Roxas Boulevard, CCP Complex, Manila, Philippines | (888) 273-7116
Spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs and minibars; most have balconies
Huge free-form pool with slides and waterfalls
Five restaurants and bars, including one of the most famous ones in town
Relaxing spa offering nutritional counseling and life coaching sessions
Renowned hair salon helmed by an international celebrity stylist
Well-equipped fitness center with yoga and Pilates classes
Kids’ club complete with a playground and a Gymboree studio
18-hole mini golf and a tennis court, both with Bay views
On-site casino
Outdoor parking lot with valet service (for a fee)
Business center with secretarial services, and meeting rooms
Rooms are a tad bland and somewhat dated
Far from Makati and from historic sights
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.
Scene
An iconic resort-style hotel with an impressive list of features
First opened in 1976, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila quickly became the hottest hotel in town. It was one of the first resort-style hotels in the capital city and offered some of the most luxurious amenities, making it a favorite among celebrities and the international jet set. It is still well-known among business travelers attending conferences at neighboring Philippine International Convention Center, and among well-heeled couples and families. The hotel has mostly transitioned well into the 21st century, and most common spaces have kept the old grandeur. The huge lobby, for example, features a striking wooden ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and decor that shows great attention to detail, with cute touches such as wrought-iron bird cages, strategically located plants, and lots of traditional Filipino-inspired accents. The only part of the hotel that feels a little stuck in time are the rooms, which may now look a little underwhelming to some, especially when compared to those at other luxury properties in town.
Location
Overlooking the Manila Bay and adjacent to the Convention Center
The hotel is located in the so-called Reclamation Area, a piece of land reclaimed to the Manila Bay in the mid-20th century, and now home to a few high-rises, parks, malls -- the famous Mall of Asia is a short drive away -- and the International Convention Center, located right next door to the hotel. Sunset views are unparalleled here, and streets are generally quiet -- but there are few attractions within walking distance. Intramuros, Rizal Park and other historic sights are a 15- to 20-minute drive away in normal driving conditions (although it will often take longer due to Manila’s heavy traffic). Makati, the main business district in town, is a 15-minute drive away, but expect delays, as the streets leading to the center are usually congested.
Rooms
Spacious and bright, but a little bland
Rooms at the Sofitel are large, bright and upscale, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and at least a small sitting area with a table and two chairs. Most units have balconies, and those with a sea view offer stunning sunset vistas. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with glass-enclosed walk-in showers, and up-to-date fixtures. Room decor, however, feels a little bland and dated. Carpets in earth tones, cream-colored walls, dark wood furniture, and dark green curtains make for a pleasant but somewhat generic style. Still, rooms look elegant and upscale -- just probably not as inspired as units in newer hotels. Suites have more contemporary decor in a wider range of colors, separate living areas, and huge bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. Club Millesime guests are offered free access to Club Millesime Lounge, which features wine, cheese and champagne hours, breakfast buffet, and butler services.
Features
Five restaurants and bars, a huge pool, a wide array of sports facilities, and an upscale spa
The hotel is known in Manila not only for its extensive list of celebrity guests but also for its wonderful on-site amenities. Spiral is the hotel’s most famous restaurant, known in Manila for its world-class (and expensive!) buffet. In addition, the hotel also offers a French bistro complete with a library and live jazz; a sports bar serving comfort food; an outdoor bar with barbecue and buffet nights, and a lounge offering striking sunset views by the Manila Bay. The huge free-form pool features bridges, two slides, waterfalls, and a small kiddy area. Those looking to get pampered can book a treatment at the hotel’s wonderful spa, complete with life coaching, cosmetic dentistry, and nutritional counseling services. Aside from a well-equipped fitness center with yoga and Pilates classes, the hotel also offers an 18-hole mini-golf course, and a tennis court with Bay views. The kids’ club is easily one of the best in Manila, with not only indoor and outdoor areas, but also a Gymboree room and a playground. A staffed business center, on-site parking, and a casino are also available.