Nestled amidst the towering buildings lining Makati Avenue in the lively district of Poblacion, Abraham Manila guarantees budget travelers an immersive experience right in the heart of Makati. A few years back, it was rare to find dormitories around the business district; they either offered good ambiance but were pricey or were cheap but with not-so-good amenities. It’s refreshing to see new options in Makati catering to backpackers, like Abraham Manila, that aims to provide affordable accommodation without compromising on quality.
With a jam-packed weekend visit to the metro, I stayed at Abraham Manila since Makati is strategic in relation to the places I’ll visit: MOA Arena for a UAAP game, Binondo for a food trip, and Araneta Coliseum for a PVL game.
Arrival
The property’s ground floor serves as the reception and common area for guests. The colorful walls and decor instantly lift your spirits, making arrivals so relaxing. Meanwhile, a day before your arrival, customer service will send you an email regarding the check-in protocols. If you complete it before your arrival, checking in will be super-fast as they will only need to validate your identification. Once it’s confirmed in their system, they’ll hand you your key access in an RFID wristband, how cool is that! You can wear your key access without worrying about losing it during your stay.
Abraham Manila Room Types
The property comprises 8 floors, six of which are dedicated to room accommodations, with the ground floor serving as the reception and lobby, and the seventh floor reserved for dining and lounging. Each floor, except the 8th floor, features 4 room types: Room 1 offers 8-bed dorm accommodation, Room 2 is designed for families, Room 3 consists of 4-bed dorms, and Room 4 provides double rooms. Meanwhile, the topmost floor exclusively features dorm rooms and is designated as female-only.
I booked a double room for my stay to focus on work and minimize encounters with other travelers. But here’s a pro-tip for remote workers like me: even if you’ve booked a shared room, you can use the co-working space on the ground level.
Their double room offers no-frills accommodation. The air-conditioned room features a queen bed for two, adorned with fluffy pillows and comfortable bedding. There’s a small workspace and a simple nook with a bean bag. However, there’s no television, so it’s best to rely on your Netflix during your stay. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building but may be erratic at times. Towels and basic shower essentials like shampoo and body wash are provided. Plus, the rainfall showerhead and bidet are a nice touch.
While housekeeping was cleaning a room, I had the chance to catch a glimpse of their shared rooms. They surpass expectations with the quality of bedding used, and having a shared bathroom inside adds convenience. The 8-bed dorm boasts a spacious layout, making it an ideal hangout spot for groups. Additionally, it offers views of Makati Avenue through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Common Areas and Lounges
I admire how they’ve designed the common areas, ensuring guests have ample spaces to relax. On the ground floor, before the reception area, is the venue for their acoustic nights, where guests can enjoy drinks while jamming with the guest performer. Just a stone’s throw from the reception desk are a few tables and chairs. Adjacent to that is a working booth, providing guests with a quiet space to focus on work. Comfortable booths equipped with electric outlets are available. Another section houses the tour desk and a merchant area where you can buy cool shirts if you’re interested. Lastly, at the far end of the lobby, there are couches and high tables for additional seating.
If the ground level exudes an artsy and hippie vibe, the seventh floor offers a tropical ambiance, especially in the al-fresco area. Wooden light fixtures, plush cushions, and rattan chairs adorn the entire floor, complemented by yucca plants scattered around the area.
Things to do
When it comes to things to do, Abraham Manila has you covered. They have a dedicated tour service, Abraham Tours, that recommends activities in the city and nearby provinces. Last time I checked, they offer day trips to Mount Pinatubo for a thrilling 4×4 ride to the volcano crater, Pagsanjan Falls for an adrenaline-pumping canoe ride to the falls, and an island-hopping experience in Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. For longer trips, they offer a 4-day Sagada and Banaue tour to immerse yourself in highland culture.
For those who prefer not to venture far, a Manila City Tour lets you explore Binondo Chinatown, navigate the city using local transportation, and tour around the Walled City of Intramuros. If you’re seeking free activities, they offer a complimentary Intramuros tour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as well as free Manila Pub Crawls in Makati on Thursdays and Sundays. Additionally, if you crave a feast, you can join the boodle fight (about USD10) for a Filipino traditional communal dinner where everyone gathers at the table to eat their meal together with their hands.
Meanwhile, you can still venture out on your own and explore Makati, as the hostel is strategically located in Poblacion. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in the local culture. Treat yourself to a food trip and sample delicious Filipino delicacies from street vendors and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Abraham Manila: Overall Review
What truly sets apart Abraham Manila from the other players in town are the personal touches they make for your stay to be extra special. Whether it’s the complimentary breakfast, the cozy common areas where you can mingle with fellow travelers, tour suggestions and offerings, or the commendable service provided by their staff.
For budget travelers seeking an affordable and convenient place to stay in Makati, Abraham Manila is the perfect choice. With its comfortable accommodations, convenient location, array of amenities, and friendly staff, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive. So why wait? Book your stay at Abraham Manila today and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Philippines! Get an additional 5% off when you book through their official site using my code EXPLORER5.
