Davao's Seda Abreeza Hotel: advantageous location, contemporary interiors and understated elegance

There was a small boxing ring that was already set-up when my friend and I entered the lobby of Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao City. Two pairs of red gloves were hung on its corners which contrasted the predominantly brown and gray color palette of this contemporary hotel in these parts.

An interesting photo composition by Jaime Zobel de Ayala is prominently displayed at the front desk. On our left, I could partly see the hotel pool while Misto, the hotel's all-day dining outlet was on the opposite side. The walls of the latter were adorned with various artistic images of the T'nalak, a handwoven cloth by the T'boli, an ethnic tribe in Mindanao.

Seda Abreeza's hotel front desk is manned by very well-trained staff. In fact, it is the only hotel in Davao that is certified by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute as a "Certified Guest Service Professionals" or CGSP.

Even the pool reflects the hotel's sleek and minimalist aesthetics.

Splurge on one of Davao's finest products - the Malagos cheese and fresh fruits, at Misto.

"Will you be here for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight tomorrow sir?" one of the friendly hotel staff asked us while our check-in was still being processed.At that time, I thought that our itinerary may not allow us to witness what many have considered as the 'Fight of the Century,' so I answered, "Unfortunately, no." In retrospect, I somehow did not regret missing the fight, if there was even one that happened in the first place.A few minutes later, we were then guided to our room. Near the elevator was an interesting sculpture of twisted metal strips that resembled a baby's cradle or an eagle's wings. This was one the artpieces of Ann Pamintuan, a renowned furniture designer and artist based in the city.Accommodations with understated eleganceSimilar to the Seda Abreeza's stylish lobby interiors, our Deluxe Room was awashed with the same earthy hues and exuded an understated elegance. It also had more than basic amenities - comfortable twin beds, coffee and tea making facilities, a mini-bar, an in-room safe and a 40-inch LED HDTV.On the desk was a generous platter of fresh fruits and right behind it was a media panel with HDMI, USB and A/V connectivity - something that today's modern business traveler would really appreciate.The T&B was quite straightforward and was equipped with adequate supplies of toiletries. We were actually a group of 3, so I'm glad that 3 sets were already prepared on the bathroom sink. We didn't have to call the front desk to supply us an extra set for our friend who took a much later flight from Cebu.But for those who'd prefer a bath tub in their hotel accommodation, Seda Abreeza has one in each of their bigger Premier Rooms.

Aside from the bath tub, a Premiere Room also has a kitchenette (right photo).

Take note too that all guests billeted at the Premier Rooms and Club Rooms at the 10th and 11th floors are given access to the Club Lounge which offers daily Continental breakfast, all-day coffee, among many other additional perks. This is an extra privilege for discerning travelers who value exclusivity and premium service.

The Club Lounge.

An advantageous location where everything's within reachThe 186-room Seda Abreeza does look small at first glance. However, like most Seda Hotels (i.e. BGC in Metro Manila, Centrio in Cagayan de Oro, Nuvali in Laguna and the upcoming Atria in Iloilo), the hotel's advantageous location in the city would more than make up for what it may lack - sheer size, voluminous halls and more in-house restaurants.

No, that's not me of course. I did not lose weight just yet. :)

I somehow realized that while I was standing on the balcony of the Club Lounge during our quick hotel ocular. From my vantage point, I can see the Abreeza Mall, a corporate center and the on-going construction of a residential tower beside the hotel. It's hard to imagine what this busy space looked like before Ayala Land and the Floirendo family's Anflo Group jointly developed this prime piece of real estate.In a few years' time, the existing buildings and the upcoming high-rises will all be part of a vibrant 'Abreeza community,' very similar to the Bonifacio Global City and the Legazpi or Salcedo Village in Makati.I guess that the many who have stayed at Seda Abreeza know this too well, that aside from the contemporary local art pieces that are displayed in the hotel, comfort and convenience are very well within reach here. For shopping and more dining options, there are many boutiques and restaurants to choose from at the mall. And for everything else, it's probably just a few minutes away by cab, especially in the relatively traffic-less Davao City.Having said that, Seda Abreeza indeed is poised to lead a new generation of hotels in this part of the Philippines.----------The blogger would like to thank Seda Abreeza Hotel for his wonderful stay in Davao City. For bookings, promos, and other inquiries, please contact:Seda Abreeza Hotelhttp://www.sedahotels.com/abreeza/J.P. Laurel Ave., BajadaDavao City 8000, PhilippinesT: (6382) 2443000 or (6382) 3228888Email: dvo@sedahotels.comAirAsia has 2 daily flights between lechon-capital Cebu and durian-country Davao. For bookings, please visit their website - http://www.airasia.com/. For promo flights and updates, follow AirAsiaPH in their official Twitter and FB accounts.