The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

With fun decor in primary colors and artsy touches such as checkered floors and ceilings and bright tapestries hanging on walls, the Picasso is a refreshing departure from the many business properties in Makati. The building in which it is housed is an aging structure, and some details -- such as the grayish tile floors in rooms -- are a tad dated. However, bright pops of color help add contemporary appeal. The lobby has a black-and-white color scheme with a few colorful accents such as deep red carpets, a pink wall with a section of Picasso’s famous Gernica painting, and a small nook with cobalt blue walls, a mustard carpet, and a bright canvas. Rooms have a similar feel, with accent walls in different primary colors and bed runners with Cubist patterns. With a quiet location in Makati, the Picasso is a natural pick for business travelers, but families and couples may also find it convenient due to its proximity to attractions such as the Salcedo Village market and Ayala Center, its relaxed atmosphere, and its large rooms that can accommodate groups. 

The hotel is located between L.P. Leviste and Soliman, two quiet residential streets in a safe area of Makati known as Salcedo Village. There are many restaurants and bars within a few blocks, and famous Salcedo Village Saturday Market -- a foodie’s paradise -- is half a block from the hotel. Makati Avenue’s hopping nightlife and dining scenes are just a short walk away, and there are dozens of corporate offices within an easy stroll from the hotel. Major attractions such as Intramuros and Rizal Park are a 30-minute drive away in normal driving conditions, and the airport is about the same distance from the hotel. 

The hotel has 136 large rooms ranging from 485-square-foot Malaga units to 1,432-square-foot Picasso Lofts. All rooms have balconies (most with two chairs and a table) and kitchenettes equipped with cooktops, mini-fridges, electric kettles, sinks and microwaves. Although the tile floors give away the age and humble origins of the building, in-room amenities are on par with those found at more upscale properties, and include free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, LCD TVs, minibars, and rain showers. Decor in black, white and bold colors is contemporary, while small artsy details such as Cubist-style patterns on bed runners and large mural paintings on balconies are nods to the hotel’s general Picasso theme. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, with walk-in showers (and separate tubs in some) and a wide array of Kudos toiletries. DVD players and rice cookers are available on request. There are designated smoking rooms on the fifth and sixth floors. 

Pablo serves a short menu of traditional Western European cuisine with a twist in a stylish space with hardwood floors and an industrial feel. It is a little expensive and the breakfast menu doesn’t seem to be very popular, but the restaurant is always busy for dinner and has live bands once a week. The bi-level fitness center is large and appealing, with floor-to-ceiling windows, laminate floors, and a wide array of cardio and strength-training equipment. Located on the fourth floor, the art gallery showcases works by Filipino artists that change every few months. The hotel also has a meeting room with audiovisual equipment, a small business center with a couple of computers, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Qi Wellness Spa offers body treatments and reflexology sessions, and guests get discounted rates at the nail and hair salon located on the ground floor.