AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) is opening serviced residences under the Seda brand in Makati central business district by the second quarter.
Located within the Ayala North Exchange development along Ayala Avenue, the 35-storey Seda Residences Makati is the first serviced apartment under the homegrown hotel brand.
Marc Cerqueda, general manager of Seda Residences Makati, said the company ventured into serviced apartments after seeing demand from expatriates who are sent on business assignments for an average of six months to a year.
“We expect at least 45 percent of the guests to stay long-term including expats scouting for more permanent lodgings or whose residences are being renovated. Many of them are likely to be doing consultancy work for the multinational firms and BPO offices within Ayala North Exchange as well as other Makati locations,” Mr. Cerqueda was quoted as saying in a statement.
Seda Residences Makati will have 293 units, ranging from studios to three bedrooms. All units will have kitchenettes, dining facilities, and a television, as well as Wifi and cable TV. Units with one to three bedrooms will have washers and dryers, and separate living rooms.
“We take care of all that and allow them to be productive on the same day they arrive. In addition, Seda Residences Makati provides them a prime location in the most established business district of the country,” Mr. Cerqueda said, noting Ayala North Exchange will have two towers for offices and its own retail podium.
There will be an elevator lobby on the ground floor retail area to bring guests to the 19th floor sky lobby. On the same floor, there will be serviced offices, a swimming pool, gym, game room, and kiddie play area.
Mr. Cerqueda noted the Seda chain decided to venture into serviced residences after its success running nine hotels in the country.
“Our high guest repeat rate of 42 percent is evidence that our service standards are widely appreciated and that the brand has gained a loyal following. We are confident we will deliver to this segment Seda’s unique version of Filipino hospitality aligned with world-class standards,” he said.
ALI last year said it will be spending P8-10 billion until 2020 to expand Seda Hotel. — V.M.P.Galang
