When traveling, whether for business or leisure, the choice of lodging may not make or break the entire trip but will definitely play a big role in having a memorable experience. Busy business travelers, in particular, appreciate a place to stay that helps fulfill their journey's purpose with ease and convenience while letting them enjoy and relax, especially if they have their families in tow.

The hotel industry has thus begun adapting a more proactive approach in response to the changing needs and refining tastes of travelers and tourists. Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, for one, goes beyond offering the standard services and amenities for an elevated hotel experience. For starters, it has a co-working space where guests can do their jobs even remotely from their offices because there's an available high-speed Wi-Fi connection here and the rest of the hotel.

At the co-working space, there are rooms for guests to conduct meetings with their business partners based in the Philippines or even in different parts of the world as facilities to set-up video conferences are readily available.

The guests' travel companions, such as their spouses and children, along with care providers, have plenty of things to do to keep them occupied and entertained. Children from ages zero to 11 will enjoy the day-care school environment in the Kids' Corner. Older kids and teenagers will have a lot fun swimming at the rooftop infinity pool. The adults can join in the fun (maybe before or after work) and even spend a nightcap at the Edge Pool Bar.

'Make yourself at home'

Lanson Place is strategically located in Pasay City, just six kilometers away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and within the vicinity of the humongous SM Mall of Asia. It sits at the corner of Palm Avenue and Seaside Boulevard, where there's a good view of the Manila Bay and a bit of the cityscape.

This new addition to the Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited group of "small luxury hotels and serviced apartments" based in Hong Kong carries the company's motto of "celebrating comfort, community and, heartfelt hospitality" by making guests feel at home. (The group runs three hotels in HK; one in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; one in Shanghai, China; and soon one in Melbourne, Australia.)

Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila makes great effort in taking care of their guests in each room (choices of superior, deluxe, one-bedroom junior suite, one-bedroom grand suite, one-bedroom Lanson suite). These include small but thoughtful details like a Nespresso coffee machine with capsules (for that stylish caffeine fix); flat iron with ironing board and shoeshine kit (to maintain that professional look); and even a big umbrella (a must for a daytime run to the mall, rain or shine).

Another noteworthy detail is the choice of artworks in every room and other parts of the hotel. These are commissioned paintings created by young Filipino artists led by Amanda de Ocampo and Kristian Somera. The paintings fill these spaces with awe-inspiring aesthetics and creative energies.

Then there are the superb in-room services, such as electronic key lock system, 50-inch flat screen interactive television, telephone lines, air-conditioning with individually controlled thermostats and a complimentary tea setup. For the elevated amenities, go for the Lanson suite that offers the finest looking bathroom, plus a powder room situated near the living room.

As for the rest of the hotel's facilities, guests can access the gym 24/7 and work out with the trainer or coach until 9 p.m. They can also dine at the Cyan Modern Kitchen on the third floor Bay Wing for the buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. If they come in late for the buffet schedules, they can order from the a la carte menu. They can also check out the BLK 12 café and bar on the ground floor.

For guests who are staying for at least 14 days, or two weeks, they can opt for the serviced residences that are equipped with additional amenities, like a kitchenette, for a condo-like residence. They can also enjoy the overall hotel experience, plus an exclusive access to the residents' lounge where they can have their complimentary breakfast and other perks.

Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila also boasts of a grand ballroom, which can accommodate from 100 to 300 attendees of a wedding, conference or any other event. It has a dedicated driveway and entrance, so that eventgoers need not go inside the hotel and can go straight to the ballroom. They will have access to the hotel's courtyard, nonetheless.

Topping all the hotel's inviting design, facilities and amenities is the excellent service provided by the hotel's friendly and helpful staff. Visit its website, lansonplace.com/mallofasia for more details.