San Lorenzo Hotels

Aside from its towering malls and business centers, Makati is also known for its residential areas. These hidden gems, often quieter than its commercial counterparts, are just as full of interesting finds for the adventurous foodie.

At A Glance

San Lorenzo is situated quite near to the heart of Makati’s central district. Whether you want to hang out in the mall or relax in a cozy café hideaway, San Lorenzo can offer the best of both worlds.  

The village is also near several other well-known districts for those who are familiar with Makati’s landscape. Its strategic location places it near the Ayala Malls and SM Makati, as well as several high-end hotels and food places.

How to Go

By land transportation

Those coming from Manila can ride the Makati Loop jeepney that goes around the city. You can get down near an Ayala Mall – the nearest stop is at Greenbelt 4 or Landmark – and walk to the village from there.

Those from farther areas, like the South or even Quezon City, can opt to take the MRT-3. The nearest station happens to be Magallanes. From there, you can take a jeep or a cab.

Getting Around

Since San Lorenzo is initially developed to be a residential area, it’s best to travel on foot. However, if you already have a particular destination in mind, driving via private car or getting a cab is also a good idea.

Tourist Attractions

Filipinos are extremely fond of malls. Generally, Makati is full of these commercial centers that offer a wide range of products and services. But San Lorenzo’s proximity to the quadrangle of Ayala Malls in Makati makes it an ideal place for a shopping spree. Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Landmark all make up a shoppers’ delight. The fact that they are all connected to each other makes them easier to access and enjoy.

Once you start getting tired of shopping, another well-visited tourist attraction near the area is the Ayala Museum. Located right at the side of Greenbelt 4, the museum features an array of displays. These range from pre-Hispanic history to contemporary artists. A few blocks away is also the Yuchengco Museum, which offers a similarly rich introduction to modern Filipino art.

Sports enthusiasts can even find their niche in this Makati hideaway. Towards Chino Roces Avenue, you’ll find Power Smash. The badminton court has large facilities to accommodate your inner sports fan. Meet new people and enjoy the adrenalin rush.

Top Things to Do

There’s no denying that once you’re at the center of Makati’s commercial business district, shopping is the first thing that comes to mind. Tourists will find that San Lorenzo’s location makes it convenient to go back and forth between the area’s many malls. The endless options are indeed tempting for all types of shoppers.

Of course, what comes after a strenuous shopping activity is a well-deserved food trip. Makati is well-known for its weekend markets. Unlike regular food shopping, expect organic and artisanal meals. Every Saturday, tourists and residents alike will find Salcedo hosting the weekend market on the other side of the Central Business District. On Sundays, the market moves to Legazpi, which is closer to San Lorenzo.

If you’re not quite sure exactly what you want to do and aren’t that willing to cash out yet either, enjoying a leisurely stroll is also a good choice. The clean village environment in the urban landscape can be quite rare for the metro. This can also be a great opportunity for joggers to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Where to Eat

People who love Japanese food will find Ukkokei Ramen’s specialty in Japanese noodles a treat. Their Tantanmen Ramen is especially recommended. The restaurant has been well-established even before the ramen hype, and visitors will find its dishes to be cooked in the most authentic way.

Hai Shin Lou, on the other hand, specializes in authentic cooking as well – this time from China. The restaurant is well-visited by tourists and residents alike. Their Duck Bone dish is a customer favorite.

For those craving Filipino food, Apag Marangle is a Kapampangan restaurant for the local foodie. Although it’s considered casual dining, the experience is definitely more than the budget offers. The Kapampangan lunch buffet is a must-try to those who want to try a variety of local dishes without breaking the bank.

Nightlife

Greenbelt 3 is a hotspot for the Makati Central Business District’s nightlife scene. The area is full of bars, clubs, and other establishments after office hours. The Spicy Fingers bar in particular has good Happy Hour promos for those who come in past 7 pm. It also has a live band to help the mood set in.

Right across the street, the New World Hotel is both a place to stay and a place to party. Aside from its restaurants and buffets, the hotel has a bar right outside for those who want to experience a fun night out instead of going straight to bed.

Cable Car’s original branch is also found in San Lorenzo. The bar is a great place for friends to stay and hang out into the wee hours of the morning. Just take note that it only opens after 5 pm.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for five-star accommodations, New World is an all-around place for your next stay in the area. Its location makes it easily accessible to Makati’s malls, but also a far enough distance from the loud music of the area’s bars. This luxury hotel will definitely make your nights comfortable and worth the experience.

An equally comfortable destination would be Fairmont Hotel. Located right in the middle of the Ayala Malls complex, you won’t have to worry about walking too far or getting on any form of public transport. The hotel and your weekend stroll are already quite close to each other.

But if you’re looking for a much cozier environment, El Cielito is a hotel that is well-recommended for lodgers. The exterior may not be as fancy, but its accommodations give a good homey feel to guests. It’s also rather far from the commercial center, so the crowd isn’t as loud in the adjoining area.

Travel Tips

• Bring some extra cash on hand. Prices in establishments in San Lorenzo and its nearby places can tend to be high.

• Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bike or jog around the area. Its landscape is perfect for exercise. San Lorenzo also has plenty of parks inside and outside of the village.

• Bring a map. The entirety of San Lorenzo can be easily navigated on foot. Whether you decide to bring a physical map or just use an application on your phone, this can be handy for finding your way around the area.