Our Top 3 Luxury Hotels in Manila

Updated: February 2010. Manila is often the name used for people traveling to the capital of the Philippines and while many people do travel to Manila, most people coming to Manila and staying in a luxury hotel often stay in the neighboring city of Makati. So, this post should really titled Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Manila and Makati as these are the two cities that play host to the Philippine capital's luxury hotels.

Shangri-La Hotel Makati

I've reviewed the Shangri-La Hotel Makati in my Makati Hotels post, and its quite simply the best luxury hotel in Manila or Makati. The hotel has a grand lobby with one of the finest entrances I've scene in any hotel around the world. The rooms are plush, large and comfortable. The service is excellent - from the doorwomen, to the beautiful receptionists, to the chef at the buffet. And what a buffet - each night stay entitles you to the breakfast buffet which tops almost anything I've been to in Las Vegas. It's that good. All the usual amenities and central to Ayala Center, Greenbelt and downtown Makati. Room rates per night range from $140 to $220 depending on availability. The perfect luxury hotel in Manila.

The Manila Peninsula

While the hotel is called the Peninsula Hotel Manila, the hotel is actually located in Makati, across the street from the venerable and towering Shangri-La Manila Makati and minutes away from Greenebelt. While not as physically imposing from the outside as the Shangri-La Hotel Makati's tower, the Peninsula is just as luxurious, if a bit more understated than its neighbor across the street. The Peninsula Hotel Manila also boasts a grand lobby with a seating area occupied by Manila's elite, traveling businessmen, and the occasional prostitute. The Peninsula Hotel boasts a fine gym, pool and the best sauna/steam/cold bath combination that I've found during my stay. Room rates per night range from $120 to $220 depending on availability. In my opinion, the second best luxury hotel in Manila.

The Mandarin Oriental Manila

Another luxury hotel in Manila that's actually located in Makati, the Mandarin Oriental Manila is just down the street from the Shangri-La Makati and the Peninsula Hotel. The Mandarin Oriental stands at the corner of Paseo de Roxas Ave and is just down the street from the infamous Burgos neighborhood, known as Makati's red light district. Within the Mandarin Oriental Manila Hotel you can find calm in the pool and spa or entertainment with some of the best bars and restaurants in Makati. A true luxury hotel with a high reputation for exceptional service in the centre of the Makati. Room rates per night range from $120 to $220 depending on availability. In my opinion, the second best luxury hotel in Manila.

Any questions - leave a comment, I'll do my best to reply.