Dusit Thani Manila

This property is part of Dusit Hotels, a Thai chain owning a couple dozen luxury hotels in destinations such as China, Egypt, India, and Thailand. It is the brand’s first hotel in the Philippines, and has been decorated in an elegant Thai-inspired style in a nod to the chain’s origins, with exotic blends of gold, black and white colors, and wood accents. The bi-level lobby has striking gold pillars, black tiled floors, a dramatic winding staircase, and ceiling moldings with LED lights. This style extends to other common spaces, particularly to the restaurants, which have been decorated with great attention to detail. The Japanese restaurant is probably the most striking one, with elegant traditional Japanese decor, and outdoor seating overlooking a Japanese garden complete with ponds and bridges. Rooms, however, have a more subdued style, with a soothing palette of earth tones, and gentle flower prints. The hotel is undergoing renovations through late 2015, with planned updates to a restaurant and 200 rooms. Guests may want to request a newer room upon booking, as non-renovated rooms are underwhelming for a luxury property.

Dusani Thani Hotel is located on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, one of Manila’s longest thoroughfares. This and the surrounding blocks are a shopper’s paradise, with several renowned malls within minutes of the hotel, and dozens of smaller stores nearby. This location is also convenient for business travelers, as many of Makati’s corporate offices are just blocks from the property. There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, and the area is known for its hopping (but expensive!) nightlife. There aren’t any major attractions within walking distance, though. Intramuros, Quiapo neighborhood, and the University of Santo Tomas are all a 20-minute drive away. The airport can be reached in 10 minutes in normal driving conditions.

The hotel offers several room types -- including Deluxe and Executive Suites -- but units can be divided into two main categories here: renovated and non-renovated. Renovated rooms are stylish and luxurious, with a subdued gold and earth tone palette, contemporary furniture, and large headboards with delicate flower patterns. The wooden furniture, plush carpeting, and cream-colored walls add elegance to the space. Non-renovated rooms, however, are a little underwhelming and bland for a luxury hotel. The have simple dark wood furniture, a small seating area with either an armchair or a two-seater sofa in mustard tones, and beige carpeting. Amenities in these rooms are similar to those in renovated rooms -- but older -- including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles. Bathrooms are clean and bright, with dark wood sink cabinets, matching woven baskets, and gold-colored mirror frames. Some are small, with just enough space for the sink, the toilet and the tub. Others, however, are huge, with glass-enclosed showers with rain showerheads, separate tubs, and wooden plantation doors. Club rooms and suites offer great perks, such as DVDs, loaner laptops on request, and free breakfast, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres at the Club Lounge. Some rooms have expansive city views.

The hotel offers seven dining option on-site, including Thai, Italian, a bakery, and a lobby lounge. All of them serve good food, and have stunning design -- but the Japanese restaurant is probably the most striking, with Japanese-inspired decor, and a garden featuring a bridge and a pond. The spa is a soothing, luxurious space with chic decor and high-end services. It offers six beautiful cabins -- all decorated with wood and bamboo stems -- and treatments for two. With dozens of up-to-date machines and lots of natural light, the fitness center is an appealing place for a work-out. There are cardio and strength-training machines, as well as trainers and free weights available. The outdoor pool is long and pleasant, with a handful of umbrellas and padded loungers, a lifeguard on duty during the day, a small poolside bar, and a shallow plunge pool for kids. The hotel also offers 12 meeting rooms of different sizes and styles, all featuring sleek decor and solid amenities -- such as free Wi-Fi, projectors, and basic secretarial services. Club guests have free access to the striking 17th-floor Club Lounge, offering panoramic city views. Here, guests can enjoy breakfast, snacks throughout the day, free Wi-Fi, and evening refreshments and hors d’oeuvres free of charge. Those driving to or around the city can park their car for free at the on-site parking lot.