There is something about staycations that attract families and young’uns today. I have to admit though that before, the idea of staycation was lost on me. Why stay in a hotel when there is much to to explore outside? It seemed like a bourgeois thing to do. If I went on a staycation, I’d probably won’t last a day. I. HAVE. TO. GET. OUTTA. HERE.
That was until before I received an invite to experience a night at Seda Vertis North in Quezon City.
Seda Vertis North is the latest of seven Seda installments in the Philippines, a homegrown hospitality brand owned by AyalaLand. Like its counterparts in Nuvali, BGC, Davao, CDO, Iloilo, and Bacolod, the hotel boasts signature hospitality and artsy, contemporary design, which extends from its massive lobby to its 438 rooms. These features are what make Seda Vertis North’s much beloved to businessmen and families, both its primary market.
The hotel officially opened last October 12. We stayed while they were on soft launch. Surprisingly, most of the rooms were booked and it being a weekend, the poolside was packed with kids – a common sight here during weekends. “Parang (like) Pansol,” they jested.
 |
| Seda Vertis North’s lobby features artwork curated by top designers in the Philippines. |
The room
We were given a Club Room, which pretty much has the same concessions as the 32-square meter Deluxe Room, only Club Rooms come with VIP access to the Club lounge. The lounge serves complimentary all-day dining (they also serve alcoholic beverages), complete with the service of a hostess. Yep, you can eat and drink here for free anytime you like until 11 pm.
Note: All rooms, except for Deluxe and Premier ones, have keycard access to the Club Lounge. You can, however, request a Premier Room with club access. (Speaking of access, a guest’s keycard can only access common areas – spa, pool, roof deck bar – and the floor where his room is located.)
As well, we were given a tour of various accommodations, from the Deluxe Room to the massive Corner Suite, and all of them are characteristic of Seda Hotels: spotless, well-furnished and impressively modern-minimalist.
Our room had a nice work desk, fridge, bedside tables, an iPod dock, media panel, coffee and tea facilities, a 40-inch LCD TV with premium cable, in-room safe, a huge cabinet, and a ceiling-to-floor window that offered a good view of the Quezon City skyline. Turndown service is also available. (And also, plenty of sockets! Hurray!)
The bathroom afforded lots of room to move around. If anything, my only wish is for it to have a bidet (which the manager said they are installing soon).
What I loved best about our room was the bed. Equipped with a large enough mattress to accommodate three people and smooth, clean-smelling and snug sheets, I had a hard time getting out of it in the morning.
Dine and drink facilities
 |
| Misto |
Apart from the Club lounge, guests can enjoy three other dining facilities in Seda Vertis North, including a poolside bar. Non-staying guests can access all three.
Misto next to the lobby offers an all-day international buffet with a good assortment of food and drinks. Dishes consist of Japanese, Filipino and Western favorites, with nearly half of the menu dedicated to seafood. And it has the most tender, tastiest slow roast beef I’ve had so far. Imma cry just thinking about it.
Their baked-in-house cakes and kakanin, neither too sweet nor too starchy, also win in my book. Beverages, including alcoholic ones, are complimentary. You will be served sangria once you sit down.
 |
| Straight Up |
Serving appetizers and a host of beers, hard drinks and cocktails, Straight Up roof deck bar on the 14th floor is an excellent after-work joint. Unwind with friends at the bar or bring your drink outside for a bird’s eye view of Manila.
 |
| Offerings from Seda Vertis North’s restos: from Club lounge, Straight Up and Misto |
Recreation
There is no shortage of things to do in this hotel. The third floor serves as a base for most of them, which include an outdoor pool for kids and adults, a state-of the art gym, sauna, and spa. Available for only P800 (P1,000 for in-room), Seda’s one-hour signature massage is value for buck. I’ve never had a massage where I fell asleep, so that says something.
Yoga and Zumba classes are held every morning. At noon, kids can partake in fun cupcake making classes at the lobby. Or connect on social media just next to it. Mac units with WiFi access are free to use.
If you are really itching to get outside, Ayala Malls Vertis North sits next door. Other malls within walking distance are Landmark, Trinoma and SM North Edsa. North Edsa MRT station’s also just a short walk from the property.
 |
| Massage room in Seda Vertis North’s spa. Couple massage rooms are also available. |
The bottomline
Apart from sumptuous food from its three dining facilities and contemporary design, what I appreciate about Seda Vertis North is its unparalleled service and high regard for privacy, comfort, convenience, and security. Despite slow check-in time, certainly these are priceless commodities that any parent would appreciate.
By the end of our stay, I found myself having a hard time going home. And it seems I am not the only one. Whenever we pass by Seda Vertis North, my daughter never fails to ask for a staycation at Seda. If you let her choose between beach and Seda, she’d always answer, “Seda!” – which is quite uncommon. Normally, she wouldn’t even remember a hotel’s name.
So now, I know people pay for staycations not because they are bourgeois or don’t have anything else to do. Sometimes we really don’t need to move so much to experience something new. Sometimes all we have to do is stay still to find peace. That’s exactly what Seda Vertis North gave us.
 |
| Club lounge |
To book a room or inquire about Seda Vertis North’s rates, visit their website at www.sedahotels.com/vertis.
Seda Vertis North
Astra Corner Lux Drives, Vertis North
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone number: (+632) 7398888
Email: vertis@sedahotels.com
