The luxury Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, at the far end of Mactan Island, sits on an expansive site that recreates the ocean landscape with a number of saltwater lagoons and freshwater pools framed by patches of sand (and live mermaids). Thirty minutes from the airport (with free transfers), the setting is tranquil, and facilities and activities include a spa, free bicycles to borrow, paddleboard yoga, wall climbing, and archery. There are five restaurants, and breakfast costs extra. A horse-and-cart transports guests around the expansive grounds, which adds to the plantation atmosphere. The 256 rooms offer a variety of interiors, some are dated, and some have avocado-shaped tubs or are built on stilts over the water. Travelers looking for more bright and contemporary rooms might want to compare rates at the nearby Moevenpick Hotel.
The luxury Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, at the far end of Mactan Island, sits on an expansive site that recreates the ocean landscape with a number of saltwater lagoons and freshwater pools framed by patches of sand (and live mermaids). Thirty minutes from the airport (with free transfers), the setting is tranquil, and facilities and activities include a spa, free bicycles to borrow, paddleboard yoga, wall climbing, and archery. There are five restaurants, and breakfast costs extra. A horse-and-cart transports guests around the expansive grounds, which adds to the plantation atmosphere. The 256 rooms offer a variety of interiors, some are dated, and some have avocado-shaped tubs or are built on stilts over the water. Travelers looking for more bright and contemporary rooms might want to compare rates at the nearby Moevenpick Hotel.
The Mabuhay Manor is a small, no-frills property offering good value in Pasay, near the airport and the Mall of Asia. Families on a budget would do well here, as the hotel offers an array of large rooms for up to six guests, a kiddy pool, and a selection of games for children. Rooms are basic, with old technologies, dated decor, and little natural light -- but clean and overall adequate for the price. Perks include a pleasant outdoor pool, a small fitness center, and a traditional Filipino restaurant, plus a few great freebies, such as Wi-Fi, one-way airport transfer, on-site parking, and breakfast buffet.
The Mabuhay Manor is a small, no-frills property offering good value in Pasay, near the airport and the Mall of Asia. Families on a budget would do well here, as the hotel offers an array of large rooms for up to six guests, a kiddy pool, and a selection of games for children. Rooms are basic, with old technologies, dated decor, and little natural light -- but clean and overall adequate for the price. Perks include a pleasant outdoor pool, a small fitness center, and a traditional Filipino restaurant, plus a few great freebies, such as Wi-Fi, one-way airport transfer, on-site parking, and breakfast buffet.
The two-pearl Spider House Resort is a rustic property with a ton of charm. Accessed through a narrow cave and up winding stairs, the resort’s bamboo and treehouse huts cling precipitously to the side of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are a bar and restaurant popular among visitors, thanks to the fresh sushi, local fish, and cocktails served on a terrace that cantilevers out over the ocean. The 13 rooms are made entirely out of bamboo and mostly open to the elements, with just a roof protecting them. While they lack TVs and air-conditioning, they have unparalleled views, fans, and mosquito netting. Travelers looking for more traditional rooms and a communal pool may prefer the similarly priced Le Soleil de Boracay.
The two-pearl Spider House Resort is a rustic property with a ton of charm. Accessed through a narrow cave and up winding stairs, the resort’s bamboo and treehouse huts cling precipitously to the side of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are a bar and restaurant popular among visitors, thanks to the fresh sushi, local fish, and cocktails served on a terrace that cantilevers out over the ocean. The 13 rooms are made entirely out of bamboo and mostly open to the elements, with just a roof protecting them. While they lack TVs and air-conditioning, they have unparalleled views, fans, and mosquito netting. Travelers looking for more traditional rooms and a communal pool may prefer the similarly priced Le Soleil de Boracay.
The InterContinental used to be popular with celebrities and well-heeled travelers during the 20th century, but unfortunately its golden days are long gone. Rooms are spacious yet dated, with traditional decor that is more old-fashioned than classic, and narrow windows that don’t let in much light. On-site amenities -- from the fitness center to the restaurants and the pool -- are numerous yet a little rough around the edges, with older-looking decor and equipment. The spa, however, feels fresh and relaxing. Location adjacent to famous malls in Makati is a plus, but the property is overall not up to par with other InterContinental hotels. Nearby Holiday Inn & Suites Makati offers more bang for the buck and newer facilities.
The InterContinental used to be popular with celebrities and well-heeled travelers during the 20th century, but unfortunately its golden days are long gone. Rooms are spacious yet dated, with traditional decor that is more old-fashioned than classic, and narrow windows that don’t let in much light. On-site amenities -- from the fitness center to the restaurants and the pool -- are numerous yet a little rough around the edges, with older-looking decor and equipment. The spa, however, feels fresh and relaxing. Location adjacent to famous malls in Makati is a plus, but the property is overall not up to par with other InterContinental hotels. Nearby Holiday Inn & Suites Makati offers more bang for the buck and newer facilities.