I’M Hotel – Redefining Luxury in the Skyline of Makati

“I’M Hotel was conceptualized to redefine the notion of luxury. People no longer look up to flower arrangements or chandeliers. These things are not enough to impress the guest anymore,” explained Ms. Melissa Lim, I’M Hotel’s Marketing Manager, when I asked her why people should stay with I’M Hotel.

She added that they “wanted to change the hotel landscape and there is no better place than the Philippines to do that.”

“We want to be a very modern and contemporary hotel that’s good for family and millennials,” she furthered.

“In terms of pricing, we are very affordable because we are an independent brand, so in order to stand in the market, we need to price ourselves very well. We are a 5-star hotel and one of the lowest 5-star hotels out there. So, you get to experience the luxury and modern amenities without burning a hole in your pocket.”

Photo Credit @Superjeepney

I’M Hotel is the newest 5-Star hotel in Makati. Located on the vibrant Makati Ave, a major thoroughfare in the city and one of the main avenues of Makati Central Bussiness District, the hotel is proximate to restaurants, bars, cafes, and malls. Also, it is only around 10 kms away from the airport.

There was a soft opening in November in preparation for their Grand Opening in the first quarter of 2017.

As I entered the lobby, I was welcomed by their hospitable staff with a warm smile. The huge I’M logo greeting me at the entrance made me more curious. Why is the hotel named I’M Hotel?

Ms. Lim explained that the hotel’s tagline is “I’M All About You” and the reason why it is named I’M is that they want each guest to feel “at home.” It’s a mission that they want to carry out.

She added that I’M Hotel means that their services can be personalized and every single staff is dedicated to making the guests’ experience a fantastic one. The hotel also serves as an encouragement for guests to project their personalities and preferences. Going to the usual 5-star hotel that’s luxurious sometimes doesn’t feel like home.

Photo Credito to IMhotel.com

Being someone who has been to some 5-star hotels inside and outside the Philippines, I already have my checklist of the qualities I want to see in a hotel.

First on the list is that customer service should be excellent. It should embody an exceptional level of proactive service and personal care. I’M Hotel is all about the experience, so this is something I really would like to feel. And I believe that this hotel didn’t fail me. Check-in procedure was fast. Members of the staff were courteous and proactive. The personnel at the front desk were quick to answer calls and to take action on my requests. I also loved they way they called me by my first name which made–it made the experience more personal. Indeed, they’re sticking to their culture of making guests “feel at home.”

Members of the staff were courteous and proactive. The personnel at the front desk were quick to answer calls and to take action on my requests. I also loved they way they called me by my first name which made–it made the experience more personal. Indeed, they’re sticking to their culture of making guests “feel at home.”

We got an executive prestige king room on the 14th floor which has a nice view of Makati. Ms. Lim explained that all 434 spacious rooms are designed to have a nice city scape view.

At 40 sqm, our room was more spacious for two than we expected. The floor is made of high-quality vinyl tiles. The wall is painted cream and white. Everything looks clean, neat and elegantly-designed. Once you enter the room, the first things you will notice are the two doors separating the shower and the toilet area.

Book your stay by clicking this link!

I’ll give a bonus point for the full-length mirror in front of the closet. The bathroom is so spacious it offers a shower room and bathtub. The counter has sufficient space to place all my stuff. The tub is wide and not too high. Water pressure was good. Another thing that I love is the easy-to-adjust hot and cold shower. In some hotels, I find it difficult to find the perfect equilibrium with the water heater. Water becomes either too hot or too cold. Other baths and showers simply run too hot or cold. With I’M Hotel, it’s perfect!

There were complete toiletries. Oh yes! Before I forget, they are using an award winning  Crabtree & Evelyn bath & body care.  They also have plenty of fluffy and high-quality towels.

I’M Hotel has one of the best beds you can ever lie on. When I pressed my bed, it has the right amount of firmness and softness; distinct and all cotton sheets. It’s also a 360 thread count sheet meaning, it’s breathable, cool to cover yourself with, and comfortable on the skin.

Our room has complete amenities. Strong Wi-Fi connection, amazing minibar with motion sensor light, impressive 49-inch SMART LED TV. Unlike other smart TVs, this is easier to use because its remote control serves not only as the keyboard but as the mouse, too. You can also convey your request simply by using their TV.

The room also has an executive writing desk, phone, in-room safe, ironing facilities, and hair dryer.

We had our dinner at Empress Jade, one of I’M Hotel’s restaurants which serve a one of a kind modern Chinese cuisine. We had signature crispy fish skin and prawn cake as our starter and fish maw with goji berries as our soup. For the main course,  we had assorted roast platter, steamed HK style garoupa, homemade beancurd with seasonal vegetables, a bowl of sambal rice, dessert and Chinese tea. Everything was flavourful and delectable.

Enjoy this set dinner menu for only PHP850 per person, minimum of 6 pax.

Of course, we didn’t miss the chance to explore the hotel’s facilities and one of the highlights is their acrylic-bottomed swimming pool.  The pool area is located at the Mermaid Bar, perfectly made for hipsters and millennials.

I’m not sure if we have other acrylic-bottomed swimming pools here in the Philippines.  But, I’m positive that this will be featured as one of the best hotel pools in the country. How was the experience? Book with I’M hotel to find out!

Photo Credit @Superjeepney

Another impressive facility they have is I’M Onsen Spa. Dubbed as the largest state-of-the-art spa facility in The Philippines, it spans 3,800 sqm and stands over 6 storeys high. I tried their signature Swedish massage, a whole-body therapeutic massage which truly relaxed my muscles and joints. I was surprised about different massage routines which I didn’t experience before. I’M Onsen Spa raises my standards when it comes to getting a massage.

I’M Hotel’s Onsen spa features a unique carbonated bath with technology imported from Japan. Their Introductory rate is PHP1,500 net price including buffet lunch or dinner, one hour massage and access to the wellness suite.

Photo Credit @Superjeepney

The next day, we woke up early to enjoy our breakfast at Bloom. One of I’M Hotel restaurants. They serve us good and heavy Filipino, Western, Vegetarian and Oriental. The name The name Bloom is perfect for this place. Because the restaurant looks refreshing. A great place to start your day.

I’M hotel is the answer to my long time question, “Why can’t hotels give an affordable luxurious experience here in the Philippines?”

If you have been traveling around Asia, you will notice that 5-star hotels in our neighboring countries are cheaper compared to what we have here in Manila. Today, I’M Hotel is ready to shake the hotel industry in the Philippines. It is offering quality luxury for a more reasonable price. For rates and reservations, please visit their website, www.imhotel.com

Watch our Youtube video HERE!

Book directly online on I’M Hotel’s website is the savviest way because

• I’M Hotel guarantees the best rate (if you find a better rate elsewhere, they will match it)
• I’M Hotel offers enticing packages that are only available on I’M Hotel’s website
• I’M Hotel has special perks for people who book online, such as a free cocktail to be redeemed at the Mermaid bar

Book your stay with I’M HOTEL now by clicking this link! 

Note: This is a sponsored stay with I’m Hotel . All views, posts and opinions shared here are my own.