Hotel Review: The Manila Hotel
For my 36th birthday, Dee surprised me with a staycation at The Manila Hotel. It's our second time here. Back in 2015, we had our prenup shoot in this same hotel, so it holds a special place in our hearts.
This time we came back with Audrey.
My husband booked it online through the hotel's website. He kept it a surprise until we arrived. There was a storm during our visit, so most of our stay happened indoors.
Our Experience at The Manila Hotel
Parking gave us our first hint of how busy the hotel was. Outdoor parking is limited, and since it was also our check-in day, the hotel had events running in its function hall. Every space was full. We opted for valet instead. Parking itself is free when you're checking in, but valet costs Php 120.
The lobby made up for it. It's still one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies I've seen, and Audrey fell in love with it too. She called it massive and pretty, and she kept asking about the intricate details on the ceiling and walls. She even wanted to know if the paintings were real and who painted them.
From the moment we walked in, we felt the hospitality this hotel is known for. The decor and the architecture carry a real sense of history.
Check-in was easy. According to Dee, they no longer ask for an incidental deposit. Everything we'd charge during the stay, restaurant included, would just be billed at the end.
We stayed on the 16th floor. From what I remember, the room looks exactly the same as it did 10 years ago. The furniture is antique, with that old charm some people call outdated. For me, that's part of what makes it the oldest luxury hotel in Metro Manila.
The room was spacious, elegantly furnished, and spotless. It gave us a proper retreat after a busy travel day. The aircon ran cold, which we appreciated. And the moment we walked in, we found a cake waiting for us, arranged ahead of time by my husband.
Room inclusions:
Mini fridge
2 adult bathrobes (we also asked for a kiddie one, and they surprisingly had it)
2 adult slippers
Cloth iron
Safety deposit box
TV
Fruit plate (1 apple, 1 orange, 2 bananas)
Separate bathtub and shower area in the bathroom, with toiletries
Complimentary snacks, refillable once a day depending on your length of stay
We also got 3 chocolates delivered daily. The staff throughout our stay were professional, courteous, and attentive, always ready to help with a warm smile.
Amenities and Facilities
Since a typhoon rolled in during our visit, we mostly stayed inside and didn't get to try everything the hotel offers. Here's what's available:
Fitness area (gym)
Swimming pool, well maintained, with a kiddie area around 3 feet deep and an adult pool ranging from 5 to 8 feet. Audrey got to enjoy it properly on our third day, once the sun came out.
Art Gallery, closed during our stay since there was no exhibition running
Business Center and Executive Club Lounge, we didn't get the chance to visit this one
Health Club
Heritage Museum, fully booked during our stay. It's a guided tour, and you need to book it at the concierge.
M Gift Shop, where we picked up Willy the bear bellboy
Manila Hotel Spa
Near the pool, there's an alfresco area overlooking Manila Bay. We stopped by for a bit after breakfast. The bay isn't the cleanest, but it doesn't smell bad either. We also caught a Dragon Boat Paddling team practicing nearby, which was fun to watch.
Breakfast at The Manila Hotel
Our stay included complimentary breakfast at Café Ilang-Ilang, and there was no shortage of options: a pastry station with pancakes and waffles, a juice station, salad and cold cuts, cereals and yogurt, and dedicated Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and vegan sections, plus a taho station.
With that much variety, I expected something to stand out. Nothing really did. The spread was diverse, but none of the dishes left a lasting impression.
Day 1 Buffet Spread
Day 2 Buffet Spread
About the Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel sits beside Kilometer Zero, where the City of Manila begins, within walking distance of Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museums. It's a 550-room, five-star property built on reclaimed land along Manila Bay, with a California Mission facade and Doric pillars that mix Filipino, Spanish, and American influences.
It opened on July 4, 1912, to mark American Independence Day, designed by architect William E. Parsons based on Daniel Burnham's city plan. It's been renovated a few times since, most recently in 2008, and it earned National Historical Landmark status in 2003. The hotel still runs 3 restaurants and 4 bars, and remains the choice of the most distinguished guests. It's the oldest luxury hotel in the Philippines.
The Manila Hotel Contact Information
Address: 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 0913 Metro Manila
Phone Number: +63 2 8527 0011
Website:manila-hotel.com.ph
Facebook:facebook.com/TheManilaHotel
Instagram:@themanilahotel
