Le Charme Suites: Old edifice gets cutting-edge feel

Subic is among the hottest destinations for vacationers nowadays because of its accessibility as well as the endless activities and attractions it offers.

This writer participated in a media familiarization tour last 15 to 17 October. Our first stop was at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

On the spotlight is Le Charmé Suites, a quaint mid-rise hotel that lives up to its name, from its backstory to its aesthetic. It is aptly situated among go-to establishments of both locals and tourists.

According to Josephine "Jho" Floresca, founder and managing director of LCS, the charming hotel that it is today was supposed to be a furniture mall that would supposedly cater to a residential area.

When that plan didn't come to fruition, then came the MICE Conference in 2013.

"Since we're near the exhibition center, why don't we develop a business and leisure hotel. That's why the setup of the hotel is not very family- or leisure-(looking). It's more of a business type (of aesthetic)," she told the Daily Tribune during a casual conversation.

Since Subic Bay was the biggest US Naval Base in the world, the building was once owned by Americans. When Floresca acquired the property, she decided to start from scratch.

She demolished the whole building and erected a prefabricated steel structure that is now LCS. It is also the only prefabricated steel structure in Subic that was completed in less than two years.

Another notable aspect of LCS is how it was built with a sturdy Mat foundation which can hold up to eight storeys. However, the owner is not keen on high-rise buildings.

LCS only rises up to five floors and has 45 rooms that have high ceilings and around 2,222 square meters of floor space. Its elevator is spacious because it was formerly a service elevator. Meanwhile, it also has wide hallways.

This writer stayed in a Deluxe Twin Suite that is cartwheeling-friendly because of its spaciousness.

Taking advantage of its wide floorspace, they found a niche market with bikers.

"Subic is also being promoted as a sports destination. That's why the rooms have bike racks," she said.

On the top floor is the half-Olympic sized pool that is four feet deep flanked by sitting areas where guests who do not wish to bathe may enjoy the view of the city.

The hotel also accommodates big events like birthdays and wedding receptions in its 200-pax ballroom.

To make it more convenient for guests, LCS also has a spa called Tai Chi where we received the most relaxing massage, various clothing boutiques, and restaurants. One is Tepan, which served us a gastronomic feast of Japanese cuisine.

Le Charmé Suites is located at La Terraza Bldg., 1131 Palm street.

For inquiries, email frontoffice@lecharmehotels.com, call +6347 250 3333 or +63915 933 8113, follow @lecharmesuites on Facebook and Instagram, or visit lecharmehotels.com.