Hectic is a good description of Manila. The congested capital of the Philippines may be frustrating when you get caught in one of its legendary traffic jams, but it also presents some spectacular suites to choose between, along with some fantastic city resorts. Here are the city’s best places to stay:
1. The Peninsula Manila
2. Raffles Makati
3. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
4. Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
5. Sky Tower at Solaire Resort & Casino
6. Nüwa Manila at City of Dreams
7. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
8. Okada Manila
1. The Peninsula Manila
The Telegraph reports, “The Peninsula Hotel in the center of Makati has remained a constant factor in the city’s changing social landscape. Rub shoulders with the city’s beau monde in the glamorous lobby before you head for dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants or retire to your well-appointed bedroom.”
Virtuoso travel agency SmartFlyer adds, “For over 40 years, The Peninsula Manila has set the standard for luxury. An elegant retreat full of comfort, quality service, and excellent food, the hotel is as much a favorite with locals as it is with visitors from around the world. Known affectionately as the Jewel in the Capital’s Crown, The Peninsula Manila has a legendary presence in the heart of Makati City. Its location offers unparalleled access to the city’s finest restaurants. With dark woods and delicate Filipino touches, the spacious accommodations feel warm and inviting.”
The Peninsula Suite
The Peninsula Suite spans 3,014 sq. ft. You enter through a marble-floored foyer with a life-size contemporary art piece and wood paneling. The living room features floor-to-ceiling windows with silk rugs, cream silk upholstery, classic and contemporary furnishings, and sophisticated lighting. Bedrooms feature silks and deep-pile carpets and have marble bathrooms. A resident butler is on hand 24 hours a day to cater to every need, and a pantry allows meal preparation by The Peninsula’s chefs or your own staff.
More suites at The Peninsula Manila.
2. Raffles Makati
The Telegraph reports, “This intimate, art-filled property – sharing a building with the adjoining Fairmont Hotel in Manila’s central business district – is big on service and comfort. Its spacious suites and excellent facilities make it a perfect refuge from the city’s often hectic streets. The hotel still manages to be undeniably Raffles – despite lacking the cachet of its sister properties in Singapore and Phnom Penh – thanks to the signature Long Bar, Writer’s Lounge, and the understated elegance that’s present throughout the building. They’re big on art here, with more than 1,600 commissioned works on display throughout the rooms and common areas, most of which are created by Filipino artists. If you’re interested, a tour with the in-house Art Concierge can be arranged.”
Forbes Travel Guide adds, “Given its proximity to the Philippine Stock Exchange and numerous embassies, the hotel is a natural choice for business travelers. But it’s also right next to Greenbelt and other posh shopping malls and just a few minutes away from the trendiest bars, which lures in leisure guests as well.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,615 sq. ft. Presidential Suites features a receiving foyer, separate living and dining room, and a walk-in wardrobe that leads to an oversized marble bathroom.
More suites at Raffles Manila.
3. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Travel + Leisure reports, “Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila takes No. 1 as the Best City Hotel in the Philippines. Seafront rooms are treated to expansive views of Manila Bay and guests love the combination of generous Filipino hospitality with that sophisticated French je ne sais quoi. Spirals remains one of the city’s most frequented buffet outlets thanks to their impressive selection of mouthwatering cheeses flown in from France. Trop bon! Overlooking the sea, seemingly dipping straight into the ocean, the infinity pool at Shangri-la Boracay is the perfect spot for sundowner champers while admiring that famous Boracay sunset. The pool extends inland into a fun maze of fountains that’s great for kids. Bubbles for bubbas and bubbly for mama – sounds like the perfect vacation! We can see why it wins Best Hotel Pool in the Philippines.”
Imperial Apartment
The 6,049-sq.ft. Imperial Apartment was created after a $1 million renovation combining the Imperial Suite with four Luxury Club Millésime Rooms. The living room overlooks Manilla Bay and there is a formal dining room, full kitchen, and the ability to tailor rooms to a private office, gym, or treatment room.
More suites at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
4. Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Towering above the posh urban jungle that is Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is the sleek and contemporary Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila. Located in BGC — the most walkable space in Metro Manila— Shangri-La at the Fort is surrounded by verdant greenery, the trendiest hangouts, the most talked-about restaurants, and the headquarters of some top multinational companies. Though you’ll find plenty of desirable hangouts, destination restaurants, and a standout gym that trumps most facilities you find in hotels within the walls of Shangri-La at the Fort.
Shangri-La Suite
The 40th-floor 2,573 sq. ft. Shangri-la Suite features a separate living room, dining area, office, guest washroom, and kitchenette with a large bedroom.
More suites at Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila.
5. Sky Tower at Solaire Resort & Casino
According to Forbes Travel Guide, “The gleaming 17-story Sky Tower, located within Solaire Resort & Casino, is the most recent addition to the resort company’s growing gaming complex along the picturesque Manila Bay in the Philippines. Considered a VIP extension of the Solaire Bay Tower, Sky Tower exudes luxury without compromising utility — from the main entrance adorned with a glamorous Swarovski chandelier to the exquisitely decorated suites. Renowned hotel and casino architect Paul Steelman (famous for designing numerous high-end leisure properties in Las Vegas and Macau) headed up the sleek, dynamic design.”
Chairman’s Suite
Spread over 4,250 sq. ft. the top floor, two-bedroom Chairman’s Suite features an oversized living room with grand piano and views of Manila Bay. Paintings and artwork of Filipino artists adorn the suite.
More suites at Sky Tower at Solaire Resort & Casino.
6. Nüwa Manila at City of Dreams
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Nestled in the progressive Entertainment City in Parañaque and near the picturesque Manila Bay — home to thousands of glorious sunsets — Nüwa Manila at City of Dreams is one of the newest and most sought-after luxury hotels in the Philippines. Just a few minutes away from the international and domestic airports, this elegant property is in close proximity to the bustling cities of Pasay, Makati, and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig via the NAIA expressway. Officially opened in December 2015, the hotel is part of City of Dreams Manila, an impressive integrated resort complex, which houses three hotels (Nobu Hotel and Hyatt are the other two). Nüwa Manila is all about sophistication and luxury, down to the finest detail, from the gold-laden entrance to the custom wallpaper inside guest rooms. Designed by world-renowned architect Michael Fiebrich, every nook and cranny exudes elegance.”
Nuwa Presidential Villa
The 5,898 sq. ft. Nuwa Presidential Suite includes three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, a private massage room, and an outdoor terrace with a Jacuzzi. The Master bedroom includes a private office, and the entire villa is accessed via a private elevator.
More suites at Nüwa Manila at City of Dreams.
7. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Located 24 stories above the bustling Ortigas business district is the lavish lobby of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, one of the three Marco Polo Hotels in the Philippines. (The other two are in Cebu and Davao.) Opened in 2014 and dubbed as a sky hotel because it sits atop a mixed-use building, it is the first of its kind in the country. The hotel is a celebration of artistry thanks to the architectural design concept by Mohri Architect & Associates and the interior look by Canada’s Glyph Design Studio. The evocative pieces of artwork by young Filipino artist Jinggoy Buensuceso are displayed throughout the 23 levels of the hotel, its way of embracing and showcasing local culture and artistry.”
Marco Polo Suite
The top-floor 1,750 sq. ft. Marco Polo Suite offers panoramic views and includes a large living and dining, and a master bath with an oversized sunken tub and large walk-in shower.
More suites at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.
8. Okada Manila
According to Forbes Travel Guide, “One look at Okada Manila and it’s apparent why the opulent hotel is called Manila’s Grand Icon. Opened in December 2016, Okada Manila is one of the newest additions to the thriving hospitality scene in the Philippine capital. Situated on the Entertainment City gaming strip, the 993-room hotel and casino occupy an ideal locale, just a few minutes away from the airport and in the center of the action. While the property is surrounded by malls, theaters, and the gorgeous Manila Bay, there’s so much more to explore within its 108 acres. Divided into the Pearl Wing and Coral Wing and connected by a golden sky bridge, the building has marble interiors that are lavishly adorned with jewels, precious stones, and vibrant shades of plum and blush, giving it a warm sense of welcome and easing you into an enjoyable and luxuriously relaxing stay.”
Villa Borcay
The 14,423 sq. ft. Villa Borcay, one of a trio of villas, sleeps up to nine, and comes with 24/7 butler service, your own private spa, entertainment room, and private pool.
More suites at Okada Manila.
