Where to Stay in Manila

If you’re planning a visit to the Philippines, then it’s not too far fetched to say that Manila is the center of everything. The City of Manila and the surrounding Metro Manila area have been the political, cultural, and economic center of the country for centuries. This is where everything happens, and if you want to be close to the action then you need to know where to stay in Manila.

The great thing about Manila is how it has a diverse selection of places to stay and things to do. Couples, families with small children, and even solo backpackers can find something to enjoy about Manila. Luckily, we’ve put together an easy guide to hotels in Manila. We’re including budget hotels and luxury hotels in Manila, Quezon City, and other areas in the Metro.

Whether you’re in Manila for a shopping spree or to get a taste of local culture, there are places in Metro Manila that are just right for you. No matter what your itinerary is like, one thing’s for certain: you’re going to need a great place to stay.

While there are hundreds, if not thousands of different hotels and budget hotels to stay in while you’re in Manila, there are definitely a few places that catch the eye. Manila is meant to be enjoyed, and a key part of that experience is finding the perfect place to stay. Here’s an overview of some of our top hotels in Manila, including a range of prices and deals that will have you (and your wallet) enjoying the rest of your stay.

Best Hotels in Manila City

The City of Manila is the heart of everything. Not only is it the capital city of the Philippines, it’s also the center of Metro Manila, one of the biggest metropolises in Asia. Manila is home to an incredible range of activities, from retail therapy options to gaming to cultural and historical sights. A week in Manila isn’t enough to capture the best of what the city has to offer, and that’s without going into Manila’s neighboring cities.

If you’ve just landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the first place you’re likely to go is your hotel. Manila is home to an incredible range of hotels at different prices and markets. From the top luxury hotels in Manila to places with friendlier prices, we’ve listed out a few of our favorite places to stay in Manila.

Sheraton Manila Hotel

Just 500 meters from Resorts World Manila, the Sheraton Manila Hotel basically proves that in Manila you can live in the lap of luxury. While the prices are definitely in the higher range, one look at the amenities of this five-star hotel is more than enough reason to put this on your list of places to stay.

The Sheraton Manila has a fitness center, a swimming pool, a top class restaurant, as well as evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. It’s close to the City of Dreams Manila, which is a great spot for gaming, entertainment, food, and retail therapy. The hotel also offers free airport shuttle service to and from NAIA.

Conrad Manila

Located in the SM Mall of Asia Complex, the Conrad Manila is a five-star hotel that has pretty much all you need. Luxury lovers will understand that the prices are worth the investment— the rooms at Conrad Hotel are spacious, comfortable, and decked out for maximum comfort. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour front desk service, and even a gift shop on the property.

Conrad Manila also offers guests a car hire option if you want to explore Manila and the rest of Metro Manila. If you prefer entertainment closer to home, the hotel has direct access to the Mall of Asia Arena, which is the largest shopping mall in the country.

Nobu Hotel Manila

Offering world-class facilities and luxury prices, the Nobu Hotel Manila is located within the City of Dreams complex. Like many other hotels in the complex, Nobu is essentially a one-stop-shop for people who want a comfortable, private getaway in the middle of a bustling city like Manila. Nobu has an in-house casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, and 24-hour room service.

Rooms in Nobu have pool and city views, as well as stylish interior design and flat-screen cable TVs. The rest of the hotel also has tons to offer, including an in-house spa, and an in-house restaurant and bar. The Nobu Restaurant in particular is a great place to enjoy Japanese cuisine. The hotel also offers luggage services, laundry services, and business facilities.

Okada Manila

Manila has no shortage of luxury, and if you’re willing to pay big prices you can count on getting luxury experiences. Okada Manila is another five-star hotel that can be your lush home away from home. It’s styled as a city resort that offers a piece of paradise in the middle of busy Manila and surrounding places.

Overlooking the famous Manila Bay, Okada is also home to world-class amenities including a casino, a wellness center, a spa, and several dining options. The rooms are spacious, and feature views of the city, the Bay, or the outdoor swimming pool area. Included in the private bathroom are bathtubs with free bath amenities, and other rooms may even have their own private massage room.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Don’t want to hold back on Luxury? Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is the hotel to book if you want quality service, luxurious rooms, and equally luxurious prices. With gorgeous views of Manila Bay, an outdoor pool, an in-house spa, and one of the most famous buffets in the Philippines, Sofitel is a piece of paradise that you’re going to want to get a bite of.

All rooms come with en suite bathrooms with bathtubs, as well as cable TV, a personal safe, and other amenities. Need to get moving? You can try the hotel’s fitness centers, which include tennis courts and a jogging trail. Peace and relaxation isn’t far off with Le SPA and the hotel sauna. It’s close to the Cultural Center of the Philippines if you want to catch a show, and only 2 km away from Mall of Asia.

Sea Residences – Condo R Us

While not a hotel in the strictest sense of the term, Condo R Us at the Sea Residences in the SM Mall of Asia Complex is a comfortable and accessible option at very affordable prices. You essentially get a fully-furnished apartment for a short term stay, in close access to the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the SMX Convention Center, as well as restaurants, malls, and gaming centers around the area.

Condo R Us has a swimming pool and 24-hour guest service, so if you want an all around comfortable stay this is the place to be.

Mint Homes

With free WiFi, free private parking, and in close proximity to several notable sites within Manila City, Mint Homes is your home away from home. This is another fully furnished apartment that’s not exactly a hotel, but has all the comforts of one and more. Although bed linens and towels unfortunately come at extra charge, the apartment itself has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom for longer stays.

The best part of this option is despite the affordable prices, you’re pretty much located in the center of Manila. Intramuros and Fort Santiago are close by, as well as the Malacañang Palace where the Philippine president resides, and Rizal Park and the National Museum complex.

Best Hotels in Metro Manila

Makati City and Taguig City are the financial and business centers of Metro Manila and the rest of the Philippines. While first impressions of these cities might lead you to think of them as the home of skyscrapers and high prices, they have green spots and art hubs as well. Makati is well worth a visit for the Ayala Museum, as well as the many retail hubs at both luxury and more affordable prices.

Quezon City meanwhile is one of the most populous places in the country. With major thoroughfares like EDSA connecting it to Manila and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as well as a host of other attractions including shopping malls, restaurants, and cultural and historical hubs, no trip to Metro Manila is complete without a visit to QC.

QC is also a great landing spot if you’re planning on taking a longer road trip up to areas up north, or if you just want a slightly more laid-back vibe than the City of Manila. Below, we’ve picked out some of our favorite hotels in Metro Manila, including options with affordable prices, as well as slightly more luxurious spots.

Grand Hyatt Manila

If you want luxury and are willing to pay the prices for it, then book a room at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The Grand Hyatt has pretty much all you need, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, as well as a restaurant and bar. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with great views of the Manila skyline. Buffet breakfast is also available to guests every morning.

The famed Bonifacio High Street— a retail and foodie hub— is pretty close, as well as shopping favorites like Glorietta Mall. Private parking is also available at extra charge, and can be coordinated with the 24-hour front desk service.

Fairmont Makati

You can find Fairmont Makati at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, which is pretty much the financial center of the entire country. Fairmont Makati has an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a business center, and is located within walking distance to shopping malls like the Greenbelt Malls and Glorietta Malls. Rooms have great views of the Metro Manila skyline, and come with flat-screen cable TV and mini-bars, among other things.

The 24-hour front desk can help you with currency exchange, laundry services, and even sightseeing and travel arrangements. Tired after a long day out and about? Try the hotel’s massage services at the spa, or grab a bite to eat at the in-house restaurant Spectrum.

EDSA Shangri-La

While Makati and Taguig have risen in prominence as the country’s financial hubs, Mandaluyong City comes close. Many companies make their home in the city, but so do famous malls like SM Megamall and five-star hotels like EDSA Shangri-La. EDSA Shangri-La is a pocket of paradise in a busy city, and once you book a room here you’ll be wondering why you considered any other option.

EDSA Shangri-La has an outdoor pool bordered by luxurious greenery, as well as a gym, a spa, and six dining options. All floors have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the city or of the little pocket of greenery located on hotel grounds. It’s also right next to Shangri-La Mall, a top quality shopping mall with a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment options.

Seda Vertis North

Quezon City is home to a diverse range of activities, from dining to shopping to pockets of culture and history like hipster hub Cubao X. While not quite as busy as Manila or Makati, QC has its own charm, and is a great place to base yourself if you’re planning to explore the northern part of Metro Manila and beyond. The best spot to do that in luxury is Seda Vertis North.

Seda Vertis North has an outdoor pool, a ballroom, and an in-house restaurant and bar. It’s located less than a kilometer away from TriNoma Mall and SM North EDSA, both big malls in the city. Rooms also have great views of the city, including the gorgeous greener areas that you won’t always find in Manila or Makati. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and there’s 24-hour front desk service as well.

Hop Inn

Need a comfortable budget hotel at affordable prices? Head on over to Hop Inn in Tomas Morato. The QC district is well known for its thriving foodie and restaurant community, but it’s also one of the best places to stay in the city. Hop Inn is a business hotel that’s comfortable, clean, and has friendly prices, making it a great option if you’re a traveler on a budget.

All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, seating area, and private bathroom. The three-star hotel is clean and comfortable, and even has luggage storage space if you’re in a hurry. There’s also 24-hour front desk service and free WiFi throughout the property.

OYO 791 Bell Mansion

OYO is a chain of hotels with affordable prices, located in places all over Metro Manila. OYO 791 Bell Mansion in particular is located in Bell Mansion in Barangay Pag-asa in QC. The three-star hotel has comfortable, clean, air-conditioned rooms, an in-house restaurant, and free WiFi.

It’s a bit of a ways away from notable spots, and is 11 km away from Malacañang Palace and 13 km away from Intramuros and Fort Santiago. It’s also about 11 km from major shopping malls like SM Megamall or EDSA Shangri-La. However, the room prices are certainly affordable, and you can look for similar hotels in the chain all over Metro Manila.