The Manila Hotel

Manila Hotel truly lives up to its reputation. The staff are warm and professional, the rooms are elegant and comfortable, and the overall atmosphere feels both relaxing and historic. The location is perfect, with beautiful views and easy access to key spots in the city. A great choice if you want classic charm with excellent service.

Stepping into the Manila Hotel is less like checking into a hotel and more like entering a national monument. Established in 1912, it carries a weight of history that newer glass-and-steel towers simply cannot replicate. The lobby is the undisputed showstopper—massive Narra wood ceilings, brass chandeliers, and marble floors that make you feel like you've arrived somewhere important. It feels regal, distinctly Filipino, and very nostalgic. The Rooms: Classic vs. Dated The rooms are a mixed bag depending on your taste. • The Good: They are exceptionally spacious by modern standards. The aesthetic leans heavily into "Old World" charm—think heavy wooden furniture, capiz shell windows, and sliding doors. The beds are plush, and the views of Manila Bay (especially at sunset) are world-class. • The Bad: If you are used to smart hotels with USB-C ports in the walls and automated curtains, this might feel ancient. Some carpets and bathroom fixtures feel stuck in the 90s. It’s "classic," but for some travelers, it borders on "dated." The Food: A Destination in Itself • Café Ilang-Ilang: This is arguably the best buffet in the city for variety. It’s not just "hotel food"; it’s a culinary tour. The spread is enormous, featuring distinct stations for Italian, Japanese, Filipino, and a surprisingly excellent Halal section. It is almost always packed, so reservations are mandatory. • The Champagne Room: If you want to propose or impress a date, this is the spot. It is unapologetically floral and romantic, serving classic French cuisine. It feels like dining inside a jewelry box. • The Lobby Lounge: You must try their Ensaymada. It is the size of a dinner plate, covered in butter and cheese, and is widely considered one of the best in Manila. Service: Warm but Paced The service is where the "Filipino Hospitality" brand really shines. Staff are dressed in traditional Filipiniana and Barong, and they are unfailingly polite ("Sir" and "Ma'am" are standard). However, the pace can be a bit more "relaxed" compared to business hotels in Makati. Check-in and check-out can sometimes bottleneck during peak hours. Location: The Strategic Trade-off • Pros: You are walking distance to Rizal Park (Luneta) and Intramuros. It is the perfect base for touring Old Manila. • Cons: You are in the Port Area. The traffic here can be brutal, especially heavy trucks going to the pier. If you have 9:00 AM meetings in BGC or Makati, you need to leave very early. Verdict The Manila Hotel is not just a place to sleep; it’s a cultural experience. It has soul and character, something modern hotels often lack. While the hardware (rooms/elevators) might need a refresh to compete with 2025 standards, the "software" (food, service, history) remains top-tier. Tip: Ask for a renovated room in the Tower Wing for a slightly more modern feel, or splurge on the MacArthur Suite if you want to sleep in the same room General Douglas MacArthur lived in during his tenure as Military Advisor to the Commonwealth.

We stayed at The Manila Hotel last November 5–6 as a couple in a Grand Deluxe Room, and our experience was truly exceptional. The check-in was smooth and hassle-free, and every staff member we met was friendly, courteous, and professional. The grand lobby lounge impressed us with its festive ambiance and soothing live piano music, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. Our room was cozy, comfortable, and relaxing, with a lovely view of the surroundings. We thoroughly enjoyed the sumptuous dinner buffet, which offered a wide variety of delicious dishes that delighted our taste buds. The complimentary breakfast buffet was equally satisfying, with plenty of flavorful options to start the day right. The free use of amenities and the hotel’s overall welcoming environment made our stay relaxing and fulfilling. We highly recommend The Manila Hotel for its timeless charm, excellent service, and outstanding hospitality. We will definitely return again.