If you’re planning a trip to Manila Philippines, you might be surprised to learn that Manila isn’t one compact city. It’s a vast metropolitan area made up of sixteen different cities, with almost twenty-five million residents and, as yet, no metro system. The Grab app will quickly become your best friend: with the city’s notoriously heavy traffic, you’ll struggle without it, especially since there’s no reliable rail connection from the airport.
When choosing accommodation, you’ll face one big decision: stay in the modern, safe districts of Makati or BGC, where you’ll find excellent food and all the Western-style comforts you could want, or choose the historic areas of Ermita and Intramuros. The latter put the best-known sights within walking distance, but evenings can be rather quiet, and the streets don’t feel quite as safe. I strongly recommend focusing on the first option. Taking a Grab to the sights is ultimately much more pleasant than worrying about leaving your hotel for dinner after dark.
I’ve put together a detailed guide to the best hotels so you know exactly what to expect from each area—and, above all, don’t get caught out by hidden taxes and fees that booking sites often don’t display upfront. In the Philippines, a 12% tax and a 10% service charge are commonly added to accommodation prices, so the final bill can unexpectedly climb by as much as a quarter.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
TL;DR
- Best classic luxury hotel with a long history: The Peninsula Manila (a huge lobby, outstanding service and a location right in the heart of Makati).
- Best choice for families with children: Shangri-La The Fort, Manila (two pools and enormous rooms in BGC, the safest district).
- Best value in the centre: Holiday Inn & Suites Makati (a mid-range hotel directly connected to Glorietta shopping mall).
- Best airport hotel before your flight: Hilton Manila (easy to reach from Terminal 3 via the covered Runway Manila footbridge).
- Best for history lovers and a romantic stay: The Bayleaf Intramuros (the only boutique hotel inside the old Spanish walls, with lovely rooftop views).
- Best for a longer stay with your own kitchen: Makati Diamond Residences (fully equipped apartments a short walk from excellent weekend markets).
- Best hostel and nightlife: Z Hostel (a popular base with a renowned rooftop bar in the safer part of Poblacion).
💡 Use this map to compare what’s currently available — you’ll instantly see how much prices change just a few blocks away.
Which area should you choose?
Choosing the right neighbourhood is probably the most important decision you’ll make for your Manila trip, because travelling between different parts of the city can take hours in traffic. Makati CBD (Central Business District), specifically Legazpi Village and Salcedo Village, is ideal for a first visit. Here you’ll find some of the safest, most comfortable streets, lined with excellent restaurants and shopping malls such as Greenbelt. Things do quieten down a little after 10 p.m., but a Grab to the airport takes 30–60 minutes, and reaching the main sights takes roughly the same amount of time. If you’re looking for nightlife, nearby Poblacion is a hipster hub packed with great bars, hostels and restaurants awarded Michelin’s Bib Gourmand distinction. You’ll need to be more alert to pickpockets here, though, and avoid the notorious red-light strip on P. Burgos Street.
For families with children and anyone seeking a quieter stay, there’s BGC (Bonifacio Global City), one of the country’s most modern districts. Locals say it has the best pavements, along with beautiful parks and plenty of street art. There’s no rail connection, so you’ll depend entirely on cars, but the sense of safety and almost spotless cleanliness more than make up for that. It’s also the most expensive area in the metropolis. On the other hand, travellers on a tight budget who want the historic centre close at hand can consider Ermita and Malate, right by the bay. From here, you can comfortably walk to the fortified district of Intramuros or Rizal Park. I do need to be honest, though: the area feels considerably less safe after dark, much of it looks run-down, and walking alone at night is definitely not recommended. If you want to stay here, stick exclusively to the five-star hotels directly on Roxas Boulevard.
Intramuros itself is wonderfully romantic, but best suited to a one-night stay at most. Everything closes in the evening, and apart from kiosks on the riverside promenade that stay open until midnight, there’s little going on after dark. If you like enormous resorts, casinos and sunset views, try Pasay and the Mall of Asia (MOA) area. The pools are gorgeous and the airport is only fifteen minutes away, but there’s no real street life, and you’ll need hotel shuttles to get around. One final, very practical option is Newport, right beside airport Terminal 3. It’s something of a purpose-built hotel enclave with a shopping mall, and invaluable if you need somewhere to spend your last night before an early-morning flight. Getting to the sights from here, however, can easily take more than an hour.
When to visit and when to book
The best time to visit Manila is undoubtedly December to February, when you can expect the most comfortable temperatures and the least rainfall. From June to November, on the other hand, expect monsoon weather and occasional typhoons. Outdoor attractions such as Intramuros often close during these storms, leaving you with fewer opportunities to enjoy the city. If you’re planning a trip over Christmas, New Year or Holy Week—the week leading up to Easter—book your hotels as much as six months ahead. These are peak periods, and rooms disappear very quickly.
Hotel prices are quite interesting by Asian standards. While cheaper accommodation costs roughly PHP 2,600–4,200 per night, Manila offers exceptionally affordable five-star luxury, often starting at around PHP 4,900 before taxes. Always check whether your booking site displays the final price: Booking.com and Expedia generally show amounts excluding that 12% tax and 10% service charge, so you’ll need to mentally add roughly 23% to the displayed price (as a rough guide, PHP 100 is about €1.40). Before you travel, remember to complete the free eTravel form within the 72 hours before your arrival; it’s compulsory for entry. Travellers of many nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, but check the requirements for your passport before departure.
18 Best Hotels & Safe Areas in Manila Philippines
Below you’ll find my detailed selection of accommodation, grouped by the areas that make the most sense for visitors, so you can choose exactly the right base for the kind of stay you have in mind.
1. The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila is a classic luxury hotel dating back to 1976, right at the junction of Ayala and Makati Avenues. Its enormous lobby and double staircase make an immediate impression as you arrive. Guests rave about the impeccable five-star service: the staff are welcoming and cheerful, even when you turn up exhausted after a long flight. A night costs roughly PHP 8,000–9,500 before taxes, giving you the chance to enjoy the huge pool and a drink at the legendary Salon de Ning bar. Ayala metro station and Greenbelt shopping mall are both a short walk away, while a Grab to historic Intramuros takes around twenty to forty minutes, depending on traffic.
Bear in mind, though, that while this hotel has an undeniably illustrious past, the rooms now feel a little dated and, according to reviews, could certainly do with a light refresh. Another small drawback is the food at the main buffet, which reportedly doesn’t quite live up to the high price, so you’re better off heading out for a substantial meal. Still, if you’re looking for genuinely attentive service and don’t mind a slightly retro feel, you’ll leave very happy.
💡 Tip: When paying, remember that, in addition to the standard 10% service charge, the hotel adds a slightly higher tax of 12.6% to the base price. This is probably due to local charges in Makati, so keep it in mind to avoid a surprise when you see the final bill.
2. Fairmont Makati
The modern five-star Fairmont Makati sits in the heart of the business district near Makati Avenue, sharing an enormous high-rise complex with its sister hotel. Guests say a lovely fragrance greets you as soon as you walk through the doors, and if you enjoy the high standards of international hotel chains, you’ll feel right at home here. A night costs around 8,075 PHP before taxes, which is fair for spacious rooms with large floor-to-ceiling windows. Above all, guests praise the warm staff, who look after you from the moment you make your reservation. You’re also a short walk from the shops, or you can retreat to the hotel’s pool and spa after a day out.
One thing this hotel does brilliantly is breakfast. I love how many vegetarian and vegan options they prepare every morning, and the egg station is excellent. Bear in mind, though, that the fresh-juice blenders can make breakfast a little noisy, and some guests mention a bit of street noise or slow service at the lobby café. If you’re after even more peace and exclusivity, Raffles Makati occupies the same building, with gorgeous, enormous suites and a personal butler—although you’ll need to budget just under 19,000 PHP per night.
💡 Tip: Fairmont is especially popular with honeymooners. You get virtually the same level of luxury as at its pricier neighbour, but for much less money, leaving you more to spend on great food around the city.
3. Makati Shangri-La, Manila
Makati Shangri-La, Manila may be a vast hotel, but the moment you step into its beautiful grand lobby, you’re enveloped in a calm you’ll appreciate in the busy city centre. Guests especially love the exceptionally spacious rooms and outstanding staff, whose attentive service never slips, even during longer stays of, say, two weeks. Another highlight is the fantastically equipped Health Club, with a sauna, steam room, hot tub and cold plunge pool—the perfect place to cool down after a hot day. There’s also a lovely outdoor pool and excellent breakfasts. Expect to pay around 7,700 PHP per night before taxes, which strikes me as a fair price for this level of service.
Be prepared for the occasional wait at check-in when several guests arrive at once, so bring a little patience. Another thing I genuinely want to warn you about is the hotel’s currency exchange desk. They’re incredibly strict and will refuse even a slightly creased banknote, so bring only pristine, crisp notes. Otherwise, getting around from here is easy: you’ll be staying directly above Ayala MRT station and right beside Glorietta shopping mall, with shops and restaurants on your doorstep.
💡 Tip: Make sure you request a room on one of the higher floors when booking. You’ll enjoy a gorgeous view of the glittering Makati skyline, and virtually none of the street noise reaches that high.
4. Discovery Primea
Discovery Primea is right on the main thoroughfare, Ayala Avenue, a short walk from major shopping malls such as Greenbelt and Glorietta. It feels more like a luxury apartment complex, with nights costing roughly 8,400 PHP before taxes. It’s particularly well suited to anyone who loves plenty of space and wants to return after a day exploring the city to something that feels more like a beautiful private apartment than a standard hotel room. Guests especially praise the thoughtful welcome, the incredibly friendly breakfast staff and the wonderful two-bedroom suites with their inviting, homely atmosphere.
Bear in mind that the standard business suites can feel rather austere and lack a truly romantic atmosphere, although the excellent room service helps make up for it. Some guests also mention that the furnishings have seen better days and that the reception staff aren’t particularly smiley, but the housekeeping team reportedly more than makes up for that. One standout is the renowned Flame restaurant, which I recommend for dinner. The overall location is excellent too, making it easy to reach other parts of Manila. Just note that the hotel’s spa is closed on Mondays.
💡 Tip: The rooftop pool is on the smaller side, but its stunning city views make it well worth a visit. Be sure to plan at least one early-evening drink here at sunset.
5. Holiday Inn & Suites Makati
Holiday Inn & Suites Makati connects directly to the large Glorietta shopping mall, so you could pop out for shopping or coffee even in your slippers. It sits in the mid-range to upscale bracket of the popular IHG group, and a night costs roughly 6,375 PHP before taxes. Judging by guest reviews, its biggest draw is the staff, who look after you with a smile from the very first minute. Guests also frequently rave about the wonderful breakfasts and the spacious, spotlessly clean rooms.
I think this hotel is particularly well suited to families—children stay free, incidentally—or anyone who wants to unwind after exploring the city with a cocktail beside the rooftop pool. The mall downstairs is naturally busy, so expect a little noise to reach the lower floors at times, but nothing that should spoil your stay. If you’re looking for reliable standards in Makati and value genuinely warm service, you’ll probably be very happy here.
💡 Tip: Consider paying extra for access to the exclusive Club Lounge. You’ll get not only a much quieter spot for breakfast, but also evening drinks and light snacks—a welcome treat after a full day exploring the city.
6. Makati Diamond Residences
Makati Diamond Residences is a lovely aparthotel in the quieter neighbourhood of Legazpi Village, costing roughly 6,400 PHP per night. Guests most often praise the incredibly friendly staff and the spacious, clean rooms, which feel genuinely comfortable. They particularly love that the apartments have a fully equipped kitchenette with a proper cooker and oven, something you don’t often find in Asia. Guests staying in the pricier suites also rave about access to the quiet club lounge and its excellent breakfasts. You’ll even find a great little bakery and a luxurious spa in the building—definitely book yourself a massage after a long flight.
On the practical side, parking at the hotel comes with a charge, although that probably won’t concern you if you’re visiting without a car. The location is otherwise fantastic, with premium shopping malls and great vegan eateries such as Green Bar and iVegan just around the corner. If it’s fully booked, Citadines Salcedo Makati is nearby; guests praise its similar spacious-studio setup, lovely indoor pool and proximity to the renowned Saturday market.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the Legazpi Sunday Market, which is literally around the corner from the hotel. It’s a wonderful chance to buy local ingredients and soak up the relaxed community atmosphere of this safe neighbourhood.
7. Red Planet Makati Amorsolo
Red Planet Makati Amorsolo is a reliable, no-frills chain hotel on Urban Avenue, best suited to anyone who wants to save on accommodation and spend more on food or excursions instead. I think its biggest advantage is the location: you can walk to the main business district in under ten minutes, avoiding the city’s notorious traffic jams. You’ll pay roughly 1,600 PHP per night, which is quite reasonable. Guests especially praise the fast Wi-Fi, the very friendly reception staff and the hot-water pressure in the showers, which is excellent by Philippine standards.
Bear in mind, though, that this is very basic accommodation, and the online photos can be a little misleading. The rooms are tiny, so you may struggle for space with large suitcases, and they lack everyday extras such as a chair, coffee or a bath mat. Some guests also report problems with the TV freezing. If it’s fully booked or you’d like a little more comfort, the clean Jinjiang Inn Makati is nearby, within easy walking distance of the Greenbelt complex, and serves a delicious made-to-order omelette at breakfast.
💡 Tip: Staying here makes the most sense if you only use your room to sleep and spend your days out exploring the city. Don’t expect any great luxury or spacious wardrobes where you can comfortably unpack enormous suitcases.
8. I’M Hotel
I’M Hotel sits right where lively Poblacion meets Makati Avenue. It’s a great choice in Manila Philippines if you want to enjoy the nightlife but prefer large, modern hotels. A night here costs around 4,000–6,000 PHP. Guests love the spacious rooms, and the pricier suites give you gorgeous views of the city at night. The main draw, though, is the huge Japanese Onsen spa and the rooftop pool with its cocktail bar. I think it’s a lovely touch that arriving guests often receive welcome vouchers for a drink, dessert or short massage.
Bear in mind, though, that guests say the overall service doesn’t always live up to the higher price. You might be surprised to find no bottled drinking water in your room, for example, meaning you’ll have to take a jug into the hallway to fill it up. If that puts you off, City Garden GRAND Hotel Makati is a short walk away. It has the fantastic Firefly rooftop bar and very friendly staff, although a recent guest there also mentioned a slightly flooded bathroom after showering.
💡 Tip: Admission to the huge Japanese Onsen spa is often included in the room rate for hotel guests. After a full day exploring the city on foot, don’t forget to soothe your tired legs in the hot spring baths.
9. Lub d Manila Makati
Lub d Manila Makati is right in the heart of buzzing Poblacion, and to me it looks like a very successful blend of modern hostel and hotel. A so-called Solo King room starts at around US$22, including taxes. Despite the “solo” name, the large bed is surprisingly comfortable for two people too. From the reviews I’ve read, guests particularly praise the cleanliness, large windows, good breakfast with pastries from the local café and, above all, the wonderfully friendly Connie at reception, who takes excellent care of everyone.
Be prepared to use shared bathrooms if you book one of the cheapest rooms. The staff work hard to keep them clean, but with so many guests coming and going, a little patience is sometimes needed. On the other hand, you get exactly what you pay for here. On sweltering days, you’ll also appreciate the small pool for cooling off. There’s a handy self-service laundry too, and the central location puts plenty of good restaurants on your doorstep, so you can head straight out for dinner.
💡 Tip: The huge coworking space on the ground floor has excellent, fast Wi-Fi. If you need to deal with a few work emails during your holiday, it’s much more comfortable than squeezing into an unfamiliar café with your laptop.
10. Z Hostel
Z Hostel is on the safer, quieter Don Pedro Street in the heart of Poblacion, and it’s something of a legend among backpackers. Guests particularly love the wonderfully sociable atmosphere and spectacular views from the rooftop bar, where evening karaoke makes it easy to meet travellers from around the world. Reviews often mention the incredibly friendly staff, especially the popular receptionist Christine, and the consistently clean beds are another plus. A dorm bed costs around 500–600 PHP, which includes a very simple breakfast.
With space for up to 128 guests, expect this place to be lively. The downside of all that fun is the fairly loud noise from the bar, which carries down to the lower floors until late at night, so I’d recommend packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. Guests occasionally mention minor lapses in cleaning or a slightly dated appearance, but the lift and bathroom inside the dorm room are big advantages. Although the surrounding neighbourhood has a reputation for being a little wild, the hostel’s own street is well lit and busy at night, which helps you feel at ease.
💡 Tip: As soon as you arrive, remember to sign up for the free walking tour of the neighbourhood organised by the staff. It’s probably the best way to explore this area safely through local eyes.
11. Shangri-La The Fort, Manila
Shangri-La The Fort, Manila offers five-star luxury on a grand scale in BGC, Manila’s most modern district. Guests rave about the incredibly attentive staff and generously sized rooms, where excellent blackout curtains keep even the morning sunshine from waking you. The fitness centre gets the most praise, though, with many saying they’ve never seen a better one in any hotel. Add to that two pools: one with three lanes dedicated to swimmers, and another for families with children. All this luxury does have one understandable drawback—the price, with a night here costing around 16,500 PHP before taxes.
The experience is probably only worth it if you specifically need to spend time in BGC and want the rare convenience of checking in from the comfort of your own room. There are plenty of shopping and dining options nearby, and for a caffeine boost, I’d recommend the Arabica café just around the corner. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, try the nearby Grand Hyatt Manila, where guests love the incredible city views, particularly from The Peak bar.
💡 Tip: The hotel offers its own premium airport transfer. It’s a little more expensive than a regular Grab ride, but if you’re arriving after a long journey and want to avoid any stress, it’s an incredibly comfortable option.
12. Seda BGC
Seda BGC stands right beside the popular High Street promenade, with its shops and greenery, and strikes me as a great base for exploring Manila’s best restaurants. Here you can enjoy wonderfully easy walks along wide, clean pavements—something you rarely experience elsewhere in the city. Guests particularly praise the spotless new rooms and well-known breakfasts, with a generous selection that easily caters to vegetarians too. Another standout is the exceptionally helpful concierge, who is happy to assist with anything you need. A night costs around 8,100 PHP before tax.
Bear in mind, though, that a stay here can have its downsides. Occasionally, guests report fairly serious issues, such as room air conditioning that didn’t work for three days or a gym heated to an unbearable 30°C, with problems proving difficult to resolve even after repeated requests. If you’re planning a longer family holiday and want complete peace of mind, consider the nearby serviced apartments at Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila instead. They’re among the best-rated in the city, and guests love the flawless service and well-equipped kitchenettes.
💡 Tip: Right outside the hotel, you’ll find BGC’s spacious parks and little squares. Head out early in the morning for a safe run alongside the locals, before Manila’s daytime heat and humidity really set in.
13. The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is a grand slice of history beside Rizal Park in Ermita, just a short walk from the walls of Intramuros and the city’s best-known sights. It opened on 4 July 1912, and for around 8,500 PHP per night before taxes, you can soak up its wonderful early-20th-century nostalgia. The famous General MacArthur lived here, and his former penthouse is still available to book as a luxury suite. Guests particularly admire the magnificent grand lobby with its live piano music and the cosy bar, where you can listen to live jazz every evening—a perfect treat after a day in the city.
Still, I think it’s only fair to warn you that, despite the impressive building, the service can sometimes fall well short. Guests complain about things like forgotten airport transfers or parking their car taking as long as an hour when several events are happening in the function rooms at once. Some beds are reportedly extremely hard, and parts of the furnishings could do with some much-needed repairs. Even so, this place has plenty of charm; just make sure you take a Grab after dark and don’t walk alone around the dimly lit surrounding streets.
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t stay here, stop by for afternoon tea in the main lobby. It costs just under 1,700 PHP and is an incredible experience that feels straight out of an old film.
14. Admiral Hotel Manila MGallery Collection
Admiral Hotel Manila MGallery Collection stands right on the iconic Roxas Boulevard in Malate. If you have a soft spot for elegant interiors with high ceilings, this luxurious boutique hotel with Art Deco touches dating back to 1939 will win you over. It recently underwent a major renovation, and a night here costs around 6,800 PHP before taxes. To me, it seems made for anyone who loves a good view: every evening, you can watch Manila’s most famous sunsets over the bay from just across the street. Guests particularly praise the huge, wonderfully quiet rooms, but above all the smiling staff with their old-school hospitality. Manager Kevin reportedly takes exceptional care of guests, while Anna, the hotel’s adopted dog, has won everyone’s hearts.
In the morning, you can look forward to breakfast on the ninth floor, with excellent coffee and freshly cooked eggs, alongside a pool overlooking the sea. Behind the library doors, you’ll reportedly discover a hidden speakeasy. Bear in mind, though, that the surrounding streets of Malate aren’t particularly welcoming after dark. If the hotel is fully booked, the classic Diamond Hotel Philippines is a short distance away. Alternatively, try the refurbished Sheraton Manila Bay, which puts you close to the historic sights.
💡 Tip: Reserve a table for an evening drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar, where you’ll get the best possible view of Manila Bay. It saves you having to squeeze through the crowds down on the promenade.
15. The Bayleaf Intramuros
The Bayleaf Intramuros is the only true boutique hotel right inside the old Spanish walls, and I think it’s an absolute gem for history lovers. Museums and centuries-old churches are just a few steps from your room. A night costs a little over 3,200 PHP before taxes, but promotional offers can bring that down considerably. The hotel has just under sixty rooms, and its biggest draw is the Sky Deck rooftop terrace. At sunset, you get a spectacular view across the entire historic centre and out to the distant bay. Guests also give high marks to the cleanliness and generous breakfasts.
That said, there are a few drawbacks to bear in mind. According to many reviews, the rooms themselves are on the small side and are starting to show their age. With fairly thin walls, you may occasionally hear noisy neighbours. The staff are another story: they reportedly focus much of their attention on large corporate events. Sometimes you’ll find yourself having to flag down the rooftop waiters repeatedly before they notice you. Surprisingly, you’ll find much better service and food at the hotel’s pizzeria on the third floor. Despite these minor issues, it’s a lovely place with a distinctive atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Most places inside the walls close very early in the evening, so you’ll probably need to take a Grab to dinner somewhere towards Makati or the Esplanade promenade.
16. The Henry Hotel Manila
The Henry Hotel Manila is tucked away in Pasay, and considering how hectic this Asian metropolis can be, it’s astonishingly peaceful here. For around 5,300 PHP before taxes, you can stay in sensitively restored 1950s villas surrounded by a mature garden with an outdoor pool. People mainly come here to escape the constant bustle, and they praise the warm staff, comfortable beds and little touches such as good coffee and a French press in the room. The location is handy, too: you’re roughly halfway between Malate and the enormous Mall of Asia, putting both the airport and the historic sights of Intramuros within easy reach.
Bear in mind that not everything runs perfectly here. Service at reception can occasionally be frustratingly slow; one family with young children, for example, had to wait an hour for their room late at night. The entry-level rooms are also fairly cramped, so you may find yourselves squeezing around your luggage. If you prefer a modern high-rise with a pool right by a shopping mall, the popular Hotel101-Manila is a short distance away.
💡 Tip: I highly recommend booking a slightly more expensive garden suite. The extra space and direct access to greenery are well worth it in this concrete-filled city, and you’ll also get a beautiful outdoor bathroom.
17. Conrad Manila
Conrad Manila is an unmistakable luxury building shaped like an ocean liner, presiding over the enormous Mall of Asia shopping complex. A night costs roughly 10,000 PHP before taxes, and the atmosphere is truly grand. Guests especially love the direct bay views from the huge rooms and the friendly breakfast team. Many delighted reviewers say that, after a few days, the staff regularly greet them by name. I think it’s worth staying here if you have higher expectations and want endless shopping on your doorstep, or a luxurious dinner at the acclaimed China Blue restaurant, headed by a renowned chef.
Bear in mind that if you arrive early, the hotel tends to be quite strict, and you’ll usually have to wait until the official check-in time. If it’s fully booked, or you’d prefer an enormous casino resort with more to keep families entertained, the spectacular Solaire Resort Entertainment City is nearby. Alternatively, take a look at the elegant Nüwa Hotel, where you’ll be treated like an old friend.
💡 Tip: The hotel may be incredibly luxurious and connected to a shopping mall, but take my word for it: you won’t be strolling into local neighbourhood streets from here. You’ll mostly need to get around by car using the Grab app or by hotel shuttle.
18. Hilton Manila
Hilton Manila is in the Newport World Resorts complex, directly opposite airport Terminal 3. One regular Hilton guest described it in a review as one of the best properties in the chain they had ever visited. The biggest highlights are the incredibly extensive breakfast buffet, where they sometimes prepare fresh calamansi juice for you, and the wonderful pool with its bar. The bartenders are reportedly exceptionally friendly and will happily blend fresh pineapple for your drink. To me, this seems like a brilliant luxury retreat for anyone who needs a comfortable night’s sleep before a very early flight, helped along by lightning-fast check-in and exceptionally accommodating staff.
Just bear in mind that the whole complex is something of a purpose-built hotel town, so you won’t find any authentic local streets to wander through. A night here costs roughly 7,544 PHP before taxes, but that peace of mind before your flight makes it worthwhile. You can walk to the terminal in under ten minutes via the covered Runway Manila bridge, staying dry all the way. If it’s fully booked, the Manila Marriott Hotel is nearby, as is the luxurious Hotel Okura Manila, where guests rave about the traditional Japanese bathtubs.
💡 Tip: The Runway Manila bridge mentioned above is open twenty-four hours a day and has moving walkways. They make the journey from the airport to your hotel comfortable and safe, even in the middle of the night with heavy suitcases.
How to choose the right hotel
Choosing accommodation in Manila isn’t entirely straightforward: you need to consider who you’re travelling with and how much you mind spending time stuck in traffic. If you’re travelling with children or want somewhere exceptionally clean, take my advice and focus your search straight on BGC. For a first visit with great food and a sense of safety, meanwhile, hotels in Makati will comfortably fit the bill.
When searching, pay very close attention to a few important points, particularly hotels in Ermita, Malate and Pasay. Their very low prices may look tempting, but many rent rooms by the hour and will also charge a so-called “joiner fee” without exception if someone visits you in your room. I also need to stress that the iconic, enormous Sofitel Philippine Plaza resort has been permanently closed since 1 July 2024, even though some older online articles still happily recommend it. Likewise, avoid suspicious offers for nonexistent hotels such as “Marriott Ortigas” or “Kimpton Manila”, which are often generated by artificial intelligence on dubious websites. Be cautious about hotels such as Dusit Thani, too: after an exhausting overnight flight, they may charge you for early check-in even when they don’t yet have a room ready for you. And definitely steer clear of cheap hostels with poor reviews, such as Makati Junction Hostel or Lokal Hostel.
If, on the other hand, you don’t mind slightly out-of-the-way locations and enjoy somewhere with a distinctive character, take a look at Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central. It’s the only branded hotel right in the famous Binondo Chinatown, with its old Hong Kong atmosphere. For longer stays spent exploring local food, Novotel Manila Araneta City, near a metro station in Quezon City, is sometimes recommended. Backpackers, meanwhile, often swear by the affordable, reliable Pension Natividad in Malate, which has a lovely garden.
Where next?
Once you’ve chosen the right hotel and are starting to plan how to spend your free time in this enormous, chaotic metropolis, don’t forget to take a look at our next article.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you stay on your first visit to Manila?
For your first visit, I definitely recommend Makati CBD, specifically the area around Legazpi and Salcedo Village near Greenbelt shopping mall. It’s a very safe area with great food, and you can reach the sights by Grab in twenty to forty minutes. If you’re travelling with young children, opt for BGC, which is a little more modern and more sanitised.
Should you choose Makati or stay in Ermita and Intramuros?
If your priority is being able to walk to historic sights and you don’t mind these neighbourhoods being less safe after dark and having fewer amenities, choose hotels such as Manila Hotel or Bayleaf in the Ermita and Intramuros area. For comfort, safe evening strolls and countless restaurants, though, Makati and BGC are clear winners—you’ll simply need a ride to the sights.
How much does a hotel in Manila cost?
Prices vary widely: a hostel bed costs 500 to 900 PHP, reliable budget chains charge around 1,500 to 2,500 PHP, and a decent four-star hotel costs 4,000 to 8,000 PHP. Five-star luxury in Makati starts at a very reasonable 6,400 to 8,500 PHP, while top-end options such as Raffles or Shangri-La The Fort will set you back 16,000 to 18,000 PHP. All these prices exclude taxes.
What taxes and fees are added to the price?
Accommodation always comes with 12% VAT and a 10% service charge. VAT also applies to the service charge itself, so you always need to add roughly 23% to the prices shown on Booking.com or Expedia. Manila has no additional city or tourist tax, but very cheap hotels in Malate often charge a fee for visitors to your room.
Where should you stay right by the airport?
The best option is the Newport World Resorts area right next to airport Terminal 3, where you’ll find excellent hotels such as Hilton, Marriott and Okura. You can comfortably walk to them in five to ten minutes via the covered Runway Manila bridge. Belmont and Savoy offer cheaper stays in the same area, and you can easily get there from the other terminals on the free airport shuttle, which runs twenty-four hours a day.
Is the Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard area a good choice?
It’s a fantastic location for watching beautiful sunsets and staying close to the sights, especially if you choose a quality hotel such as Admiral, Diamond or Sheraton Manila Bay. After 10 pm, though, there’s not much to do, the streets empty out, and using Grab to get around is definitely safer.
Do hotels accept cards and require a deposit?
All major international hotel chains routinely accept Visa and Mastercard and require your passport at check-in. They’ll place a pre-authorisation hold on your card to cover incidental expenses and any damage. At hostels and very cheap budget hotels, however, be prepared to pay the full amount and any deposit upfront in cash.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
