This Poblacion Airbnb Is a Restored Pre-War Home in the Midst of Makati's Party Scene

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(SPOT.ph) When we think about staying in Poblacion, we immediately gravitate toward images of rowdy party hostels and fancy business hotels. But hidden smack-dab in the middle of Makati's "red light district" is a refurbished heritage home that reflects the once quiet suburban vibe the residential area was known for.

Introducing La Casita Mercedes. This Makati Airbnb is a picture-perfect remnant of what Poblacion used to be. With rates starting at P9,323 a night, you and 11 of your nearest and dearest can stay in a posh, picture-perfect, mid-century heritage home and experience a different side of the Poblacion scene.

Also read:
10 New and Fun Things to Do in Poblacion, Makati
The New Poblacion Dining Spots to Put on Your Must-Visit List

Check out La Casita Mercedes, a heritage house turned Poblacion Airbnb:

If you ever find yourself walking along Poblacion's Enriquez and Fermina streets and spot a seemingly out-of-place, pristinely white, American-style home, then you've just stumbled upon La Casita Mercedes.

The property is a beautifully restored seven-bedroom heritage home in Poblacion, Makati, built in the 1930s. The house was a private family residence until it was bought and renovated in 2013. Today, the pre-war home is owned and operated by Juan Ramos, an advocate for restoring and maintaining heritage homes in Manila and the same man behind the Art Deco-style property in Poblacion, The Clipper Hotel.

In an interview with SPOT.ph, Ramos acknowledges that maintaining a wooden house in the tropics requires extra care but he wouldn't trade it for the world. La Casita Mercedes stands today as a product of intense renovation and maintenance work. But despite the challenges, Ramos says it's a fulfilling endeavor. "The best part about owning La Casita Mercedes is being able to share the space with friends and family," Ramos adds.

Also read: A Resident's Guide to Poblacion

What can you expect when you stay at this Poblacion Airbnb?

La Casita Mercedes has seven air-conditioned bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. The space is a calming, cozy space that combines the charm of old Manila with modern amenities. 

Casita Mercedes is a surprisingly spacious property—for crowded Poblacion, that is. The airy lot has a small garden up front, a mini-light space at the back, a gorgeous, old-school living room, a kitchen complete with a breakfast nook, an outdoor patio, and even a roof deck. All around you'll see tons of vintage furniture and contemporary Filipino artworks.

What's most impressive of Casita is how well the old structure has been preserved. From the central wooden staircase to the capiz shutters and the wooden lattice by the ceilings (called calado) that help with the ventilation, this house truly makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Where else can you grab an experimental drink from a totally modern bar as a nightcap and then walk on home to sleep in a 1930s house?

Being inside the Airbnb makes it easy to forget that you are in the busy Makati center, a stone's throw away from many shopping, dining, and partying spots. 

Aside from being a home base for your Poblacion night out, you can also use La Casita Mercedes as location for wedding preparations and pre-nuptial photoshoots. Its old-world charm certainly lends itself well as background for romantic pictures. Just make sure to let the custodians and the host know you are planning to hold shoots or preps prior to booking as such activities require additional fees. 

La Casita Mercedes is at 5956 Enriquez Street corner Fermina Street, Polacion, Makati City. Rates start at P9,323 per night for up to 13 guests. Book this property on Airbnb. For more information, check out La Casita Mercedes' Airbnb listing. 

Also read: 10 Heritage Houses in Manila That Deserve a Closer Look

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Photos by Jilson Tiu