From Hostels to Luxe Apartments: Places to Stay in Poblacion, Makati City for Every Budget

There was a time when Barangay Poblacion in Makati City was avoided—unless, of course, you're someone who's into strip clubs, karaoke bars, and sketchy massage parlors. It was the city's red light district in its heyday; and while remnants of this raunchy vibe still exist in the dark alleys, much of the town has been reborn. It is now home to cool hole-in-the-wall restaurants, hangout spots with craft beers, and hip hostels and luxe hotels.

READ: 7 Reasons to Live in Poblacion, Makati

If you're looking to spend the night in Makati City, here are Poblacion hotels and hostels you should check out:

PHOTO BY Website/Aruga Apartments by Rockwell

Aruga Apartments by Rockwell

Waterfront Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City
Contact: (02) 8818-0000
E-mail: [email protected]
www.aruga.com.ph
Rates start at P6,000

Whether you're staying for a night or for a month, there's a room for you at Aruga Apartments by Rockwell. Room options range from the Studio Deluxe to the Two-Bedroom Suite, which all have a fully equipped kitchen for when you need to transform your hotel room into a temporary home. Guests also have access to an outdoor pool surrounded by trees and a fitness center where you can choose to have a personal trainer.

PHOTO BY Facebook/I'M Hotel

I'M Hotel

Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: (02) 7755-7888
E-mail: [email protected]
imhotel.com
Rates start at P4,800

Five-star I'M Hotel is best known for their I'm Onsen Spa, which ranked sixth on SPOT.ph's Top 10 Hotel Spas in 2019. Their staycation promos often include a body massage, facial massage, and access to Onsen facilities (steam, onsen, and sauna), so it's best to keep up with their latest deals. Their swimming pool, which is the subject of many photographs, catches the eye of guests because of its acrylic bottom (in other words, people entering the lobby can see the pool through a clear ceiling). I'M Hotel as a total of 434 rooms, 182 of which are suites with a kitchenette, living room, and dining area.

READ: Where to Stay in the Metro: 10 Airbnbs Under P2,500 For Your Next Staycation

PHOTO BY Facebook/Unwnd

Unwnd Lux Hostel

5396 General Luna Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: 0917-532-2424
E-mail: [email protected]
www.unwndluxhostel.com
Rates start at P4,600

If you assume that hostels are equivalent to cheap accommodation, think again. Unwnd, which is described as a "luxury hostel," combines the no-frills and lively atmosphere of hostels with the comforts of a high-end hotel. It also has the added bonus of almost every corner being Instagram-worthy.

The dorm rooms, which can either be co-ed or all-girls, have large-sized bunk beds with lockers, USB outlets, reading lights, and privacy screens or curtains. The shared restrooms have ample counter space, dispensers for last-minute bathroom needs, and extra changing rooms. But if you need a more private place to stay, they also have standard rooms and suites.

PHOTO BY Facebook/Coro Hotel

Coro Hotel

8436 Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: (02) 8813-1000
E-mail: [email protected]
corohotel.com
Rates start at P4,120

This premier hotel along the busy Kalayaan Avenue is just a few steps away from speakeasy bar The Odd Seoul, Onlypans Taqueria, and other favorite Poblacion food spots. It has a roof deck pool, which is open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.—giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the view of the Makati skyline at whatever time of the day. Rooms range from the Superior Legato, which can accommodate two adults and two kids, to the two-bedroom Aria Suite.

READ: You Can Book This Mediterranean-Inspired Villa in Bulacan For Your Next Getaway

PHOTO BY Facebook/Element Boutique Hotel

Element Boutique Hotel

4950 Guerrero Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: 0967-442-1388
E-mail: [email protected]
www.elementboutiquehotelmakati.com
Rates start at P2,500

Designed and managed by Franco-Filipino owners, Element is a hotel, restaurant, and bar all rolled into one. Its bistro offers French and Mediterranean cuisine, encompassing more than 70 dishes from tuna tartare to chocolate profiterole. They only have a handful of rooms, so better book fast. You can choose from the three available Philippines Deluxe Double rooms, three Philippines Superior Double rooms, and one Penthouse.

PHOTO BY Facebook/U Hotels

U Hotels

5091 P. Burgos Street corner San Mateo Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: (02) 8820-1000
E-mail: [email protected]
uhotels.ph
Rates start at P1,920

Dubbed "the first art hotel in Metro Manila," U Hotels Makati champions the Philippine art scene by showcasing local artworks on its walls. The lobby and other corners of the hotel act as mini museums. Guests also have different types of rooms to choose from: Deluxe Triple, Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Standard Twin, and Standard Room—all with unique murals done by local contemporary artists.

PHOTO BY Facebook/Z Hostel

Z Hostel

5660 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: (02) 8856-0851
E-mail: [email protected]
zhostel.com
Rates start at P1,250

Z Hostel only has one requirement from its guests: "Good vibes only." If you imbibe these three words, then you're all set. You can stay in their mixed dorms with customized bunk beds and lockers or book their private rooms on the highest floors of the building. The best part of the latter is that you're just a few steps away from the popular Z Roofdeck, which is known for its view, great music, cold beer, and happy hour. Their cafe's menu is also a must-not-miss, especially the buffet breakfast that features street ramen, yakitori, and local favorites.

READ: This Vacation Farm in Laguna Features 5 Charming Tiny Houses

PHOTO BY Facebook/Draper Startup House Manila

Draper Startup House Manila

5048 P. Burgos Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: 0945-830-9360
E-mail: [email protected]
draperstartuphouse.com
Rates start at P1,180

Is it a co-working space? A gallery? A cafe? A bar? A hostel? Well, it's a little bit of everything. Draper Startup House is in the business of providing space for startups, art exhibits, music festivals, parties, and everything. The hostel, specifically, features private rooms and dorm rooms that are perfect for traveling entrepreneurs and digital nomads. The "entrepreneur-centric accommodation" has things you need within reach: a startup cafe, a meditation room, offices, conference rooms, content-creation rooms, and more.

PHOTO BY Facebook/Lub d Makati

Lub d Makati

7820 Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: (02) 8541-6358
E-mail: [email protected]
lubd.com/destination/philippines-makati
Rates start at P631

Lub d Makati also caters to digital nomads who need a quiet place to work, have a meeting, or need to join teleconferences; then have a place to doze off at night after downing a few drinks in Poblacion's hottest bars. You can book a bed either in their Ladies Dorm or Mixed Dorm or get a private room. Their co-working space has high-speed WiFi and spacious desks, and is right next to a juice bar and snack bar. Fees for the co-working space start at P150 for two hours; but if you think you're spending more time there, might as well apply for membership with fees ranging from P150 for five days and P300 for one month.

PHOTO BY Facebook/Zula Hostel

Zula Hostel

7840 Makati Avenue corner P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati City
Contact: (02) 8573-1461
E-mail: [email protected]
zulahostel.com
Rates start at P580

Tagged as a "hostel for wanderers," Zula has multi-bed dorms and women-only spaces with bunk beds, storage nooks, and multifunctional headboards. You don't even have to worry about your gadgets because their lockers have USB sockets for when you need to charge your battery while you're out. Their Kitchen Corner, which is their in-house restaurant, offers both local favorites like Tapa ala Manila and House Smoked Fish and international food like the Foolproof Shakshouka and Grilled Cheese. To cap off the night (or get the party started), their 7F-Bar (on the seventh floor, obviously), is an all-day cafe-bar that comes alive in the evening with bartenders in full swing and a live DJ on deck.

This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.