The Philippines is an archipelago that consists of over 7,000 islands, with only 2,000 of them inhabited. Manila, as the country’s capital, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon that mixes Spanish architecture, Filipino tradition, and modern skyscrapers.
At its historic heart is the walled city of Intramuros – the name means a city within the walls. A thriving Asian megacity, as well as outstanding sights, there are edgy galleries, welcoming bars and artisan food markets. Perhaps one of Asia's more underrated cities, it’s certainly one of its hippest.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the Best Hotels in Manila:
Fairmont Makati
Fairmont Makati is a five-star hotel located in the city’s premier business and lifestyle district and within walking distance to the Zuellig Building, Ayala Museum, the Glorietta Shopping Complex and the Greenbelt. The building was designed by US-based architectural firm Arquitectonica, and its sleek interiors were created by Bent Severin International. An urban sanctuary, the 280 elegantly-designed guest rooms and suites are spread across 30 levels. Fitted with plush bedding and state-of-the-art in-room technology, they exude a sophisticated atmosphere of understated elegance and serenity with their floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrooms with rain showers and signature Le Labo bath sets. Flat-screen TVs, desks, and tea and coffee making facilities are standard throughout. Filipino touches in the rooms include abaca laminated glass, pearl in-lays and dark mahogany wood.
The Spectrum Restaurant & Terrace is Fairmont Makati's vibrant all-day dining restaurant that serves a sumptuous mix of favourite dishes from around the country. Café Macaron is the place for a gourmet sandwiches, homemade cakes and carefully handcrafted pastries. There’s a cocktail bar and a library-style lounge bar serving afternoon teas. Other facilities include a spa, a gym and an outdoor pool.
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Shangri-La The Fort, Manila
Shangri-La The Fort, Manila is a commanding mixed-use property in the heart of dynamic Bonifacio Global City. The complex features the Shangri-La hotel, high-rise residences, upmarket retail stores and expansive green spaces. The hotel's 576 guest rooms and suites as well as 97 residences have distinctive design elements and Filipino influences, as well as sweeping views of the city. The residences come in one, two and three-bedroom configurations. Each is fitted with a kitchen, lounge and dining room making them ideal for long stays. Explore a variety of cuisines from around the world in the hotel’s eight dining rooms. Bake House is a neighbourhood pastry shop and High Street Café a modern-day marketplace concept with nine kitchens serving meals cooked to order with a view of the BGC High Street stretch. Canton Road offers Cantonese and Haiyang cuisine, while Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar serves dry-aged steaks among the rest.
Samba is an authentic Peruvian restaurant in a festive al fresco setting. The hotel’s award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant, Ministry of Crab, is particularly good. Adjacent is the Kerry Sports Manila indoor lifestyle and recreation centre with 8,000 square metres of dedicated fitness facilities spread over two floors. These include an NBA-grade indoor basketball court, two tennis courts, two squash courts, an outdoor lap pool, extensive gym facilities and a wellness spa with eight treatment rooms. The complex has an Adventure Zone, and a multi-level indoor playground for children.
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Makati Shangri-La, Manila
Makati Shangri-La, Manila is one of three Shangri-La properties in Manila. At the centre of the city’s prestigious business, shopping and entertainment district, the hotel has 696 well-appointed rooms and suites that brim with modern elegant comforts, splashes of colour and views of the metropolis. Bathrooms are decorated in light marble tiles and feature a separate bath and shower. The hotel serves a melting pot of Asian and Western cuisines to suit any mood or palate, from casual family-style buffet dining to classic Cantonese hits. Indulge in the freshest seafood and authentic Japanese cuisine at Inagiku or experience Shangri-La’s signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, with its modern Cantonese cuisine.
The Spa at the Shangri-La is a soothing escape that encourages guests to rejuvenate and pamper themselves. The Health Club has state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight training systems. On the fourth floor you’ll find a palm-fringed outdoor pool that’s long enough for laps, yet shallow enough for a relaxing soak. If you can brave the Manila heat, two outdoor tennis courts can be found on the other end of the hallway.
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Solaire Resort and Casino
Solaire Resort and Casino offers fine accommodations in the city’s Sky Towers, the tallest hotel in the area. This property lies on an 8.3-hectare site in the so-called Entertainment City, which is the country’s take on the Las Vegas strip. There are 800 elegant air-conditioned rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the views. The 350 thread count bed linen, a flat-screen TV and en suite bathrooms with a bath and separate walk-in shower add to the urban comforts. High-end suites include a viewing deck overlooking Manila Bay, Jacuzzi, and an iPad-controlled entertainment room.
Among Solaire’s 17 food outlets is the Red Lantern serving traditional Cantonese cuisine, with Japanese delicacies enjoyed at Yakumi. At Finestra, tuck into your favourite Italian dishes paired with your choice of wine. For casual dining, Oasis and Waterside Restobar are good options. Whether you want to treat yourself to the ultimate beauty and relaxation package or include your fitness and sports routine in your travel, the resort has excellent facilities to keep you pampered and entertained. The vast casino has over 1,200 slot machines and 300 table games, with a lounge and bar. Kids are free to roam around the indoor play area and the outdoor garden.
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The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila occupies two towers at the intersection of Ayala and Makati Avenues in the heart of Makati City. Known affectionately as the ‘Jewel in the Capital’s Crown’, for over 40 years the hotel has delivered comfort, quality service and excellent food. The Peninsula Manila’s 469 spacious guest rooms and suites are timeless in style and elegance, with dark woods and delicate Filipino touches, natural materials and fabrics that bring a warm and inviting feel. The palatial Peninsula Suite has its baby grand piano and dining room that seats 12. All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen cable television, and a safety deposit box. En-suite bathrooms include a hairdryer, a bath or a shower, and quality amenities.
For dining options, Escolta serves an international buffet, while Spices offers Asian cuisine with garden views. For afternoon tea and pastries, head to The Lobby. The hotel's signature restaurant is the Old Manila. If you’d like to grab a drink, you can start at The Bar, a Cuban-inspired wood-panelled lounge serving fine spirits, wines, and beers, as well as cigars from an exclusive humidor. The 22-meter outdoor swimming pool is an oasis surrounded by tropical greenery. The pool includes the Pool Bar. You can exercise in the gym, join an invigorating yoga or Pilates class, relax in the sauna or book an Oriental, Ayurvedic, or European-themed treatment at The Peninsula Spa in the hotel’s Makati Tower. Other activities range from live music in Salon de Ning to a thrilling helicopter ride over Taal volcano, or even a visit to designer studios.
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The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is a landmark property in Manila. Located along Manila Bay, it is the oldest premiere hotel in the Philippines and was built in 1909 to rival Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, and opened on July 4, 1912. Showcasing the authentic beauty of Philippine design, The Manila Hotel was even mentioned by Ernest Hemmingway who wrote – ‘It’s a good story if it’s like Manila Hotel.’ The 570 rooms and suites were recently refurbished. Their earthy tones are complemented by carved wooden furniture, marble tabletops and distinctively Filipino touches like woven rattan chairs and mother-of-pearl mosaic wall panels. Bathrooms are spacious and come with built-in television screens.
Breakfast is served at Cafe Ilang Ilang. Lunch and dinner can be had at one of the on-site restaurants – try Red Jade for Cantonese or the Champagne Room for European cuisine. For a nightcap, the Tap Room jazz bar is most atmospheric. The hotel’s swimming pool was rebuilt and opens onto the garden. The spa upholds these ancient and traditional methods to destress the mind and body. The hotel’s Art Gallery offers a window into the contemporary art world. The partnership between the Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel and the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation was established in 2018 and continues to this day, uplifting local artists and the ever-evolving art scene.
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Raffles Makati
Raffles Makati is an architectural masterpiece set in the heart of the financial district in a striking 30-floor tower that is home to Raffles Makati, Raffles Residences Makati, and Fairmont Makati. Each of Raffles Makati’s 32 large suites has floor-to-ceiling windows, fabrics in a neutral colour palette and high ceilings. They are timelessly elegant, finished off with hardwood floors, luxurious velvet, damask and satin to match the antique furniture. On the ninth level is Mirèio, an elegant Provençal-inspired brasserie that has consistently been voted as one of the top restaurants in the country. One floor up, the Mirèio Terrace is a great spot for sundowners with views over the Makati skyline. You will find the Long Bar and the Writers Bar styled after the original outlets in Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
Art is a focus with more than 1,600 commissioned works on display throughout the rooms and common areas, mostly by Filipino artists. If you’re interested, you can take a tour with the in-house Art Concierge. There are two swimming pools, one is exclusively for Raffles guests, while the lap pool is shared with the adjacent Fairmont Hotel. There’s an excellent fitness centre and a Willow Stream spa. To those travelling and staying in Manila for a longer period, the residential units of Raffles Residences Makati are the ideal place to come home to.
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Okada Manila
Okada Manila is on Manila’s Entertainment City gaming strip overlooking Manila Bay and stretches out across 43 hectares. Divided into the Pearl Wing and Coral Wing and connected by a golden sky bridge, the buildings have marble interiors lavishly adorned with precious stones and vibrant shades of pink and plum. There are 993 hotel rooms and suites, ranging from Deluxe Room to the Podium Villas in the Pearl Wing. Every room in the Pearl Wing comes with a free-standing Jacuzzi in the marble bathroom. All rooms and suites feature a special line of Roberto Cavalli amenities made exclusively for Okada Manila. Every room is fitted with the DigiValet iPad, so you can control your room’s amenities and connect to room service and the front of house.
You won’t go hungry, as Japanese Kappou Imamura, Ginza Nagaoka, and Enbu serve signature Japanese dishes while Goryeo offers a Korean dining experience. Red Spice specialises in Chinese Cuisine and La Piazza is an Italian Restaurant. Kiapo Restaurant serves a tasteful selection of Filipino cuisine. Aside from the casino, you have Cove Manila, Southeast Asia’s largest entertainment space. One of the hottest spots in the city, the indoor beach hybrid is under an immense glass dome designed to host up to 4,500 guests for a pool party! The Retreat Spa is a haven of serenity and meditation to recuperate from it all. Play at Okada Manila, an indoor immersive learning and entertainment centre for under 16 years old. While there, be sure to check out The Fountain, the largest multi-coloured dancing water feature in the world. Taking up the equivalent of 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools, it has more than 700 high-powered water jets, 23 high-fidelity speakers and thousands of vivid lights — all performing in-sync music.
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Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City takes inspiration from local Filipino culture and tradition while honouring their brand’s French art de vivre. Situated next to the Philippine International Convention Centre just 6 kilometres from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it offers 609 rooms and suites with balconies overlooking Manila Bay. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding and a pillow menu is available. LCD televisions come with premium cable channels. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are included and the bathrooms have showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries along with Jacuzzi baths.
The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Spiral is an interactive dining experience with 21 dining ateliers where chefs serve exquisite dishes prepared to order. Drinks can be enjoyed at Le Veranda and Sunset Bar and sports fans can stay up to date with their teams at Snaps Sports Bar. Exercise options include a jogging trail, tennis courts and a fitness centre and there’s a kid’s club and lagoon-style pool. Or enjoy a pampering massage at Le SPA or relax at the spa pool and sauna. Popular tourist attractions such as Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral, SM Mall of Asia and the Philippine International Convention Centre are a short distance away.
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Conrad Manila
The Conrad Manila hotel's unique architecture is inspired by the yachts that frequent Manila Bay. Sleek curves jut towards the water and clean white and pearl colours anchor the iconic structure, which feels somewhat like an interactive art museum. The 347-room property is owned by the Sy family, known for their malls found in almost every city in the Philippines. The spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites have a classic elegance with sophisticated muted tones. Luxurious touches include high-quality linens, Bluetooth speakers and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay. Each room is equipped with a tablet, which controls everything from the lighting to the room’s temperature. Spacious bathrooms have soothing rain showers stocked with Shanghai Tang toiletries. The sprawling Presidential Suite has its infinity pool and deck overlooking Manila Bay.
China Blue by Jereme Leung is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Metro Manila. Those who prefer international dishes can dine at Brasserie on 3, with its locally-sourced menu. Sails Pool Bar serves cocktails, fruit juices and smoothies and caffeine lovers gravitate to Conrad Manila’s boutique chocolatier and coffee bar – Bru Coffee Bar. Relax at the full-service luxury spa, where you can enjoy massages and facials. In addition, you'll find an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a 24-hour fitness centre. Between the owners’ deep knowledge of Philippine culture and Hilton’s world-class standards for service and amenities, the Conrad Manila ensures a memorable stay. It is linked to the S Maison retail complex and Mall of Asia.
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