Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is a landmark property in Manila. Located along Manila Bay, it is the oldest premiere hotel in the Philippines and was built in 1909 to rival Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, and opened on July 4, 1912. Showcasing the authentic beauty of Philippine design, The Manila Hotel was even mentioned by Ernest Hemmingway who wrote – ‘It’s a good story if it’s like Manila Hotel.’ The 570 rooms and suites were recently refurbished. Their earthy tones are complemented by carved wooden furniture, marble tabletops and distinctively Filipino touches like woven rattan chairs and mother-of-pearl mosaic wall panels. Bathrooms are spacious and come with built-in television screens.

Breakfast is served at Cafe Ilang Ilang. Lunch and dinner can be had at one of the on-site restaurants – try Red Jade for Cantonese or the Champagne Room for European cuisine. For a nightcap, the Tap Room jazz bar is most atmospheric. The hotel’s swimming pool was rebuilt and opens onto the garden. The spa upholds these ancient and traditional methods to destress the mind and body. The hotel’s Art Gallery offers a window into the contemporary art world. The partnership between the Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel and the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation was established in 2018 and continues to this day, uplifting local artists and the ever-evolving art scene.