Aside from rooms and amenities, location now plays a big factor in the comfort of guests. With the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, especially over the holiday season and the daily rush hour gridlock, finding accommodations that ensure accessibility to leisure centers, transportation hubs, and the airports is a sweet spot for those seeking a relaxing stay.
This need is addressed sufficiently by Savèa Bay City Manila that is conveniently in very close proximity to major malls, entertainment and transport hubs, and significant tourist attractions such as Manila Bay, the Mall of Asia Complex and Entertainment City. The location is also very accessible to popular weddings and events venues, offering MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) participants hassle-free comfort.
Admiral Hospitality Management Inc. General Manager Gel Gomez explains the name Savèa means to be well on your journey. “This comes from the two Latin words ‘salvere’ and ‘via’. “Salvere” meaning to be well and then ‘via’, meaning journey. That idea sits at the heart of what we want for every stay to feel like. We chose it because it captures our goal for the guest, to feel cared for, balanced, and at the ease of the moment they stay. Whether you come here for business or for leisure, you will have that wellness in your mind.”
The hotel’s design, Gomez says, follows a philosophy of calm and simplicity with soft palettes, warm textures and shapes, in an atmosphere that feels restorative. “Every room follows an intentional layout, with kitchens, a work zone, and dining, to support real routines and personal comfort. The setup works well for both short trips and longer stays especially with the growing trend of guests traveling for business but choosing to extend a day or two to explore the local community and to go for a bit of shopping and to enjoy leisure and entertainment. Savèa gives them a space that stays flexible for their needs.”
Seated from left: Joemarie Magalona, Assistant Director of Sales; Lu Jean Ong, Director of Marketing and Communications; Gel Gomez, General Manager; and Kevin Boado, Engineering Manager.
Standing from left: Bianca de la Merced, Digital Marketing Manager; Reeca Jane Leonor, Front Office Manager; RL Santos, Accounting Manager; Michael Roseller Villaluz, Executive Housekeeper; Lala Ballan, E-commerce and Revenue Manager; and Pauline Anthonette Lumibao, Guest Experience Manager.
Innovation towards relaxation
Upon entering the hotel property, guests are treated to a warm relaxing vibe at the lobby. Plush couches face large windows where one can watch the world go by. The rooms also have balconies, with one wing creating opportunities to capture images of the LRT-1 train whizzing by, adding to the experience of a modern vibe.
The feeling of modern convenience extends to the check-in process, service elements, and even the rooms themselves. Savèa prides itself in introducing innovations that make for memorable, seamless stays.
Gomez says, “We define seamless sophistication through ease, flow, and intention. The experience stays connected from the moment the guest arrives with app-based booking and check-ins and QR-enabled in-room services. Our digital QR code can be converted to eight languages including Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. We also have the keyless entry, via mobile key card that helps to create a stay that moves smoothly without calling attention to itself. At Savèa, every detail feels refined, every touch point feels modern, and the result is comfort that feels secured, elevated, and effortless.”
Aside from offering convenience, these features also support sustainability, Gomez says. “Our digital approach reduces all the paper and keeps processes cleaner. We want the guests to enjoy a refined stay that doesn’t come at the expense of the environment.”
She adds, “Our vision is to create a stay that moves with a guest. We focus on flexible conveniences, smart design, and technology that supports hospitality instead of replacing it. Savèa gives guests spaces that attach to how they live, whether they want to cook, work, rest, or do a bit of everything.”
The room amenities are geared towards guests looking for modern conveniences. There is an espresso machine in each room, which also comes equipped with a portable steam iron.
“What’s good about Savèa Bay City Manila is that our amenities are really designed for families and for the business market. Aside from a 25-meter leisurely pool, we also have a kiddie pool, a kiddie playground, a game room and even two karaoke rooms. So aside from the location that is near malls and leisure hubs, we also want the guests and their families to stay in the hotel and enjoy the amenities. Inside the room, we have a kitchen that has all your needs for cooking, even some spices. All these flexible conveniences with carefully thought-of amenities makes a staycation enjoyable for every family.”
Sports enthusiasts, especially golfers, can likewise avail of packages that bring them to the nearby greens in Cavite. Savèa recently signed a partnership with Island Resort Club Tour Services Inc., as one of the accommodations of choice in Metro Manila for golfing packages offered in Korea.
For travelers on business trips, the hotel has a function room that can accommodate 100 to 120, and a smaller meeting room for 30 to 50 persons, along with a very strong Wi-Fi connection so work continues to flow smoothly.
Filipino style
While the hotel is designed with tech as a seamless touch, the touchpoints are still undeniably Filipino, especially as it is a homegrown hospitality brand under Anchor Land Holdings.
Gomez shares, “When you check-in, you have a mobile key card, but we have front office agents who will greet you ‘Mabuhay!’ and make you feel welcome the moment you step in. Their uniforms are designed by House of Laurel and are embroidered with a striking pattern inspired by local weaving traditions. Our room design elements, though very modern, also feature artwork that incorporates the Filipino solihiya, T’nalak, and local weaves. From our uniforms to our artwork, and the warm service, it still resonates and connects as Filipino.”
Having a Filipino General Manager and a woman leader, Gomez also brings in not just her years of experience, but also that innate warmth and care that helps guests feel right at home. “My experience on handling both homegrown and international hotels taught me how various guests want to be taken care of; what their expectations are, and how important it is to stay intuitive of what they want.”
Leadership and growth
At Savèa Bay City Manila, she leads with empathy. “Being Filipino helps because of the warmth that naturally comes with it. We are digitizing, but you still have the authentic care, sensitivity to detail, and people-oriented approach. We want for every guest to feel that they are well taken care of. I think it’s an automatic approach for a woman, and even more so for a Filipino. We have this authentic hospitality. We have this authentic care for everyone, not only for our guests, including our people. That care really translates to how our team connects with each and every guest.” She notes that the team defines much of the Savèa experience, bringing that care to every guest with pride.
As 2026 arrives, Gomez looks forward to the tourism industry’s continued growth. “I’m very optimistic about where the tourism industry is heading. Travelers want flexible stays, and Manila is now responding with new developments, improved infrastructure and a stronger commitment to guest experience. The arrival of the Michelin Guide and the Department of Tourism’s ongoing effort to raise service standards and promote the country globally are bringing new attention to our country and to our destinations. Bay City continues to grow with business and leisure travels that are blending more than ever. We see demand rising from both local and international guests, and Savèa is positioned to support that growth.”
