Manila, Philippines where to stay. If you are considering visiting Manila, Philippines you are in for a treat! This city has so much to offer, you cannot see it all in one visit; come for a month at least! To help explain the city of Manila better, there are many “Districts” that all part of Manila city limits. This guide will help you find the BEST hotel to book in each area and each situation. For cultural review of Intramuros click here. For Manila Complete tourism guide, see guide book coming out soon!
First, which district should you stay in on your first visit? That depends, and you will be happy at all of the above. There are other districts, bot those are more residential, and I don’t recommend. if you need to be close to the Airport, stay in Pasay area. For history and culture pick Manila Bay. Best air quality and most tourist friendly: Bonifacio Global City. My favorite that I usually stay at: Makati. If it’s you first time, I would pick Makati, and then Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
I will explain each district a little, and then give the hotel recommendations. Note, I have traveled to Manila more then 30 times, so any questions you got, let me know.
Just north of the airport, between the Skyway and Manila bay, lies the area called Pasay. (Directly west of airport, to the bay) This area is arguably the easiest to get to terminal 1 and terminal 3 for coming and arriving, and is a great starting point for Manila. I would stay in this area mainly if you need to reach the airport quickly or just a have a short meeting in Manila, coming and going the same day. Actually, if you visit the Mall of Asia here, (A HUGE MALL) you may notice river canals about every KM on the roads because this area is actually re-claimed, built-up land. (Manila is so big, they are literally making the land mass bigger by taking up more of the sea … Zoom out on google maps, and you can see the sections that have been added.
If you go just north of Pasay, you will be in the traditional Manila Bay area, that includes the huge ports for commercial shipping, the beautiful Rizal Park, and well as Intramuros. Intramuros is an absolute must see on a visit to Manila Philippines. Intramuros is a historically preserved colonial town that looks just like it did 100’s of years ago when the Spanish came to Philippines. Many of the important government buildings like the US and other embassy are in Manila Bay area.
The up and coming finial district/business district. This is my favorite, and where I stay 90% of the time. I can honestly say I know more restaurants and places here than in my hometown of Nashville. This is banking / finance district and a perfect place for business meetings, entertainment and tourism. For those looking for designer brands, Greenbelt mall’s got you… bring yo wallets.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) This district is really unique and perhaps my second favorite in Manila. Here, the jeepneys (modified cards with lots of pollution) and other similar motor cars are banned, so the air quality is a little bit better than other districts. (Smog is a real thing in Manila… ) Many tourist go to this area, and if it’s your first time in Asia, this district will give you the LEAST amount of culture shock, with many European and American influences to help you feel at home. Check out Bonifacio High Street shops and restaurants!
Ortigas is also a great option to the east of Pan-Philippine Highway. This area has a great SM Mall, restaurants, shops business centers and hotels. If you have already been to Makati and BGC, give Pasig a try on your next visit. If you have business in Quezon City, this is the closes starting point.
Now, where to stay at each place.
Dusit Thani – This hotel is incredible. It has the best buffet breakfast in Makati, and the Dusit brand from Thailand is a great luxury hotel group. Its location works great, as its just off the interstate, so arriving and leaving is quicker than the other hotels in Makati. I have probably stayed here more then 20 times. Staff is great, they will remember you and help you with anything.
Second choice in Makati has to be The Peninsula Manila.
This 5 star hotel is the most luxurious, with wonderful atmosphere, fine dining, and jewelry stores on site for all you big spenders. If you have been to a Peninsula in the States or Asia before, you will know this brand and the Manila location is hard to beat. I really like this hotel as well, and is a close second choice (The location for waking around from Dusit Hotel is better for me). If you don’t stay here, come at lease for a cocktail, or the buffet on Sunday, the restored history building has a beautiful atrium.
If you are coming just for a short meeting, maybe coming and leaving the same day, the Marriot at the airport is incredible. There is actually a small city around the hotel, with a shopping mall and all kinds of attractions. I have stayed here many times, and always happy with the Marriott service.
If you are looking for a budget option, the Belmont hotel is right next to Marriott, and it is really nice for a lower price. Pro tip, there is a roof-top pool and bar that you can sit at and watch the planes land. (I didn’t even now the pool/roof top existed until my third stay here… but now I go up there every time for a quick relax sech.)
If you shopping at the Mall of Asia, or planning a large meeting or conference you should book the Conrad Manila. This is a great hotel and conference center for arranging large events, and relatively quick to get to from the airport.
Here I would recommend the Sheraton Manila Bay – Great hotel and all the amenities you need. For the super-adventurous travelers, you can stay inside Intramuros area and live the old colonial life-style one night. Here, stay the Bayleaf Hotel, and have dinner or cocktails on the top at the Sky Deck, you can thank me later. This has great view for pizza, tapas or a great Singapore Sling by one of the talented mixologist. (I may or may not have had about 3 of these…)
I really love this area, maybe one day Bonifacio will be my favorite…. I like two hotels here: Shangri-La at the Fort. I am sure many people know the Shangri-La Luxury brand. This is beautiful hotel, and perfect location.
Second choice here would be Ascott BGC. This is also top notch and even has extended stay apartment condos if needed. You will be in great luxury at either one and will love everything around the main city street.
Ortigas is a beautiful unique location, and I have been staying at the Marco Polo hotel here for years. This is probably one of the best hotels with modern options, beautiful atmosphere, and luxury in all of Manila.
New to the city is the recently built Westin by Marriott. As this just opened I have not been there yet, but will stay there later this month, and give it a proper review. For the Marriott Ambassadors, this will be in you network of hotels, and much better location then the Marriott at the airport.
In no order, here is the top three, which was really hard to choose. There are no hotels on this list, that I have not been extremely happy with. If you would like an in depth review of any, let me know.
Try the links to use the Booking.com platform, that I use on a weekly basis. Thanks BOOKING.COM for making reservations easy!
1 comment
Peninsula is amazing!
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