MANILA, Philippines – The Oakwood brand is no stranger to Metro Manila citizens, having once been a beloved name along Ayala Avenue in Makati City before closing its doors in the mid-2000s.
More than a decade later, the hotelier returned to the city, but this time, along Makati Avenue and now under a new acquisition partnership between I’M Hotel and The Ascott Limited. It is technically a new development under new management but bearing a familiar name and its similar hospitality.
Despite its new location, Oakwood still places you in the thick of Makati’s vibrant nightlife district and dining scene. The hotel is at the intersection of Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue, which makes it a short walk away from Poblacion’s best bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.
What’s new?
Oakwood’s darker and more business hotel-like design and sophisticated structure borrows itself from the neighboring, award-winning I’M Hotel built in 2017, which also reminds me of Singapore’s hotels. Oakwood’s 150 suites have gone through a full renovation, offering a more modern ambiance with complete amenities. Over 200 of the same building’s suites still fall under I’M Hotel.
The hotel merges Ascott’s global expertise in serviced residences and I’M Hotel’s contemporary look, aimed toward business travelers, corporate groups, long-term guests, and small families looking to wind down yet still be where the action happens. The prime location is a major plus!
Prime location for long-term stays
If you’re looking for a quieter, more private retreat, the location’s bustling energy might be a drawback, especially during weekends, when the streets are buzzing with activity.
It’s not a huge and fancy hotel, but the hallways are spacious and carpeted, with each level housing a comfy couch area and water dispenser stations for sustainable refilling. The interiors are striking in a minimalist yet classy way, both for its public spaces and private suites.
Staying at the One-Bedroom Executive Suite felt like having my own snazzy condo unit I could see myself living in, complete with a living room, fully equipped kitchenette, balcony seating, and a comfortable king-sized bed. At 57 square meters, the suite is spacious and minimalist, with enough warmth and coziness to make it feel like home.
The panoramic views of the city skyline add to the appeal.
The in-room amenities are an upgrade — from the 1,000-thread-count linens, bath tub, to the private laundry facilities fit for long-term stays. Oakwood’s rates range between P6,000 to P12,000 per night, depending on the size of the suites (you can choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom) and the booking season.
Oakwood’s rooms are also designed with remote workers in mind. Each suite is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, voice-activated smart TVs, and dedicated workspaces. Another bonus: Oakwood is also pet-friendly!
Oakwood is working on more eco-friendly initiatives; right now, it is reducing single-use plastics by using locally sourced and refillable bath amenities.
Other things to do
If relaxation is what you’re after, I’M Onsen Spa is open right next door. It might not be the newest spa in town, but there’s a lot to do on every level (and it was the first onsen spa in Metro Manila) — there’s hot and cold onsen pools, sauna, steam rooms, free-flowing tea in the Tea Room before your massage, and more.
If you’re staying in, Oakwood offers a few dining experiences. On the ground floor is Osteria M, an Italian-Filipino fusion restaurant helmed by Singaporean pastry chef and general manager Melissa Lim, a finalist on MasterChef Singapore Season 2.
The menu brings together thoughtfully prepared dishes that highlight Lim’s skill in freshly baked bread, artisanal butter, and freshly made pasta (fresh noodles make a difference)!
We tried the fluffy ube focaccia and miso and purple cabbage-infused cultured butter (a favorite of mine for its umami edge and slight crunch from the cabbage), and the unique Seafood Pasta with Bagoong, which didn’t shy away from the boldness of local shrimp paste.
The Truffle Pasta with a sous-vide egg was rich and creamy, especially with the runny egg yolk mixed in. The truffle taste is subtle.
The pizza is also freshly made with in-house dough, featuring a meaty and filling Beef Sausage Bolognese topping packed with chunks of Italian sausage and seasoned ground beef.
For dessert, the bright and zingy Amalfi Lemon and Yuzu Gelato served with a rosemary ice cream waffle was a refreshing and light way to end the otherwise heavy, carb-loaded meal.
For breakfast, head to The Common Good on the fourth floor for an extensive buffet that includes many continental, Asian, and Filipino options, along with a free-flowing espresso station until 11 am. You can also order in-room dining meals from here.
Oakwood also shares the same clear acrylic-bottom infinity swimming pool as I’M Hotel, where you can people-watch the streets of Makati Avenue while taking a dip or while seated at the dome lounges hanging above the pool. Crystal kayaks are also available to borrow.
The newly launched Barangay Bar also aims to be the next inclusive LGBTQ+ destination in Makati, right beside the pool. On certain nights, live music is played (it’s near the spa, so note that you may hear it from inside I’M Onsen).
Oakwood’s return to Makati is a welcome revival, offering short-term or long-stay travelers a straightforward stay right in the city’s heart. It may not be the Oakwood many remember from distant times, but it is a new name setting its path forward, with newly renovated suites, new dining experiences, quality service, seasoned management, and a prime location with a premium touch. – Rappler.com
For more information, you can visit Oakwood Makati Avenue on Facebook.