Welcome to Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines known for its vibrant entertainment districts, buzzing business centers, countless historical sights, and – arguably its most defining feature: abysmal traffic. Getting around this chaotic city can be challenging, which is why travelers are often advised to book the best hotels in prime destinations.
If you’re willing to spend extra on world-class amenities, exceptional cuisine, and rooms fit for royalty, luxury hotels in Manila aren’t hard to find. Here are some of the snazziest hotels in the capital – a combination of grand dame historical hotels with star-studded guestlists and modern 5-star hotel accommodations with ludicrously lavish amenities.
The Manila Hotel
Built in 1909, some of the world’s most famous cultural icons have graced its ornate halls, including The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Ernest Hemingway. The hotel features over 510 rooms with Filipiniana-style interiors, a lavish spa, and a well-equipped fitness center.
Location: 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila
Wine & Dine:
- The Champagne Room – Old World-themed fine dining
- Cafe Ilang-Ilang – International buffet
- Red Jade – Traditional Cantonese cuisine
- Tap Room – Glamorous English-pub style bar
Nearby Attractions:
- Intramuros
- Manila Cathedral
The Peninsula Manila
A favourite spot for the well-heeled, one of the best five-star hotels in Manila. The Peninsula offers 469 spacious rooms and suites with gorgeous Filipino accents. It houses a fitness center and a spa looking out into a lovely outdoor pool.
Location: Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, Makati
Wine & Dine:
- Spices – Southeast Asian fare
- Escolta – International buffet
- Old Manila – Award-winning contemporary market cuisine
- Salon De Ning – Shanghai-inspired bar and lounge
Nearby attractions:
- Ayala Triangle Gardens
- Ayala Museum
- Burgos Park
- Bonifacio High Street
Fairmont Makati
Famous for exceptional service. Fairmont’s five-star hotel in Makati houses 280 modern-styled rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and elegant bathrooms. The spa offers hair and nail services and the pool comes with bar service. Break a sweat in the high-tech fitness center (complete with internet-connected cardio machines).
Location: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Ave, Makati
Wine & Dine:
- Cafe Macaron – Baked goods and gourmet sandwiches
- Long Bar – Upscale bar inspired by the original Long Bar in Raffles Singapore
Nearby attractions:
- Greenbelt Mall
- Ayala Center
- Landmark Makati
- Glorietta
City of Dreams Manila
A complex of three of Manila’s top hotels (Nobu Hotel Manila, Nüwa Manila, and Hyatt Regency Hotel). This resort and casino boasts world-class gaming and top-notch amenities. Don’t miss dining at renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Manila outpost of Nobu.
Location: Entertainment City, corner Macapagal Ave, Aseana Ave, Parañaque
Wine & Dine:
- Nobu – Japanese/Peruvian Restaurant
- Crystal Dragon – Authentic Chinese and Cantonese Fare
- Season 88 – Asian and international cuisine
- Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse & Bar – Specialty steaks, seafood, and wine
Nearby attractions:
- Chaos
- Ayala Malls Manila Bay
- DreamPlay by DreamWorks
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
A popular celebrity hideout during the ’80s and ’90s that has earned a reputation as one of the best five-star hotels in Manila. Features a massive pool, an on-site casino, an exceptional kid’s club, and plenty of amenities for the active.
Location: CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Pasay
Wine & Dine:
- Spiral – International buffet
- La Veranda – Poolside bar and restaurant
- Snaps Sports Bar – Beer, bar chow, and gourmet comfort food
- Sunset Bar – Grilled, barbecued specialties
Nearby attractions:
- Star City
- Upside Down Museum
- Philippine International Convention Center
- W.Mall
The Conrad Manila
This sleek and stately 347-room luxury hotel in Manila offers an upscale spa, a well-equipped gym, and an outdoor pool. Rooms offer stunning views of Manila Bay and The Mall of Asia Bay amusement park.
Location: Seaside Boulevard, Coral Way, Pasay
Wine & Dine:
- Brasserie On 3 – Culinary favourites
- C Lounge – Snacks, tapas-style dishes, and rum-based drinks
- China Blue by Jereme Leung – Modern interpretation of traditional Chinese cuisine
Nearby attractions:
- Mall of Asia Arena
- SM Mall of Asia
- S Maison
Raffles Makati
Spacious suites and top-notch amenities make this art-filled hotel a favourite for business travelers. It’s easy to feel spoiled with its in-house butlers, rooms with luxurious amenities, and a well-equipped spa.
Location: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Ave, Makati
Wine & Dine:
- Spectrum – All-day dining featuring fine global cuisine
- Mistral – Chic rooftop bar
- Writers Bar – Classic cocktails, afternoon tea, and light snacks
Nearby attractions:
- Greenbelt Mall
- Greenbelt Park
- Ayala Museum
- Greenbelt Chapel
Grand Hyatt Manila
It’s hard to miss the Grand Hyatt, as it’s housed in the Philippines’ tallest building (318 meters). One of the most famous hotels in Manila, it’s located in the Bonifacio Global City entertainment district. This 5-star hotel offers 461 spacious and beautifully-appointed rooms, a heated outdoor lap pool, a spa that employs indigenous technologies, and a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center.
Location: 8th Avenue corner, 35th St, Taguig
Wine & Dine:
- Le Petit Chef at The Peak – 6-course dinners with cinematic entertainment
- The Grand Kitchen – Local and international cuisines
- The Cellar – Bar and tapas-style plates
- No. 8 China House – Chinese specialties
- The Peak – Grill restaurant, whisky bar, and music lounge
Nearby attractions:
- XYLO at The Palace
- Uptown Place Mall
- Uptown Bonifacio
- Revel at The Palace
Solaire Resort & Casino
One of the first hotel-resort-casinos in the city. The five-star Manila resort offers 18,500 square meters of gaming space with 1,200 slot machines and over 300 table games, an outdoor swimming pool, elegant spa, lyric theatre, and fitness center.
Location: Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Tambo, Parañaque
Wine & Dine:
- Yakumi – Japanese cuisine
- Finestra Italian Steakhouse – Modern Italian classics
- Red Lantern – Authentic Chinese cuisine
- House of Zhou – Chinese imperial cuisine
- Acacia – Steaks and ribs
Nearby attractions:
- Ayala Malls Manila Bay
- The Theatre at Solaire
- Okada Manila Resort & Casino
New Coast Hotel Manila
Situated in a premium location at the heart of Manila, this 288-room 5-star business hotel wows guests with a full range of amenities. Spacious modern-styled rooms in this Manila luxury hotel feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sprawling views of Manila Bay and the surrounding cityscape.
Location: 1588 Pedro Gil Street Corner MH del Pilar, Manila
Wine & Dine:
- Market Cafe – International buffet
- Li Li – Authentic Chinese cuisine
- The Lounge – Drinks and live entertainment
- The Pastry Boutique – Breads, pastries, tea, and coffee
Nearby attractions:
- Robinsons Place Mall
- Cultural Center of the Philippines
- FAB
- Centennial Clock
Makati Shangri-la Manila
Arguably the best Shangri-La brand hotel in the Philippines. The grand lobby is a testament to Makati Shangri-la Manila’s opulence with its magnificent crystal chandelier, dramatic staircase, and marble floors. All 696 luxurious rooms feature modern amenities. The in-house restaurant, Circles, is known for its stellar breakfast buffet.
Location: Ayala Ave, Makati
Wine & Dine:
- Circles Event Cafe – International buffet
- Inagiku – Japanese cuisine
- Sage Bespoke Grill – Traditional grilled meat and seafood specialties
- Shang Palace – Fine Chinese dining
Nearby attractions:
- Ayala Museum
- Greenbelt Park
- Greenbelt Chapel
- Greenbelt Mall
Okada Manila
Wine, dine, and play in this opulent five-star hotel-casino in front of Manila Bay. Features 993 lavishly-decorated rooms that range from 55 square meter deluxe units to 1,000 square meter villas. An excellent accommodation for gourmands; there are more than 20 restaurants here, from upscale Japanese to fine Italian dining.
Location: New Seaside Dr, Tambo, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila
Wine & Dine:
- Imamura – Modern Japanese cuisine
- Ginza Nakaoka – Sushi and sashimi specialties
- Goryeo – Upscale Korean barbecue
- Medley Buffet – International buffet
- Kiapo – Filipino-inspired modern rice bowls
Nearby attractions:
- The Theatre at Solaire
- Cove Manila
- Sky Range
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Header image credits: Okada Manila
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