Best Luxury Hotels in Manila, Metro Manila

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 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 Sofitel used to be the go-to hotel among celebrities visiting Manila during the '80s and '90s due to its luxurious facilities and upscale services. With a huge pool, one of Manila’s most renowned restaurants, a fantastic kids’ club, and tons of options for those who want to stay active, it is still one of the top properties in town when it comes to property features. Rooms, however, could use a few updates. They’re spacious, bright and upscale, but decor is a little bland and underwhelming for a hotel in this price range. All in all, it is a solid option for those who want a resort-style stay outside of the bustling city center.

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 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 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.