The best hotels in Manila

A no-frills guesthouse on Arquiza Street in Ermita, within walking distance of Rizal Park and the Manila Bay promenade. Rooms are small but kept clean, and the air conditioning works reliably in the humid Manila heat. The front desk staff are genuinely helpful with directions and local tips. Breakfast is basic but included. A solid pick if you just need a cheap, honest base to explore the city.

Hotel Kimberly sits on Pedro Gil Street in Malate, a short walk from the nightlife strip and close to public transport. The rooms are dated but spacious for the price, and the pool area is a genuine bonus at this budget level. Service is friendly and check-in is quick without unnecessary fuss. The area can be noisy late at night, so ask for a room facing the inner courtyard. Good value for travelers who want a bit of comfort without overspending.

The Bayleaf is positioned inside the historic walled city of Intramuros, which puts you steps from Fort Santiago and the Manila Cathedral. The rooftop restaurant has arguably the best view of Manila Bay and the surrounding cityscape. Rooms are clean and modern with good sound insulation given the historic surroundings. It books out fast on weekends, so reserve early. A genuinely interesting place to stay rather than just a generic city hotel.

Seda Vertis North is connected directly to the Vertis North mall and commercial district in Quezon City, making it extremely convenient for business travelers. The rooms are well designed with fast Wi-Fi, proper work desks, and blackout curtains that actually work. The all-day dining restaurant on the ground floor is consistent and reliable. Getting to Makati or BGC requires a taxi or ride-share but Quezon City itself is very accessible. A polished and practical choice for corporate stays.

Acacia Hotel is located in Alabang, Muntinlupa, in the southern part of Metro Manila near Filinvest City and a number of major malls. The property has large rooms, a good-sized pool, and enough space to not feel cramped, which matters for families. The buffet breakfast is one of the better ones in this price range in Metro Manila. Traffic heading north toward Makati or the airport can be brutal, so factor that in when planning your days. A comfortable and well-run hotel that suits longer stays.

The Holiday Inn Express sits near the Poblacion area of Makati, giving easy access to both the corporate district and a good range of restaurants and bars. Rooms follow the brand formula closely: compact, functional, and consistently clean. The included breakfast is simple but filling. Grab-and-Go options at the lobby make early morning airport departures much easier. It is not the most distinctive hotel in Makati but it delivers exactly what it promises at a fair price.

Marco Polo Ortigas is a reliable upper-midscale hotel on Meralco Avenue in the Ortigas business district of Pasig. The rooms are larger than average for Metro Manila and the views from upper floors over the city are impressive at night. Service is attentive and staff remember returning guests, which is a small but noticeable touch. The Cucina restaurant runs a well-regarded international buffet. Ortigas can feel congested during weekday rush hours but the hotel's location near the BGC connector makes movement easier.

Richmonde Hotel sits inside Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, a self-contained commercial and residential enclave that feels calmer than the rest of Metro Manila. The hotel is a local brand that punches well above its price point with genuinely warm service and well-maintained rooms. The pool deck is quiet on weekday mornings and the fitness center is properly equipped. Eastwood has a good cluster of restaurants and a cinema right outside the door. It tends to be overlooked by international travelers, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed.

Raffles Makati occupies a prime position on Rufino Street in the Makati CBD and operates exclusively as an all-suite property, meaning every room is genuinely spacious. The butler service is personalized and unobtrusive, and the attention to detail in room preparation is exceptional. The Long Bar is one of the more refined places for a drink in the city. Dining at Tazio is worth a reservation even if you are not staying. This is the closest thing Manila has to a genuine grand luxury hotel experience.

Solaire is the flagship property in Entertainment City along Manila Bay in Parañaque, and it delivers a full resort experience that is rare in Metro Manila. The Bay Tower rooms have sweeping views over Manila Bay and the sunset from the upper floors is genuinely spectacular. Multiple dining outlets range from casual to haute cuisine, and the casino floor is one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia. The spa is large, well-staffed, and unhurried. Transfers to the airport take under ten minutes, which makes this a smart final-night choice before an early flight.