Manila is a long way from being the most beautiful place in the Philippines. It’s often called the Pearl of the Orient but many people say that the resemblance to a pearl is in the rather work-a-day exterior and fantastic interior. The traffic, haze, chaos and shanty towns are all part of the experience of Manila, but so are the fantastic museums, incredible art galleries, the kind of markets where you can buy anything, the wonderful bars and exceptional coffee, and a live music scene that bursts at the seams with vim and vigour. Manila is super cool. And so are many of the best places to stay in Manila.
Of course some of the best hotels in Manila aren’t the obvious kind of cool, take the wonderfully traditional Raffles Makati for instance, it’s not hip, but it’s achingly elegant with a rooftop pool and spa and a bar that makes you feel as if you’re in a classic film: one that everyone will want to watch. But some are the obvious sort of cool, the Discovery Primea, for example, a chic, 141 room design hotel by award-winning architect Kenzo Tang, who’s put in one of the most spectacular infinity pools you can imagine. And a cool bar.
Between your hotel and rest of the city you will probably encounter crowds and traffic and a haze of ozone and noise. But don’t let that put you off, just let it focus your attention on making sure you’re booked into one of the best places to stay in Manila!
Use our guide to the best places to stay in Manila and start to plan your trip to this melting pot of a city!
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Manila (Philippines)
A fabulous Makati high-rise hotel with swish guest rooms & suites fusing contemporary luxury with timeless Thai style. Expect big beds topped with crisp white linens, dazzling city views from full-length windows, plus marble bathrooms with tubs. Gourmet Thai & Japanese eateries are a highlight.
Manila (Makati)
An opulent hotel offering guests luxury serviced apartments, suites, and rooms. Makati Diamond Residences boasts world-class facilities including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. The restaurant serves Asian and continental cuisine alongside an impressive selection of wine and whisky.
Manila (Makati)
A beautiful boutique hotel offering luxury accommodation with elegantly designed rooms and plush furnishings. The best rooms come with a hot tub. The large function rooms are perfect for both weddings and corporate events. A chic base in a central location.
Manila (Philippines)
The very first 5-star hotel in the Philippines, The Manila Hotel opened its doors in 1912. It has since played host to the likes of Ernest Hemingway, John Wayne & the Beatles. A glorious grand dame with opulent interiors, waterfront views & big event spaces — including the elegant Champagne Room.
Manila (Makati)
The renowned luxury hotel chain Fairmont offers guests world-class accommodation in Manila with 280 elegant rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and marble en-suites. Guests can also make use of fully-equipped spa and fitness centre whilst the restaurant has an impressive menu.
Manila (Philippines)
A swish high-rise hotel facing Manila Bay, the Conrad has slick, sophisticated interiors encased within a grand, ocean liner-inspired shell. Highlights include expansive cream suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, a dazzling rooftop pool, and Chinese & Filipino fine dining in striking surroundings.
Manila (Philippines)
A large, full-service hotel, as to be expected from The Peninsula Group. Conveniently set about 20 minutes from the airport in the financial hub of Makati City. Set apart by a grand lobby scene that buzzes from morning to night, eight swish fine dining restaurants and exceptionally friendly staff.
Manila (Philippines)
An elegantly designed hotel with a luscious garden featuring an outdoor pool inviting guests to relax. All 32 rooms have been lovingly designed and the best come with balconies or terraces leading to the garden. The restaurant serves delicious local cuisine and international favourites.
Manila (Makati)
A luxurious hotel designed by award-winning architect Kenzo Tang, the Discovery Primea offers guests stylish and modern accommodation. Guests can make use of a stunning outdoor infinity pool, fitness centre and spa. The three restaurants serve epicurean delights from around the globe.
Manila (Philippines)
A sleek city hotel with smart guest rooms and suites, as well as an enormous swimming pool and expansive spa. Guest rooms feature polished wood, crisp linens, full-length windows and atmospheric lighting. Swish dining options include a fabulous wine cellar & a gourmet Chinese restaurant. Superb.
Manila (Makati)
A luxury hotel complete with a rooftop pool and a spa. The elegant and spacious suites feature spectacular views of the Manila cityscape. The Raffles Long bar serves delicious cocktails and there is also a stylish cafe. Mirèio restaurant serves sensational Provençal-inspired cuisine.
Manila (Philippines)
A glittering high-rise with sleek rooms & suites in Taguig, Shangri-La The Fort promises all the glitz that the group is known for — plus some dazzling Manila views. With two pools, eight drinking & dining options, a soothing spa & fitness centre and 20 event spaces, this is a terrific city pad.
