Le Charme Suites: Your gateway to Subic’s charm

Le Charme Suites in Subic is a delightful surprise. The hotel’s unique design, with its wide corridors and high ceilings, hinted at its unconventional origins. It wasn’t long before I found out from the hotel’s managing director, Josephine Floresca, that the property was initially intended to be a furniture mall. This also explained the spacious elevator, complete with a couch to mask its leisurely pace.

Checking in at Le Charme Suites is a breeze, with an online registration that eliminates paperwork. The hotel also offers spacious rooms with a balcony, offering a view of Subic, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.  

The guestrooms were designed with active professionals in mind, featuring a bike rack right inside.

Families are well-catered for, too. Every floor has a playpen with colorful toys and activity sets, keeping the little ones entertained while parents or nannies can relax nearby.

It was drizzling during our stay at Le Charme, yet we couldn’t resist checking out the view from the rooftop pool deck. Floresca’s words echoed in my mind: “The sunset here is really different.” We longed to witness the sky transform into vibrant shades of orange, but the thick clouds had other plans. Nonetheless, we found ourselves captivated by the shimmering lights of Subic.

Subic is a unique blend of industrial, tourist, and seaport vibes. This eclectic nature is mirrored in the clientele at Le Charme Suites, where business travelers, families, and leisure seekers all find their home. The hotel’s proximity to the convention center makes it a convenient and comfortable choice for many, while the variety of nearby activities draws others.

If you want a sailing adventure, Le Charme partners with Subic Sailing Club. Sea enthusiasts can enjoy the open waters, the ocean’s scent, and the boat’s gentle sway for an unforgettable experience. For those preferring a more relaxed outing, the hotel can also organize yacht trips.

While Subic might not have the pristine beaches of other destinations in the Philippines, nearby places are perfect for exploration. The coves in Zambales and the beaches of Morong and Bagac in Bataan offer a rustic charm that’s hard to resist.

Le Charme Suites stands out by encouraging guests to explore beyond its walls. Strategic partnerships and cross-marketing initiatives ensure that there’s always something new to discover.

Photos courtesy of Le Charme Suites

Sustainability at Le Charme Suites

During our stay at Le Charme, I learned about the hotel’s sustainability practices. Floresca’s passion for eco-friendly initiatives was evident as she explained the various programs in place.

One notable feature is the use of solar panels, making it one of the first properties in the area to adopt this technology. The structure was built using prefabricated steel, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, the hotel utilizes LED lighting throughout, further enhancing energy efficiency.

Another practice at Le Charme Suites is their rainwater collection system. “We have a cistern where we collect rainwater to water the plants,” she explained. This simple yet effective measure conserves water and helps maintain the plants on the property.

Le Charme Suites’ sustainability efforts also extend to their dining practices. The hotel prioritizes local produce, offering barako coffee and seasonal ingredients. “We usually use what is in season, so it remains fresh,” said Floresca. This approach supports local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting imported goods.

Interestingly, the hotel discourages serving imported fruits like apples and oranges due to their high pesticide content and carbon footprint. Instead, they offer locally harvested bananas from Aeta farmers.

“Part of our image is ‘local, yet international; modern, yet classic,'” she said.

Le Charme Suites is dedicated to reducing plastic waste. On each floor, they provide hot and cold water dispenser located near the elevator, eliminating the need for bottled water.

Photos courtesy of Le Charme Suites

Subic’s Hunt Fest: A Halloween extravaganza

One of the most exciting events that Le Charme Suites and other hotels in Subic participate in is the annual Hunt Fest, a signature event organized by the Hospitality Alliance of Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This unique Halloween celebration draws inspiration from the area’s history as a former US Naval base, where trick-or-treating has been a long-standing tradition.

“We wanted to capitalize on Halloween nostalgia and excitement,” Floresca shared. “In our residential area, we had this trick or treat every year, and it’s a big event. My children looked forward to it so much that they planned their costumes right after Christmas.”

The concept is simple yet innovative. Instead of the traditional house-to-house trick or treating, guests can hop from one hotel to another, collecting treats along the way.

“All the hotels dress up or decorate their lobbies and driveways, creating a festive atmosphere,” she explained. “Kids go around for trick or treats, making it a memorable experience for families.”

The event has garnered positive feedback from guests, and this year, the plan is to extend Hunt Fest for the entire month of October. “It used to be just three days, but we thought, why not make it the whole month? It’s a waste to take down decorations so soon, and it gives us more time to market Subic as a Halloween destination,” she added.

Sustainability is also a key focus of Hunt Fest. “We try to be as eco-friendly as possible. Instead of using plastic wrappers for candies, hotels get creative with their giveaways,” she said. “For instance, we gave out Sorbetes ice cream, while others offered fish balls and different treats.”

The collaborative spirit among the hotels fosters a positive environment. “I always emphasize that we should not compete but collaborate. Each hotel is unique, and together, we create a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere for visitors. Our goal is to promote Subic, not just our individual hotels,” she concluded.

Photos: credit to Maepril Joyce

Editor’s note: The stay at Le Charme Suites was sponsored as part of the Asia Sustainable Travel (AST) Forum in Subic Bay.

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