With a synergistic partnership and exciting offerings, these lauded names in hospitality are breathing new life into the heart of the city
In the fiercely competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, differentiation is vital to capturing your share of the market. But, how do you stand out from the rest?
I’M Hotel has a number of excellent ideas.
Prepare for an extraordinary collaboration as I’M Hotel, a well-loved name in homegrown hospitality, joins forces with Oakwood Makati Avenue, heralding a new era of comfort, convenience, and chic sophistication. This groundbreaking partnership merges the unique attributes of two iconic brands to redefine the hospitality landscape in Makati. With a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, the fusion of I’M Hotel and Oakwood promises an unmatched experience for discerning travelers.
I’m Hotel meets Oakwood
The homegrown hotel brand recently held its grand media launch, to officially introduce and delve into its exciting transition into a dual property facility, in a shared building. It was an afternoon of much learning from the panel of speakers, represented by leading personalities from the tourism sector, as well as executives of I’M Hotel and Oakwood Makati Avenue. The group ably tackled a range of topics from sustainable travel and digitalization to niche tourism. The hotel likewise prepared a number of engaging activities for guests to enjoy, as well as led the members of the media on a guided tour of Oakwood’s serviced residences.
I’M Hotel’s General Manager, Melissa Lim, pointed out that their collaboration with Oakwood, a synergistic partnership between two renowned brands, reflects the hotel’s commitment to even higher standards of service.
“Our collaboration with Oakwood Makati Avenue signifies our commitment to elevating our standards of service to new heights. Bringing together these two big brands allows us to create an exceptional experience for our guests. And, from a business perspective as well, this meeting of brands and evolving of concepts also strengthens our portfolio, making I’M Hotel—which as you know is a Filipino brand— more marketable for franchise across the country,” GM Lim shared at the launch.
As an esteemed name under the global leadership of The Ascott Limited, the merger with Oakwood further elevates the I’M Hotel experience. Situated at the bustling intersection of Makati and Kalayaan Avenues, Oakwood Makati Avenue presents a seamless blend of modern sophistication and distinguished hospitality.
The property now boasts two distinctive brands under one roof, overseen by the same management team. All the Oakwood suites, 150 in total, are situated on the property’s higher levels. These meticulously designed guestrooms feature expansive floor areas (from 44-100 sqm) with living and dining spaces, impressive Electrolux-fitted modular hideaway kitchenettes, sweeping panoramas of the metro from floor-to-ceiling windows, and creature comforts like state-of-the-art voice command-activated smart TVs, modern appliances, private laundry facilities, premium beddings, a dedicated workstation, and wellness lounge access. Meanwhile, the I’M Hotel brand retains the balance of 283 rooms and suites.
Additionally, the hotel amps up the fun with its room packages, for guests looking for something extra special. Guests with furry friends and furbabies in tow will delight in I’M Hotel Petcation, featuring pet-friendly packages and offers. Other exciting promotions include a culinary escape called Pastacation, perfect for foodies, with pasta-making classes as one of the inclusions; and, for the month of June, Pridecation is a rainbow-centric way to celebrate Pride Month.
Indulge in signature offerings
GM Lim also revealed plans to enhance the concepts under I’M Hotel, such as its culinary experiences and the existing Onsen Spa. In this regard, the hotel launched two dining concepts in April, the Italian-Filipino Restaurant, Osteria M, as well as the first high-end LGBTIQA+ bar in the locale, Barangay Bar.
Osteria M at I’M Hotel’s lobby is the brainchild of GM Lim, a MasterChef Singapore Season 2 finalist. The fusion restaurant, with its playful and carefully curated menu, offers a contemporary twist on classic dishes, promising a dining experience like no other. Sustainability is a cornerstone at Osteria M, with a focus on premium, locally sourced ingredients that support farmers and reduce environmental impact. From handmade pasta to artisanal breads and succulent meats, each dish reflects an unwavering commitment to quality.
On the other hand, Barangay Bar, is Makati’s newest LGBTQ+ hotspot and the first of its kind in the Poblacion locale, a dynamic part of Makati’s overall identity. “When questioned about the benefits of opening an LGBTQIA bar, we at I’M Hotel consider ourselves rather contrarian,” remarked GM Lim. “We firmly believe there’s a substantial market for a high-end bar like Barangay, and a long-time clamor for this in the upbeat Poblacion area. It’s not just about catering to a specific demographic, but about creating an inclusive space where everyone can come together and celebrate diversity,” she added.
Located within the hotel, at its iconic acrylic-bottomed infinity pool area, decked with colorful cage-style cabanas, the bar is inspired by urban barangays (districts) and aims to foster inclusivity and unity. Featuring a chic space and an Instagram-worthy dome, with expertly crafted cocktails, captivating street art, and top-tier entertainment, Barangay Bar promises elevated enjoyment in a safe space for all.
I’M Hotel is also home to the Onsen Spa, the first in the Philippines and currently touted as the largest spa in Manila. Spanning 3800 square meters across six storeys, Onsen Spa is among the hotel’s most unique selling points. At the launch, GM Lim mentioned that there are plans in the pipeline to refresh the spa facilities, promising an even more upscale pampering experience. Definitely something to look forward to!
The urban getaway, reinvented
From the rebirth of Oakwood in the heart of Makati to the introduction of exciting F&B hotspots such as Osteria M and Barangay Bar, I’M Hotel has solidified its status as an industry innovator. This collaboration not only improves the offers of both businesses, but also guarantees an amazing trip for travelers and guests looking for exquisite hospitality and lively lifestyle experiences. With this imaginative collaboration and an array of creative beyond-the-box offerings, I’M Hotel encourages visitors to immerse themselves in a world where luxury, creativity, and culinary excellence come together to reinvent urban life.
For information and bookings, please visit www.imhotel.com and reservations.oma@oakwood.com or call (+63) 7755 7800.
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