Somerset Central Salcedo: Makati's Most Luxurious Hidden Gem?
Somerset Central Salcedo: My Makati Oasis - Yeah, Really a Hidden Gem? (And Not Just Because I Got Lost Trying to Find It)
Okay, so here's the deal. I've spent the last few weeks swanning about Makati, supposedly in search of luxury. And after a few… ahem… experiences… I finally found myself in Somerset Central Salcedo. And honestly? I’m still a little breathless. This place isn't just a hotel, it's a whole damn mood. Let's get messy, shall we? And yes, this is a review – a very detailed one. SEO, schm-EO.
First Impressions (and Accessibility! Because, You Know, Life Happens):
Finding the place? A mini-adventure. My sense of direction is… well, let's just say I'm a fan of Google Maps. But once I finally stumbled through the discreet entrance, I was hit with this… calm. Like, a giant sigh of relief the minute you walk in. The lobby is all sleek lines and soft lighting – definitely a departure from those gaudy, over-the-top Makati hotels.
Accessibility? They actually thought about it. I’m not talking about token ramps either. Facilities for disabled guests, that’s a proper tick. And the elevator? Smooth as butter. Didn't have to worry about wrestling luggage or awkward staircases. Seriously, in a city where accessibility can be a struggle, this matters big time.
Rooms: My Sanity Sanctuary (and My Addiction to Blackout Curtains):
Okay, the rooms. Forget hotels, think actual apartments. Mine (thank you, gods of luxury!) was spacious. And the air conditioning? Bliss. But let's cut to the chase: the blackout curtains. Oh. My. God. They’re not just dark; they're obsessively dark. Perfect for a total sleep-in, a necessary evil after my usual late-night adventures.
The bed? Cloud-like. The bathrobes? So fluffy I almost didn’t leave the room. Bathrobes are another weakness of mine, I have to admit. The in-room safe box was a nice touch too, though I only had to hide my snacks from myself! The mini-bar was stocked with…stuff. And thankfully, tons of free bottled water. I’m a thirsty human, folks.
Cleanliness and Safety: Can I Actually Breathe Easy?
In the current climate, this is HUGE. And Somerset gets it. They use anti-viral cleaning products and have professional-grade sanitizing services. Not just a quick wipe-down – full-on clean. The Rooms sanitized between stays. Plus, they have all the usual suspects: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, daily disinfection in common areas. I felt genuinely safe. Anti-viral cleaning products are another good point. And the first aid kit is available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Happy Place:
Alright, let's talk food. The Asian breakfast in the restaurant? Delicious. (And I’m not just saying that because I was hangry.) They have a buffet in restaurant, AND a la carte in restaurant, so you can choose your level of indulgence. They had the usual suspects, but honestly, the freshness and quality? Way above average. And there's a coffee shop on site - my caffeine addiction was well catered to.
I'm a fan of a strong cocktail, and the bar didn't disappoint with the happy hour. They offer a poolside bar, but sadly, I never made it, but it was a nice touch. They had a snack bar if you just want something quick. Plus, room service [24-hour]! Heaven!
Wellness and Relaxation: I Need This More Than Oxygen:
Okay, this is where Somerset REALLY shines (and where I lost my mind in the best way). The spa? The sauna? The steamroom? YES, YES, AND YES. I tried the body scrub. Seriously, I emerged from that experience a new person. Smoother skin, a calmer mind – it was like being reborn. It’s a cliché, but it’s true. And I might have spent an hour in the foot bath just zoning out. It was pure, unadulterated bliss.
The Pool: View Goals Achieved
I'm not a big pool person because I can never make up mind what to wear, how to look, how to act, and what to do in the pool, but the swimming pool at Somerset is something else! It's a pool with view, the kind of view that makes you forget you have deadlines and responsibilities. It's also outdoor swimming pool, which is ideal for the climate, and definitely a great experience.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything, Honestly:
This is where Somerset goes from "nice" to "wow."
- Concierge: They can pretty much do anything. My laundry? Done. Taxi? Booked. Restaurant recommendations? Spot on.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day. And the team? Friendly and efficient.
- Elevator: Yes, I need to bring this up again. Incredibly helpful and a huge bonus.
- Cash withdrawal: Very convenient
- Laundry service: Absolutely necessary for me.
- Luggage storage: Always a lifesaver.
- Convenience store: Useful for snacks and forgotten essentials.
- Doorman: A helpful and welcome addition.
- Safety deposit boxes: Just in case.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: A great addition.
- Airport transfer: Easy and smooth.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Helpful in the business side.
For The Kids (Because Life Isn't Always About Me):
I didn’t travel with kids. But I noticed they had babysitting service and family/child friendly accommodations.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]: Always a bonus.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Valet parking: A nice touch.
Internet: Because I Can't Live Without It (Sadly):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Praise be!)
- Internet access: Good speeds.
- Internet [LAN]: They offer both wireless and wired options, which is excellent.
- Wi-Fi in public areas.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Honest Stuff: Okay, here's where it gets real. The window that opens in my room? Loved that. I need fresh air! The downside? I wasn't sure how to call for help. But the staff were super responsive to my requests, so that was my way to handle it. Also, the bottle of water could be refilled daily, But this is me picking nits, folks. This is a place where they genuinely care about their guests.
The Big Question: Is Somerset Central Salcedo Makati's Most Luxurious Hidden Gem?
Honestly? Yes. And here's why. It's not just about the plush rooms or the amazing spa. It’s about the atmosphere. It's calm, it's classy, and it’s comfortable. It's a place you can truly relax and recharge. They put a lot of love and effort into this property.
My Recommendation: Book it. Now.
The Offer (Because You Deserve It):
Are you ready to experience the luxury, the tranquility, the escape of Somerset Central Salcedo?
Book your stay now and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink at the bar.
- 10% off your first spa treatment.
- Complimentary breakfast (because who wants to cook on vacation?).
- A late check-out (so you can savor every last second of paradise!)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Click here to book your stay and discover why Somerset Central Salcedo is Makati's best-kept secret! [Insert Booking Link Here]
Don’t wait. This oasis is waiting for you! And you know what? You deserve it. And the place is waiting for you to come to it, and give it a try!
Escape to the Heart of Tennessee: Unforgettable Stay at Jonesborough's Country Inn & Suites
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a descent into the heart of Somerset Central Salcedo, Makati, Manila, with yours truly as a slightly frazzled, incredibly opinionated guide. Hold onto your hats, it's gonna be a bumpy, beautiful ride.
Somerset Central Salcedo: My Manila Madness (or, How I Nearly Lost My Mind in Paradise)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Aircon Conspiracy
- 14:00 - Arrival at NAIA, Manila: Ugh. The humidity hits you like a slap in the face, the air smelling suspiciously of diesel and something vaguely floral. (The flowers? The smog? Who knows!) My luggage, bless its heart, only arrived after a spirited argument with a baggage handler who definitely thought I was speaking Martian.
- 16:00 - Check-in at Somerset Central Salcedo: Okay, this place is… nice. Gleaming lobby, friendly (but slightly overwhelmed-looking) staff. My room? Decent view, a bed that looks suspiciously inviting after that chaotic flight. A quick, desperate prayer to the aircon gods… YES! It's working! (This is huge. Trust me.)
- 17:00 - First Impressions Walkabout: Determined to conquer jetlag, I venture out. Salcedo Village is… charming. Trees! Parks! Actual sidewalks! I walk past the Legazpi Market, a hive of colorful activity. The smells alone – garlic, grilled meat, something I can't quite identify but desperately want to eat – almost overwhelm me. I buy a mangosteen. Divine. One bite and a smile is the only logical response.
- 18:30 - Dinner at Nikkei: This place is awesome. The ambiance is cool, and the food is a blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. I ordered the Ceviche and the sushi rolls. The flavors were fantastic. I’d rate the food a 5 out of 5.
- 21:00 - Aircon Check-In (Again): Yup, still humming. Victory! But my brain is mush. The jetlag is creeping in. I crash, dreaming of… well, probably aircon.
Day 2: Markets, Mayhem, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Coffee
- 07:00 - Wake up call from the aircon! (The good kind): Feeling marginally human. Coffee is top priority - a desperate, life-or-death mission. Sadly, the in-room coffee situation is… bleak.
- 08:00 - Breakfast at a local cafe (struggle is real): I find a cafe down the street that looks promising. It's a little chaotic. The menu is in Tagalog. I muddle through with my rusty "thank you" and "please," pointing frantically at something that kinda looks like eggs. They arrive, looking suspiciously pale and… unfamiliar. But hey, coffee! It's not strong enough. Sigh. The search continues.
- 09:30 - Exploring the Legazpi Sunday Market: Okay, this is a total sensory overload. Colors! Smells! Sounds! I'm wandering through the stalls, eyeing everything from artisan cheeses (yes, really) to local crafts. I buy a ridiculously cute (and probably impractical) sun hat. Regret is immediate, but the hat is just so ridiculously adorable!
- 11:00 - Mass at Saint Andrew the Apostle Church: A beautiful church. The architecture is stunning. The service is a blend of reverence and genuine warmth. I don’t understand a word of Tagalog, but somehow, the spirit of the place transcends language. It's a nice moment.
- 12:30 - Lunch at a street food stall (the risky delight): After much internal debate and a quick consultation with my stomach (which, surprisingly, agreed), I go for some grilled skewers. Don't ask what's on them. It tastes like pure, unapologetic deliciousness. I’m pretty sure I saw a stray dog eyeing my meal, but I'm not sharing.
- 14:00 - Siesta/Attempted Relaxation: Back at the hotel for a desperately needed nap. But, of course, the city is buzzing. The sounds of life here are the soundtrack to my day. It’s a cacophony of car horns, chattering, and the distant thrum of… well, more car horns. My brain still can’t fully switch off.
- 16:00 - Coffee Quest (Round 2): I'm determined to find a decent cup of coffee. I've heard about a specific cafe. I'm hunting it down. I'm asking directions from friendly locals. I’m navigating the chaotic traffic with a death grip on my (now slightly crumpled) map.
- 17:00 - Coffee Nirvana: Success! The cafe is small, charming, and serving coffee that could raise the dead. I order two. I actually close my eyes and savor the moment. This is the best part of my trip so far. This is how I want to spend the rest of the trip.
- 19:00 - Dinner at a random restaurant (more culinary daring): It's a bustling, noisy place with a menu that’s a total mystery to me. I pick something at random, praying for the best. It's… interesting. Not what I ordered, but not entirely bad either. I'm learning to go with the flow.
- 21:00 - Aircon check, sleep, and dream!
Day 3: Escaping the City and The Great Coffee Conspiracy Continues
- 08:00 - The coffee quest continues!! I'm craving the coffee from Day 2. I attempt the journey. It's longer than it felt yesterday. After an hour and a half, I arrive to find the place closed. It was the highlight of my trip. Now, I'll go back to the in-room coffee.
- 10:00 - Trip to Tagaytay: I booked a day trip to a place with a gorgeous volcano and some of the best views. I hope the sky is clear. Even the drive out of Manila had me in awe.
- 16:00 - Back to the hotel: After the drive, the excitement made me tired. I just want a nap
- 18:00 - Dinner and then sleep
Day 4: Reflection and the bittersweet farewell
- 08:00 - The coffee! Back at the hotel.
- 12:00 - Check out
- 15:00 - Departure
Final Thoughts:
Look, this trip hasn’t been perfect. I've been lost, confused, and slightly overwhelmed. I've eaten things I couldn't name and gotten lost in the maze of Manila's traffic. But it's also been incredible. The people are unbelievably kind, the food is amazing (most of the time), and the city has this raw, energetic pulse that's both exhausting and exhilarating.
I’ll be back. Maybe. And next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker. Just in case.
Dominican Paradise Found: Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa Awaits!
Somerset Central Salcedo: Makati's "Luxurious Hidden Gem"? Let's Get Real.
So, is Somerset Central Salcedo actually *that* luxurious, or is it marketing fluff?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get a little… complicated. Look, the *building* itself? Gorgeous. The lobby? Makes you want to ditch your ratty slippers and suddenly appreciate marble. But "luxurious" is a slippery word, isn't it? It depends on your definition, and, frankly, on your budget. If you're used to, say, actual palaces, this might feel… upscale-adjacent. If, like me, you usually stay in places where the complimentary toothbrush feels like it's made of cardboard and the coffee tastes vaguely of sadness, then yeah, it's a step up. A big one. I remember, the first time I walked in... I nearly tripped on the welcome mat (too excited, okay?). It *did* feel fancy.
BUT… (and there's always a 'but,' isn't there?) Luxurious isn't just about the pretty wallpaper. I had a slightly disastrous experience once where the promised "gourmet breakfast" consisted of lukewarm scrambled eggs and what tasted suspiciously like instant coffee. Okay, I understand it's not a Michelin star restaurant but I was counting on that bacon. That bacon! (I'm still bitter.) And, the gym? Fantastic equipment, sure. Except during peak hours, it's more crowded than a Black Friday sale. Trying to work out with a constant chorus of grunts? Not so luxurious.
What's the vibe like inside Somerset Central Salcedo? Is it pretentious or actually chill?
Ugh, "vibe." Such a millennial phrase, right? But here goes. It’s… a mixed bag. Honestly. You'll see a lot of well-dressed types gliding through, probably discussing stock options and whatever the latest luxury handbag is. Yes, you might feel a pang of inadequacy wearing your favorite band t-shirt. I, personally, felt like a particularly bewildered tourist. One time I wore my ripped jeans. I thought as long as I have my shoes, I’m good. But I feel like I was being judged, and honestly, I was probably being judged (the struggle is real). On the flip side, the staff is *generally* lovely. Friendly, helpful, and they don’t make you feel like you’re a peasant. That’s a win. Or maybe I just got lucky. Maybe some people find it super chill and the staff is excellent. But, you know… social anxiety is my constant companion.
I think it depends on the day, the crowd, and maybe the phase of the moon. Overall, it’s not actively pretentious. But it's definitely *classy*. If you're hoping to rock up in ripped jeans and a "World's Okayest Dad" t-shirt, maybe reconsider. Unless, of course, you're feeling rebellious… which is always an option, right?
Are the rooms actually worth the price tag? What's the deal with the kitchens and all that jazz?
Okay, deep breath. The rooms… they’re pretty darn nice. Spacious. Clean. The beds are like clouds. I actually slept *too* well. I nearly missed a breakfast (remember the disappointment?). The kitchens… um, well, they *look* amazing. Granite countertops! Shiny appliances! I felt like I should start whipping up gourmet meals, you know? Except I can barely boil an egg. So, I used the kitchen… for making instant noodles. Don't judge me! Life is hard, and instant noodles are easy.
Here's the thing: The kitchens are great if you *actually* cook. Or, if you're a baller who hires a private chef. If you're more of a takeout-and-Netflix kind of person (guilty!), they're a bit… underutilized. You're paying for the privilege of having a fancy kitchen you might not even touch. So, are they worth it? Depends on your culinary habits. For me? Probably not. But that doesn't make them any less impressive.
What about the views? Are they as amazing as they look in the pictures?
Ah, the views. That's a definite highlight. Depending on your room (and your luck, I guess), you can get some killer views of Makati's skyline. I remember one time I was staring out the window, completely lost in thought, and suddenly I noticed... a pigeon. Just, clinging to the ledge, staring back at me. It was a surreal moment. A pigeon! In this, supposed, luxury haven. It grounded me, I think. I realised I could be happy with this pigeon, too, as long as I've got a good view.
The pictures? They're pretty accurate. But the *feeling* of staring out at those city lights… that's something you can't capture in a photo. It's a little bit magical, a little bit awe-inspiring. Just be prepared for the occasional pigeon-related existential crisis. You know, real life stuff.
Is the location of Somerset Central Salcedo truly "central"? Is it noisy?
Central? Yep. Right in the heart of Salcedo Village. Salcedo is *the* place for weekend markets and… well, generally being fancy. There is the Salcedo Saturday Market you could go to. Which is fantastic if you like beautiful people and locally sourced avocados. (I LOVE avocados). It's convenient for getting around Makati, close to restaurants, bars, and the usual city stuff. You're not going to be stranded. You're in the thick of it.
Noise? It's a city, so yes, you'll hear stuff. Sirens, traffic, the occasional late-night karaoke session (bless them). The windows *seem* pretty soundproof, but you can’t guarantee a quiet night on weekends, especially if you're a light sleeper like me. So, pack earplugs. Seriously. Trust me. You might need them to block out those karaoke singers.
Is Salcedo Village itself all it's cracked up to be? Any unexpected downsides?
Salcedo Village… It's charming. Seriously, the Saturday Market is a delight. The restaurants are generally good (though the prices can be eye-watering). I once had a *terrible* (but hilarious in retrospect) experience trying to find a decent coffee shop. I wandered around for like an hour, getting increasingly hangry. I finally gave up and got a mediocre latte from aLocal Hotel Tips
