New World Manila Bay Hotel

Formerly the Hyatt Regency, the New World Manila Bay Hotel caters to business travelers and tourists alike with large rooms, a central location, and luxurious amenities. Aside from the fact that it takes up a whole city block, the tall L-shaped building housing the hotel doesn’t look much different from nearby structures, which tower over smaller shops and cafes lining the busy Malate streets. 

Interiors here are upscale without being decadent, defined by contemporary decor mostly in earth tones. The lobby is small if compared to other luxury properties, but its round shape makes it feel larger that it really is. The long curved cream-colored front desk stands out against the black and brown floors and large emerald pillars, while the green-and-yellow LED-lit stairs add a contemporary touch. Wood accents are elegant and stylish. 

All common spaces show great attention to detail, but the most striking ones are the restaurants. Fireplace, the hotel’s steakhouse, has decidedly masculine decor with dark furniture and lots of wood, exposed stone, and brass accents. Low lights, polished wood floors, and gleaming vaulted ceilings make the space elegant. Li Li, the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant, has gorgeous Herringbone hardwood floors, delicate crystal chandeliers and Chinese-inspired decor throughout. Glass cabinets display dozens of fine wines along the restaurant’s several dining rooms.

Rooms are upscale but a little bit generic, especially if compared to the grand common spaces. Nevertheless, all units are large and comfortable, with plush carpets, king beds (or two twins upon request) and goose down duvets.

The hotel is located on the corner of two busy streets, a block from Manila Bay. Roxas Boulevard, one of the city’s main (and busiest) thoroughfares, is just a block away, which makes it easy for guests to move around -- although Manila is known for its heavy, chaotic traffic, so those planning on taking cabs may want to avoid rush hour. The neighborhood is generally safe and offers easy access to many attractions, but it can feel a little seedy to some, especially at night. Famous Robinson mall is just down the street, and there are several small, casual cafes within a couple of blocks of the hotel. Attractions such as Rizal and Luneta parks and Ocean Park are an easy walk away, and Intramuros can be reached by car in about 10 minutes, or less than 25 minutes by foot.

Rooms at the New World Manila Bay are large and upscale, each with a king or two twin beds, plush carpets, a subdued earth tone palette, goose down duvets, and large windows overlooking either the pool or city. Room types range between Superior units and Specialty Suites, but all have flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and DVD players. Bathrooms are luxurious and contemporary, with toilet and shower cabins separated by glass walls, deep half-tubs, and marble finishes. Decor is contemporary if a little generic, with an array of brown hues, dark wood furniture, and beige textured walls. Red armchairs or sofas are the only pops of color in all room types.

Residence Club units are a notch above standard rooms, with Elemis toiletries, living rooms with dining areas, and larger TVs. These rooms and all suites offer access to a private lounge with free breakfast, afternoon tea, and all-day drinks. 

A large outdoor pool is surrounded by padded wooden loungers, parasols, and plants; it has a whirlpool and a kiddy section. The pool bar serves drinks as well as a short food menu that gets good reviews. The hotel has three excellent dining options, including a large buffet with an excellent spread; a classy restaurant serving fine Cantonese cuisine, and a grill with an acclaimed steak and seafood menu. Additionally, there is a bakery, a casual café with live entertainment, a karaoke bar with seven private cabins, and a full casino. Cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, and boxing, yoga and Pilates classes are offered at the fitness center, which also has personal trainers. Adjacent to the gym is the spa, complete with a hydrotherapy area and treatment cabins. Business-oriented amenities include a business center with secretarial services, extensive meeting space with high-tech equipment, and free Wi-Fi. Free parking is offered to suite guests and those staying on the Residence Club floors.