Pan Pacific Manila

Housed in a tall tower with three exterior glass elevators, the 236-room Pan Pacific is one of the top hotels in Manila. Common spaces are luxurious and classy, with wood-panelling, delicate crystal chandeliers, and gleaming marble floors. The lobby is divided into two main sections -- a large, bright one with floor-to-ceiling windows and plush seating areas, and a smaller round one across from the elevators where the front and concierge desks are. The atmosphere here is upscale, with a quiet yet welcoming vibe and high-end services such as concierges, free pre-dinner cocktails at the executive floor lounge, and turndown service. Rooms underwent renovations in 2012 and look fresh, clean, and well-maintained. However, blonde wood furniture, black bathroom counters and gray hospitality-style carpets make decor a tad bland for a luxury property.

The hotel is located on the corner of two busy streets two blocks from Manila Bay. Roxas Boulevard, one of the city’s main (and busiest) thoroughfares is just a block away, making it easy for guests to move around town -- although note that Manila is known for its heavy, chaotic traffic and those planning on taking cabs may want to avoid rush hour. The neighborhood is generally safe and offers easy access to many attractions, but some may find it a little seedy, especially at night. Famous Robinson mall is just a block away, 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 in less than 25 minutes if traveling by foot. Makati and the airport are each a half-hour drive away in normal driving conditions.

The hotel’s 236 rooms are spacious and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of light and offer city or pool views; some room have partial Manila Bay vistas. Rooms were renovated in 2012 and come with all the expected amenities of a luxury hotel -- picture flat-screen TVs, minibars, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles, plus a few nice extras, including pillow menus, free bottled water, and evening turndown service. Decor (in earth tones and gray colors) is warm and appealing, while wood wall panelling gives rooms an upscale feel. Blonde wood furniture and granite work desks, however, are a little dated. Bathrooms are spacious and high-end, with glass-enclosed walk-in showers with rain showerheads and separate soaking tubs with flat-screen TVs. Suites have separate living rooms with work areas, and some have dining tables and kitchenettes.

The hotel offers several on-site dining options, including a 21st-floor lounge serving a varied buffet spread for all three meals; a lobby lounge with a short food and drinks menu; a rooftop lounge offering bar food with a view, and a number of Chinese- and Japanese-style joints in a separate area of the hotel. The pool is small but pleasant, complete with food-and- service, a whirlpool, and padded loungers. A number of cardio and strength-training machines can be found at the fitness center, and those looking to get pampered can book a massage on the seventh-floor Sunset Deck. The hotel also offers a business center with secretarial services, seven meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, and concierge services. Self- and valet parking are available.