Finding southern comfort in Bellevue

Quaint yet world-class, grand but not ostentatious, elegant yet uncomplicated. What words can better describe the lingering smell of cinnamon, or the aroma of brewing coffee when one enters the lobby of a small boutique hotel? How refreshing much more refreshing could it be for a business traveler to dine al fresco at the hotel’s poolside café while taking in the soft breezes?

This experience can happen right in the middle of a hectic business district – and not in the south of France, but in the south of, yes, believe it or not – Metro Manila. The new social and business hub is The Bellevue Hotel, aptly called because of the picturesque view it offers. The only business hotel in the Alabang area is not just a place to catch a fascinating vista of the city, but it is also a study in style and distinction.

From its unassuming façade to its 222 well-appointed guest rooms, to the café, to the entertainment center, to the executive lounge, to its business center even up to its lobby, the place is made to give a general mood of ease. Unlike other hotels that have the words grandeur and magnificence stamped on them, the relatively small Bellevue is intimate and unpretentious, bringing guests a breathing space which is akin to home.

Bellevue is the work of Filipino ingenuity of the father-and-son tandem of architects Esteban and Gavino Tan, and interior designer Arlen de Guzman.

"We adapted styles and touches of postmodern architecture – a big challenge because we had to maximize space, and most of all do it within a budget," Esteban Tan explains the owner’s requirements.

In the interior design aspect, all efforts were made to give the place the look and feel of a 5-star hotel. An international selection of artifacts and accent pieces can be seen in the Café D’ Asie Asian Specialty Restaurant, the hotel’s main dining area. Chinese vases and ancient woodcarvings, traditional Bacolod plates, Indonesian art, Austrian glass, French aluminum windows, Filipino furniture and wrought-iron installations were used for a tropical mien.

The rooms flawlessly mix coziness, practical sense and opulence. Chairs and couches are made to be pleasing both to the eyes and the body’s curves. Beds merge good taste with sweet indulgence. Bathroom fittings, curtains and beddings come from places far away. Water closets are hidden from view for utmost privacy. Bathtub and shower areas are separate to minimize accidents. Oval-shaped furnishings give a perception of roominess.

Most importantly, the Bellevue experience is all about comfort, like that fuzzy feeling you sense while snuggling under the covers.

"It’s home away from home. The interior colors are very light, with vertical and horizontal elements done on various scales. We chose materials not only because of their aesthetic quality, we wanted the best and most durable," De Guzman emphasizes.

The magic of The Bellevue’s stylish architecture and ingenious interiors are achieved because of the group’s teamwork. Executive assistant manager Patrick Chan thinks that this is the secret to the successful construction of the hotel.

"It’s a well-assembled team. Unlike other developments that have rivalries because there are so many people involved, in Bellevue’s case all parties have good relationships which were developed from the very beginning and they all know how to compromise," he explains.

Gavino Tan added that simple details like furniture and floor layouts were among the little things they had to agree on.

"We had to work together closely with people involved in the mechanical side, such as the air-conditioning and plumbing. Our achievement as architects is that we were able to design a hotel, which not every architect in this country has had the chance to do. Designing one is very complicated. It’s a blessing for us," he says.

Already fast becoming the prime destination, the hotel is a true testament of what the Filipino can do.

"You have to experience it, it’s a wonderful place. There are so many adjectives I can use to describe it but none will equal the actual experience of it," De Guzman concludes.

The Bellevue Hotel brings the experience of distinctive hotel living – where business also means pleasure, sensible construction is infused with art and Filipino creativity meets world-class standards. It’s the perfect spot to do business and socialize, see sunny smiles and hear two words: "welcome home."

Very few hotels have the rare distinction of being called intimate, homey, or even timeless. A lot have the words grandeur and magnificence stamped on them, and this translates into bumping into a host of intimidating security personnel, getting lost finding the café, or feeling unwelcome upon entering the lobby.

The Bellevue is the only 5-star business hotel south of Metro Manila.