Housed in a modern tower guarded by sniff dogs, the Oakwood Premier does not stand out much among other office buildings and hotels in corporate Ortigas Center. However, step inside and the vibe changes completely. The large, open lobby with striking black and white marble floors, warm yellow mood lighting, and elegant decor in wood and dark brown velvet feels sophisticated yet inviting. Even though the building is shared with private condos, the ambience here is relaxing and upscale, and common spaces don’t usually feel crowded. Instead of standard rooms and suites, the hotel features studios and apartments with up to three bedrooms, and dining areas. Units here are chic, spacious, and upscale, with great touches -- such as steam generators that turn the shower into a steam bath -- and homey amenities, including full kitchens with washers/dryers. Its location and amenities make it a popular pick among business travelers and extended-stay guests. However, unlike most other hotels in the neighborhood, the Oakwood Premier offers a small play room, multi-room apartments, and a heated indoor pool, which make it a convenient option for families as well.

The hotel is located on a quiet street in Ortigas, a busy corporate area right on the border between Mandaluyong and Pasig. Few historic sights can be found in this part of town, but there are several shopping malls -- a few of which are within easy walking distance of the hotel -- as well as restaurants and a few bars, although nightlife is not the most hopping here. Major attractions such as Intramuros, Fort Santiago, University of Santo Tomas, Rizal Park, and the Manila Cathedral are all a 20-minute drive away in normal traffic conditions -- but up to an hour during rush hour. The airport is about the same distance from the property as the historic center.

The hotel offers spacious studios, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all featuring stylish, elegant decor in off-whites, earth tones, and wood accents. Each unit features lots of great amenities, including king beds, a second TV in the master bathroom (in all but standard Studio Executive units), steam generators in the shower, and free Wi-Fi. All units have full kitchens equipped with washer/dryers, microwaves, ovens, cooktops, full-sized fridges, toasters, rice cookers and coffeemakers. Additionally, all rooms have at least a small seating area with a dining table; apartments have a dishwasher, and a large living room with couches, armchairs and a coffee table. Bathrooms are clean and modern, with glass-enclosed walk-in showers, standalone tubs (except in studios), and an assortment of hotel-brand toiletries. Rooms here were designed to accommodate extended-stay guests as well, and feature lots of storage space. Room service is available, although not through the night.

Oakroom, the hotel’s only restaurant, is housed in a stylish space with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush brown carpeting, and chairs in earth tones. It offers a tasty but short themed buffet that changes completely every three months, and is a popular pick for business lunches. Oakroom Bar features masculine decor in dark browns, and a couple of pops of color. With mood lighting, just a few tables, and an intimate vibe, it is a good spot for a nightcap. The fitness center is pleasant and well-equipped, with lots of cardio and strength training machines, natural light, and an aerobics studio. The huge windows in the gym overlook the long, heated indoor pool, complete with a whirlpool, a massage room, and saunas. Those traveling with children may find the on-site kids’ club convenient. It is small and features only a handful of toys, but there are comfy couches for adults, and is a safe spot for kids to spend an afternoon. With three meeting rooms, secretarial services, free Wi-Fi, and free parking, the hotel is a popular pick among business travelers.