Ace Hotel & Suites

The Ace Hotel & Suite's large building is unremarkable, with a red, gray, and off-white facade and a large shaded driveway. Small glass doors open onto a spacious, bright lobby area shared with the water park and a restaurant. Right off to the side of the main glass doors, a small concierge desk marks the entrance. The hotel lobby is small and somewhat dark due to the lack of natural light, but has a contemporary feel, with tan floors, glittery mosaic tiles on the side of the front desk, and a moss-green accent wall. The lobby area is always busy with guests and non-guests, but with little more than three small couches right across from the front desk plus two elevators, few guests linger in the hotel's reception area. Aside from the water park, the hotel has partnerships with other businesses housed in the same building, including a salon with massage services, a karaoke bar, and a rooftop bar with stunning views.

The hotel is located on a busy street in Kapitolyo, a lively area in Pasig known for its many restaurants and bars. Its location a few blocks from the EDSA highway, which connects almost all of Manila, allows for easy access to other parts of the city, especially the Makati business and entertainment district. Ortigas, a business and shopping area just north of the hotel, can be reached by car in about 10 minutes. This location is mostly convenient for business travelers, but those looking to explore Manila’s historic sights may want to stay elsewhere, as Intramuros is about an hour drive away in normal traffic conditions. The airport isn't too far away, but due to Manila’s infamous traffic, the drive can take over an hour and a half. 

The hotel has 195 clean, spacious rooms with laminate floors, beds topped with Korean feather duvets, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Decor is on the generic side, with brown bedskirts, white-and-brown bed runners, and simple wooden furniture. Green accent pillows and large white padded headboards add some style. In-room amenities are great for a mid-range hotel, and include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, iPod docks, and electric kettles. Two-Bedroom Suites and Executive Suites have small kitchenettes with hot plates, microwaves, large fridges, rice cookers, and utensils. Bathrooms are appealing and contemporary, with tan tiles, glass-enclosed walk-in rainfall showers, rectangular sinks, and toiletries. The hotel has a smoking floor, but the strong cigarette smell can be unpleasantly overbearing, even for smokers.

The hotel is known for its huge indoor water park and spa, complete with a big lap pool for all ages. It is open to the general public and can be crowded on weekends, but the space is generally quiet and relaxing during the week. The kids’ area has tons of water features and a lazy river, and the spa features herbal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy areas with tons of jets. All guests get a free four-hour pass to the water park. Another outstanding feature at the Ace Hotel & Suites is the Sky High Bar, located on the 21st floor and offering 360-degree views. It is a popular spot for evening drinks and dinner. Additionally, the hotel has a karaoke bar with private and VIP rooms and three restaurants, including a steakhouse, a buffet, and a cafe. A large ballroom, free hotel-wide Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, and a free buffet breakfast are all convenient amenities, but there is no fitness center. Kids under 12 stay free.