Manila Grand Opera Hotel

Located right off busy Rizal Avenue, Manila Grand Opera Hotel occupies a large plot of land with a spacious parking lot in the back. A large glass door with black stone pillars and golden letters marks the entrance, and it's adorned with a couple of red oval lanterns as a nod to the hotel’s location in Chinatown. The lobby is nicer than the plain, older exterior of the building suggests, with purple velvet chairs, white ceilings with geometric latticework, recessed lighting, and checkered floors. But the rest of the common spaces have a slightly older feel despite the attempts at contemporary decor, including large ornaments displayed on sleek tables in hallways, and large prints on walls. Draped chairs set around round tables give the main restaurant a convention center look, while the karaoke bar, complete with black-vinyl couches, carpeting, and dark walls, is a tad dreary. 

Despite being better suited for business travelers than for tourists due to its location, the Manila Grand Opera Hotel has clean rooms and low rates, making it a decent value for those who want to stay in the Chinatown area or who don’t mind taking public transport. Travelers seeking something a little bit more contemporary in this neighborhood may prefer the Ramada Manila Central, though it lacks a pool and is more expensive. The White Knight Hotel Intramuros is a good alternative for those wanting to be closer to Manila’s historic center, while the Orchid Garden Suites is a solid alternative closer to Makati. 

Manila Grand Opera Hotel is located around the corner from Rizal Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in town. Though this location is convenient for business travelers attending meetings in the area’s many offices, those visiting Manila for leisure may find it a little bit out of the way, as the hotel only offers easy walking access to Chinatown. Intramuros, the old walled city, can be reached in about 25 minutes on foot, but the walk there isn’t particularly appealing. Doroteo Jose LRT stop is right down the block from the hotel, allowing for easy access to the downtown area. The drive to shopping, dining, and nightlife in Makati can take anywhere between 40 minutes and over an hour depending on traffic, while the hotel is about a 35-minute drive to the bayfront area. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is about an hour's drive away. The hotel offers airport shuttle service for a fee. 

Rooms at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel are small but decent for a short stay, with comfy beds and work desks. They come in different color palettes -- ranging from bright red to more subdued browns -- that stand out against pale walls and off-white tile floors. The combination of generic furniture with clean lines and lacquered finishes give rooms a contemporary (if simple) feel, but most rooms lack windows or have small ones almost entirely blocked by the AC unit. Entry-level Premier Rooms feature queen beds, while Majestic units have two twins, and suites come with king beds and separate living areas.

Across the board, rooms are outfitted with small TVs, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is free, and minibars come stocked with a few sodas, some water, and beer. In-room safes are not provided in any room type, but guests can store their valuables in the vaults available behind the front desk. Bathrooms are clean but simple, featuring older sinks and toilets, just the most basic toiletries, and wet room-style showers. Suites have separate soaking tubs and glass walk-in showers.  

The Manila Grand Opera Hotel has all the amenities expected of an urban mid-range hotel, plus a couple of welcome extras. The pleasant outdoor pool is one of the hotel’s best perks, and it has a big adjacent whirlpool. The narrow deck only has a couple of loungers, but there are several tables, chairs, and umbrellas. There isn’t a garden here, but the terrace is lined with shrubs that make it feel less sterile. There is also a sauna adjacent to the pool, and massage services are available on request for a fee. Two on-site restaurants serve pan-Asian cuisine for all three meals, and there is 24-hour room service available for a fee. Breakfast is not included in the standard rate, but sweet snacks and small bites can be purchased at the on-site donut shop. The hotel also features a casino and a karaoke bar with space for up to 50 guests, and there is extensive meeting space for rent, including an 800-person ballroom.