B Hotel: Beyond Business

“Business or pleasure?” the immigration officer asks as his hand hovers over 

your passport with a red stamp. You mumble a reply, to which he smiles and waves you off, half-listening and disinterested. But as you walk away, in your head, you wonder, 

“Why can’t it be both?” 

At B Hotel, they have not only pondered the same question, they have also offered an enlightening thought — mixing business with pleasure is not only possible, it is recommended.

Unlike its sister hotel, the five-star Bellevue Manila (also managed by the Bellevue Hotels group), B Hotel is a masculine, no-frills business hotel for travelers. But one shouldn’t fall into the trap of limiting it to just that. “B Hotel has all the essentials. It has the basics of a great business hotel, but we offer so much more,” says director of marketing communications Ryan Chan. “We add that extra touch of personalized service. We believe that pampering is the new business amenity,” he continues. 

Indeed, B Hotel, as the best business hotel in the South, understands exactly what travelers need from the minute they step in the door. Barely two years into its operation, B Hotel has earned a loyal and growing fan base. 

Whether guests stay for a night or six months, B Hotel becomes their home away from home. Entering the hotel, one can’t help but bask in the masculine appeal it exudes. All thanks to the dark yet warm interiors, accentuated with hardwood designs and other modern lines. Subtle décor also align themselves along the entrance and corners, adding that element of luxury to what could otherwise have been just another simple layout. 

During our visit, the strong aroma of freshly brewed coffee floats towards us and we follow the delicious scent to a small group of businessmen whom we assume have decided to discuss the day’s business agenda at the Café. The Prime Café, Chan points out, is also the favorite watering hole of businessmen and golfers who play at the nearby courses in Alabang and Laguna. 

It is not surprising that Prime Café has become one of the favorite places of gathering as it offers great value for your money dishes that people from all walks of life just can’t say no to. From the elevated clubhouse sandwich to the perfected Filipino tradition, salpicao (its bestseller), Prime Café’s food is straightforward. You are ensured of a good, filling meal that reveals more of itself with every bite. 

But it’s not always about business here. You will realize this as Prime Café’s open space turns into the perfect setting for a night out, transforming itself to a smart cocktail lounge where the boys — and the girls — can chill after a hard day’s work. Surrounding business and call centers in Madrigal Business Park make sure that the B Hotel lounge finds itself filled with the yuppies of the Southern CBD especially on Friday nights. 

With their favorite drinks in hand, guests can sink into the black, leather couches and bond with friends as the acoustic singer lends to the cool and pleasant ambience. Once loosened up from the alcohol, most guests aren’t too shy to grab the microphone and croon their own winning renditions. The acoustic singers and band are only too glad to pass on the mic. 

As you go up the B Hotel tower, the 154 rooms and eight penthouse units reflect a smart aesthetic. The amenities are minimalist but luxurious, serious but not somber, masculine but still quite stylish. Fitted with the modern needs of the on-the-go executive and leisure travelers such as complimentary high-speed WiFi and flatscreen TVs, each of the suites create the perfect home and/or office space. There, you can either put your feet up and relax, or immerse yourself in work in a quiet environment. 

Floor-to-ceiling windows also grace each suite, bringing in generous servings of sunlight during the day. The gorgeous view of the Alabang skyline, on the other hand, takes its place by nightfall, giving the rooms a romantic, poignant feel.

B Hotel is definitely the epitome of form and function, high technology with subtlety, urbane elegance, luxury and smart accommodations. After staying a night in the South’s best business hotel, you realize, whether for business or for leisure, your stay will always be a pleasure. 

For inquiries and reservations, contact 828 8181 or email info@thebhotel.com or reservations@thebhotel.com 

 First published in PeopleAsia Magazine