For those who live in the city, catching the vacation bug is as normal as getting stuck in the perpetual traffic of EDSA. Unfortunately, for most of us, we don’t always have the time (and sometimes, the budget) to afford a quick escape. The good news is that we no longer have to wait for months to cook up a quick vacation. Sometimes, a mere change of environment is enough to give us the refresh that we crave. Can’t wait to lose yourself in an impromptu getaway? These ten staycations in the city are just as good as anything that requires a plane ticket.
1. Stunning Makati Wood House
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Hosted by: Luigene
Spacious, airy, and elegant, this Makati Airbnb is the perfect place to book if you’re looking for a place where you can get an amazing view of the business center’s skyline. Everything here is designed minimally—most of the interiors are furnished in simple wooden designs and monochromatic colors with just a pop of color here and there. The wall-to-ceiling windows also make the place as welcoming as it is chic without exactly losing the homey feeling of the area.
As for the location, the property is close by the party districts of Poblacion so you don’t have to worry about running out of things and activities to do here. It is also nearby the main business district of Makati, so you just need to catch a quick cab ride if you have more serious plans to do in the area. Just one catch though, the owner is very open that there might be some slight noise concerns in the unit because of its proximity to the party block, so if you’re someone who prefers total silence, then this might not be the pad for you.
2. Sophisticated One Bedroom Greenbelt Loft
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Hosted by: Andrea (AirBnb Plus)
Experience luxury loft-living at this chic Greenbelt loft. Designed to perfection with classy pieces and furnishing, it is easy to imagine yourself spending a quiet day at a big city like Manhattan or London with its well-curated interiors. We love the second-floor room with its tufted headboard and comfortable pillows, as well as the wonderful city view the property’s double-height, floor-to-ceiling windows offer. The listing is also categorized under Airbnb Plus, so you can expect quality in every corner of this property. Location-wise, the area is right smack into the middle of the business district, right in the heart of Makati’s more expensive neighborhood. Greenbelt Mall is just a stone’s throw away and the area is also framed by other posh spots like Ayala’s parks and upscale coffee shops.
3. Modern Tropic Luxe Milano Versace Unit in Makati
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Hosted by: Mark
Instagram: @msuitesph
Highly-aesthetic, darkly romantic, and posh in every way. That’s how we describe this Tropic Luxe-themed flat in a Versace-designed property. Similar to the famed upscale fashion house’s brand, this flat doesn’t play easily when it comes to hyping up the luxe. Our favorite part of the pad is the hotel-esque queen size mattress with high-quality linens and pillows and the gold chandelier that illuminate the room. Guests can also enjoy the visually-pleasing interiors of the residence building itself, as well as access to some of its amenities like its IG-worthy pool. The property is strategically-placed in Poblacion, Makati so guests can either choose to shop at the more upscale Century City Mall or prowl the party area that has made Poblacion a hit to all night owls.
4. Old Manila Heritage Apartment
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Hosted by: Claudia
The history behind this property makes it worthy of a quick visit. Spanning 1,500 square feet with two high-ceilinged bedrooms, this condominium can be found at an old and historic heritage building built in 1936 that has seen and survived World War 2. According to its description, the building itself was even used by Japanese generals to hide from the bombing of the Americans back then. The interiors of the property itself are reminiscent of the bygone era. Spacious and airy, it doesn’t need anything more than a few interesting pieces to make it a visually-pleasing haunt. Moreover, renting the apartment comes with the perks of having a housekeeper who can help clean, do the laundry, and cook for you. Now, that’s what you call a true pampering experience!
5. Cozy Sunlit Makati Studio
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Hosted by: Angel
Aesthetic and comfortable, this cozy, charming little studio situated in the heart of Makati is the perfect place to escape to if you just want a fresh new space to recharge yourself. The pad is ideal for solo travelers who plan to keep themselves holed up in comfort for a few days. We love everything about the design of the area—muted pastel colors and rustic-esque, every square meter of the studio is aesthetically curated to be pleasing to the eyes. Probably our most favorite though is the installed hammock where you can just lounge while reading a good book (BTW, the owner also has her own collection of good reads that you can browse!).
The property is located just a few minutes ride from Makati’s Central Business District and it is also framed by establishments where you can get easy provisions.
6. Alto Retro: New York-inspired Urban Loft
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Hosted by: Paulino (AirBnb Plus)
Instagram: @altoretroloft
You don’t need an expensive plane ticket to experience New York loft-living with this spacious property situated smack in Makati’s central luxury district. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, ‘60s pop art accents, plush Turkish carpets, and textured walls, this property can make you experience the Big Apple’s signature stylish and colorful way of living the moment you step through its door. Wooden furnishings keep the property warm and welcoming while the pops of color here and there (and the natural light!) gives the perfect touch of interest to its industrial theme. As for its location? You’ll never find yourself running out of things to do here since you can easily walk to some of the luxury hangouts in the area. Oh, and two words: Complimentary. Wine.
7. Modern Chic Salcedo Village Flat
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Hosted by: Mark
Instagram: @msuitesph
Everything about this modern flat screams chic and comfy. Painted in colors like midnight blue and gray, the space perfectly captures the essence of hotel living, minus the sometimes rigid and generic aesthetic of hotel rooms. The flat is furnished with colorful and metallic accents here and there to keep the space easy on the eyes and the property even comes with customizable lighting options that you can tweak to suit your mood. Probably our favorite here, however, is the ultra-comfortable, hotel-quality bed fitted with luxury sheets and pillows. Perfect for days when all you want to do is snooze—stylishly, that is!
The unit is situated in the luxe area of Salcedo district where there’s easy access to a variety of establishments that can cater to your different needs (in the event that you do want to get out of bed).
8. One-bedroom Nature Paradise in Historic Manila
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Hosted by: Mark
Can’t have a nature escapade yet? Book this property instead, creatively designed to be as inviting and relaxing as a trip to the outdoors. The interiors hit the perfect spot between airy and cheerful, with bursts of green tones around the space. The property is a convenient 25-minute drive away from the airport and mega properties like Mall of Asia are also close to its vicinity. Care for a historical experience during your stay? Have a tour at the Spanish Walled City of Intramuros which is also close by.
9. Private Room in an American-colonial Wooden Home
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Hosted by: Greg
Travel back in time by booking a private room at this mid-20th century American-colonial style wooden home. The spacious 75-square meter downstairs bedroom is furnished with wood and accessorized with Filipiniana-inspired antiques reminiscent of the bygone period. Overlooking the space is a garden where you can be one with nature while sipping a steaming cup of black coffee.
The property comes with its own toilet, restroom, and sink so privacy is still assured for guests. Other spaces like the living area, kitchen, and patio, however, are shared. Nearby, you can explore Intramuros or window shop at malls.
10. Insta-worthy Luxury One-Bedroom Space
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Hoste by: Karen
“Let them eat cake!” Pull off a Marie Antoinette at this colorful and aesthetic-to-a-tee one-bedroom property in Quezon City. Every corner in this space is styled to perfection—the living room is designed blue and gold with Versailles-inspired accents, the dining area is decorated to look like an indoor garden, the kitchen is Moroccan-inspired, and the bedroom is bursting with modern contemporary furnishings. Even the plates and utensils are well-curated, making this a top place for a staycation or for a photoshoot (though you do have to ask the owner if you’re planning to use the space in professional photos!).
