The 147-room H2O is an upscale hotel offering the one-of-a-kind experience of, literally, sleeping with the fishes. Most rooms have striking views of Manila Bay, but Aqua Rooms are the highlight here, with huge wall-to-wall aquariums full of fish and jellyfish. There is a nice fitness center, relaxing spa, extensive meeting space, stylish lounge, and average restaurant. The property is in the same complex as the family-friendly Ocean Park, which means it can get loud with kids running around. Those traveling with kids will probably enjoy their stay; business travelers may find the property lacking in attention to detail and its location a bit out of the way.
The 147-room H2O is an upscale hotel offering the one-of-a-kind experience of, literally, sleeping with the fishes. Most rooms have striking views of Manila Bay, but Aqua Rooms are the highlight here, with huge wall-to-wall aquariums full of fish and jellyfish. There is a nice fitness center, relaxing spa, extensive meeting space, stylish lounge, and average restaurant. The property is in the same complex as the family-friendly Ocean Park, which means it can get loud with kids running around. Those traveling with kids will probably enjoy their stay; business travelers may find the property lacking in attention to detail and its location a bit out of the way.
The 236-room Pan Pacific is a luxury hotel in Malate, a short walk from Manila Bay and several shopping malls. The hotel is known for its outstanding service and great amenities, including several restaurants and bars, a well-equipped fitness center, a business center with secretarial services, and a small pool complete with a whirlpool. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and upscale, with separate showers and deep soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and pillow menus -- but decor lacks the wow factor of other high-end properties such as the Edsa Shangri-La. Neighboring New World Manila Bay Hotel is a little more expensive but has more stylish rooms and a spa. (Massages are available at Pan Pacific on the sun deck, but there is no full spa.)
The 236-room Pan Pacific is a luxury hotel in Malate, a short walk from Manila Bay and several shopping malls. The hotel is known for its outstanding service and great amenities, including several restaurants and bars, a well-equipped fitness center, a business center with secretarial services, and a small pool complete with a whirlpool. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and upscale, with separate showers and deep soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and pillow menus -- but decor lacks the wow factor of other high-end properties such as the Edsa Shangri-La. Neighboring New World Manila Bay Hotel is a little more expensive but has more stylish rooms and a spa. (Massages are available at Pan Pacific on the sun deck, but there is no full spa.)
This 510-room property is Manila’s grand dame. It wows guests with world-class service, opulent Filipiniana-style interiors, and top-notch amenities, including a wonderful spa, modern fitness center, large pool with a swim-up bar, and four outstanding restaurants. Rooms are some of the most decadent in Manila and have large marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. It may not be the city’s newest hotel, but it is one of the most luxurious and is a short walk from major tourist attractions such as Intramuros and Rizal Park.
This 510-room property is Manila’s grand dame. It wows guests with world-class service, opulent Filipiniana-style interiors, and top-notch amenities, including a wonderful spa, modern fitness center, large pool with a swim-up bar, and four outstanding restaurants. Rooms are some of the most decadent in Manila and have large marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. It may not be the city’s newest hotel, but it is one of the most luxurious and is a short walk from major tourist attractions such as Intramuros and Rizal Park.
The 376-room New World Manila Bay Hotel delivers all the amenities expected of a luxury business property: solid and varied dining options, a well-equipped fitness center, a pool, a spa, and high-tech meeting space. Rooms are some of the largest around and have upscale amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and large windows. Though the location in Malate is convenient for shopping and visiting the main sights, the neighborhood can feel a little seedy to some, and business travelers may want to note that Makati is a 25-minute drive away.
The 376-room New World Manila Bay Hotel delivers all the amenities expected of a luxury business property: solid and varied dining options, a well-equipped fitness center, a pool, a spa, and high-tech meeting space. Rooms are some of the largest around and have upscale amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and large windows. Though the location in Malate is convenient for shopping and visiting the main sights, the neighborhood can feel a little seedy to some, and business travelers may want to note that Makati is a 25-minute drive away.
The 205-room Manila Grand Opera Hotel is a mid-range business hotel located a 10-minute walk from the heart of Chinatown and around the corner from an LRT stop. Rooms are modest but clean, with minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Most, however, lack windows. Also on the downside, some of the common areas have dated decor. The outdoor pool is a highlight here, complete with a big whirlpool, sauna, and some chairs and umbrellas. Two restaurants serve tasty Asian cuisine, while the karaoke bar is a popular spot in the evening. Rates are competitive, but travelers wanting to be near nightlife, shopping, and dining may want to stay closer to Makati Avenue. Alternatively, the Ramada Manila Central offers a more contemporary stay nearby.
The 205-room Manila Grand Opera Hotel is a mid-range business hotel located a 10-minute walk from the heart of Chinatown and around the corner from an LRT stop. Rooms are modest but clean, with minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Most, however, lack windows. Also on the downside, some of the common areas have dated decor. The outdoor pool is a highlight here, complete with a big whirlpool, sauna, and some chairs and umbrellas. Two restaurants serve tasty Asian cuisine, while the karaoke bar is a popular spot in the evening. Rates are competitive, but travelers wanting to be near nightlife, shopping, and dining may want to stay closer to Makati Avenue. Alternatively, the Ramada Manila Central offers a more contemporary stay nearby.
This 500-room luxury hotel is located right on Manila Bay, near Robinsons Place, Luneta Park, and nightlife in Malate, and the convenient location allows it to appeal to a wide range of travelers. Rooms are spacious and light, with big bay windows, comfortable beds, and large flat-screen TVs. Decor, however, varies: while renovated units are stylish and contemporary, non-renovated ones feel a little past their prime. There are an outdoor freeform pool, a fitness center, and a spa, but the hotel is best known for its restaurants and its rooftop bar with expansive views. The Pan Pacific Manila and the New World Makati Hotel have similar rates and amenities.
This 500-room luxury hotel is located right on Manila Bay, near Robinsons Place, Luneta Park, and nightlife in Malate, and the convenient location allows it to appeal to a wide range of travelers. Rooms are spacious and light, with big bay windows, comfortable beds, and large flat-screen TVs. Decor, however, varies: while renovated units are stylish and contemporary, non-renovated ones feel a little past their prime. There are an outdoor freeform pool, a fitness center, and a spa, but the hotel is best known for its restaurants and its rooftop bar with expansive views. The Pan Pacific Manila and the New World Makati Hotel have similar rates and amenities.
Despite being part of the Best Western chain, this 57-room mid-range property does not feel as generic as one might expect. All rooms have unique decor with colorful wallpaper and different color palettes, as well as solid amenities such as flat-screen TVs and minibars. Property features are limited and basic -- but freebies, such as Wi-Fi, breakfast buffet, parking, and bottled water add value. Just note that although the property is located within walking distance of major attractions such as Intramuros and Rizal Park, some find the neighborhood to be a little sketchy at night.
Despite being part of the Best Western chain, this 57-room mid-range property does not feel as generic as one might expect. All rooms have unique decor with colorful wallpaper and different color palettes, as well as solid amenities such as flat-screen TVs and minibars. Property features are limited and basic -- but freebies, such as Wi-Fi, breakfast buffet, parking, and bottled water add value. Just note that although the property is located within walking distance of major attractions such as Intramuros and Rizal Park, some find the neighborhood to be a little sketchy at night.
With a great location for exploring the historic sights of Manila, stylish contemporary rooms with great amenities, and several on-site dining options, The Bayleaf is easily one of the best upper-middle-range options in town. Aside from the sleek rooms, the rooftop bar -- featuring stunning panoramic views of Intramuros and the surrounding area, and a mellow yet chic vibe -- is the highlight here. Just note that the hotel lacks some of the amenities expected of hotels in this price range, including a fitness center, a pool, and a spa.
With a great location for exploring the historic sights of Manila, stylish contemporary rooms with great amenities, and several on-site dining options, The Bayleaf is easily one of the best upper-middle-range options in town. Aside from the sleek rooms, the rooftop bar -- featuring stunning panoramic views of Intramuros and the surrounding area, and a mellow yet chic vibe -- is the highlight here. Just note that the hotel lacks some of the amenities expected of hotels in this price range, including a fitness center, a pool, and a spa.
The Oasis is a pleasant mid-range boutique offering spacious, classic rooms with flat-screen TVs and minibars at affordable rates. There is a big pool (no loungers, though) and a wine bar, but the highlight here is My Kitchen by Chef Chris, a renowned Italian restaurant popular among Manila foodies. The location is convenient for tourists and business travelers alike, as Makati and Intramuros are a short drive away. Just note that only a handful of rooms feature Wi-Fi, and that there have been complaints of poor room soundproofing.
The Oasis is a pleasant mid-range boutique offering spacious, classic rooms with flat-screen TVs and minibars at affordable rates. There is a big pool (no loungers, though) and a wine bar, but the highlight here is My Kitchen by Chef Chris, a renowned Italian restaurant popular among Manila foodies. The location is convenient for tourists and business travelers alike, as Makati and Intramuros are a short drive away. Just note that only a handful of rooms feature Wi-Fi, and that there have been complaints of poor room soundproofing.