White Knight Hotel Intramuros

Located on a small cobblestone street in the heart of Intramuros, this beautifully renovated white colonial house feels intimate and inviting. The lobby, a simple but attractive space with a couple of couches and a carpeted wooden staircase, is located on the left hand side after the large arched entrance. After walking through a long former carriage access, guests arrive at a small, quaint patio with tropical plants and a few tables belonging to the small Filipino restaurant located off the lobby. Everything here is small and charming, and traces of the old colonial grandeur can be seen throughout. From the traditional clay floors with decorated tiles to the arched exterior hallways with exposed wooden beams, and the solid wooden doors, every detail here has been restored to bring back the old grand days with care and meticulousness. It may not be luxurious or decadent, but its affordable rates and overall charm make it a good pick for cultural buffs on a budget, and for those who want to experience old Manila.

The hotel is located on a small cobblestone street right in the heart of Intramuros, the city’s historic neighborhood. The vast majority of Manila’s major historic attractions are within walking distance, including San Agustin Church and Casa Manila -- both located half a block away -- the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and Palacio del Gobernador. There are also a few restaurants and small local shops within walking distance, but guests can find more options on the other side of the walls. Makati is about four miles away, but it can be a long drive during rush hour, when Manila’s infamous traffic is at its worst. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is about an hour away.

The hotel features 29 rooms, all with a similar old Manila feel and equipped with solid amenities, including flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms feature clay tile floors with cute painted areas; simple colonial-style furniture, and white upholstered headboards with dark wood frames, which makes for basic yet appealing spaces. Bathrooms are large and modern, featuring large walk-in showers and light brown walls. Premier Rooms have mosquito nets and a seating area, and selected rooms have shower/tub combos. There are no in-room safes, but guests can leave their valuables in the ones available at front desk.

Coco Bango Café is a small restaurant serving a traditional Filipino and international buffet for all three meals. It offers a handful of tables in a long dining room with large windows, and many more on the veranda overlooking the quaint patio. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking, but little else in the way of amenities. Segway and bicycle tours around Intramuros can be booked at reception for an extra fee.