Holiday Inn Manila Galleria

The 29-story tower this hotel occupies -- one of the earlier structures to rise on the Ortigas skyline -- makes a positive first impression. Dark-wood and gold tones creates a crisp look in the lobby, while colorful square-patterned carpeting and stylized wingback chairs set a chain-like, albeit mostly contemporary tone in the lounge. Unfortunately, rooms are less streamlined and pleasant, featuring dated and worn furnishings in unattractive orange hues. In theory, an outdoor pool offers a relaxing spot in the sun, but it's on the small side, and even more so because it's shared with the neighboring Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Easy access to area malls and business offices are certainly pros, as is the kids-eat-free policy (with paying adult), but there are better values in town.

This Holiday Inn outpost sits on a busy street in Ortigas Center, a business district on the border between Mandaluyong and Pasig. Being surrounded by office buildings, it’s a convenient choice for business travelers, and the headquarters for numerous big-name banks and corporations are nearby (the offices of the Asian Development Bank, Banco de Oro, Meralco and the San Miguel conglomerate are, for instance, all within a 12-minute walk). Shoppers can easily keep themselves entertained here, too, as the hotel is connected to the Robinsons Galleria Mall (which includes numerous restaurants and cinemas in addition to stores), while the SM MegaMall is 10 minutes away on foot. Sightseers, however, will find themselves quite a hike from the historic attractions of Manila proper. Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Rizal Park, and the Manila Cathedral are all about a half-hour drive away in normal traffic conditions. Ninoy Aquino International Airport can be reached in around the same amount of time, assuming traffic cooperates.

The largely contemporary style evident in common areas unfortunately isn’t carried into the guest rooms. Although spacious, rooms are dated and showing wear, with worn orange patterned carpets, scuffed traditional wood furniture, and various old-fashioned orange fabrics on beds and seating. That said, rooms are comfortable and come with air-conditioning, work desks, flat-screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, free bottled water, digital safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are a bit more attractive with polished travertine tiling, and they have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, robes, and toiletries. Upgraded units add dedicated living rooms with dining tables and bathrooms with bidets, larger tubs, and separate walk-in showers.

This Holiday Inn provides an array of features for both leisure and business guests. Firstly, the on-site Fab Restaurant is open all day, serving a mix of regional and international cuisines to appeal to the masses. Breakfasts are buffet-style and kids eat free with a paying adult. Food gets average reviews. A lengthy room service menu is available 24/7. Bar One serves up cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, occasionally alongside live music. On weekends, children’s activities are available in a small play space. Outside, travelers will find a small pool in a sunny spot, with an adjacent kiddy pool and smattering of loungers. Unfortunately, it's shared with a neighboring hotel and can get quite crowded. For wellness activities, a simple spa offers some treatments and a small “express gym” managed by Gold’s Gym has cardio and strength-training equipment. A business center provides basic services such as printing and copying. Wi-Fi is free, as is self parking.