunately, my room wasn’t ready yet, so I wasn’t allowed to check-in early. Because I had already set lunch with my friends, I asked them if I could leave my stuff with them. When I returned, they had already delivered my things to the room. Talk about customer service!
Staying at the 1-Bedroom Unit
Upon check-in, you will receive a key card which serves as an elevator key as well as the key to your room. To reach the floor your unit is in, first tap your key card inside the elevator then press the corresponding floor. Apparently, I come from the mountains so I did not know about this…
The Kitchen Area
As soon as you enter, you’ll see a small cabinet to your right, which you can place your shoes in (not seen in the picture). The first part of the unit is the kitchen. And boy, is it complete!
Aside from the washing machine, fridge and microwave oven you see above, they have rice cookers, toasters and other appliances stored in the cabinets. Cooking utensils such as knives, spatulas, and other storage containers are also available. Had I stayed one more day, my friends and I would have probably cooked here!
Of course, a hotel stay wouldn’t be complete with the usual coffee, tea and other condiments.
The Living and Dining Area
Next up is the very spacious and comfortable living room. I love the interior of the place and would definitely love to replicate this on my own condo unit at Orean!
Since this was really a birthday stay-cation, I specified in the requests that it was for such. And so, they gave me my second birthday cake! The first was from Mary Grace which was given to me by Gladys and Eden the day before. A third courtesy of RC (PinoyGuyGuide) and from my office mates later on… It was the first time I received more than one cake so I was quite happy!
Aside from the complementary water, I also got some Philippine snacks which were dried coconut cubes and papaya slices.
The Bathroom
There’s also an equally luxurious bathroom.
Toiletries were complete.
Shampoo and shower gel were all from L’Occitane so I was pleasantly surprised! It was my first time encountering products from the brand.
The Bedroom
The work area in the bedroom was also neat and functional. Numerous, universal sockets are located on the side should one need to work on their laptop or charge their gadgets.
The bed was ultra soft and comfortable as well.
And here are me and my friends enjoying a great night of board games and milk tea!
Going through the Check-Out Process
At around 10:00 am, I called the front desk to see if I could request for a late check-out. Sadly, all rooms were booked so my request wasn’t granted. Still, check-out process was smooth and fast. I asked them if I could leave my luggage with them first since I will be having lunch with my friends and they obliged.
Overall, my stay with Ascott was great; though I wasn’t able to fully experience the amenities such as the gym, pool, sauna and breakfast since I was pressed for time. Would I consider staying here again? Maybe, but I’d probably book a 2 or 3-room next time so my friends could have a sleep-over instead!
