Where to stay in Manila: 4 design-led hotels redefining the Filipino capital

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This article was written in collaboration with National Geographic Traveller (UK).

As the gateway to the stunning Philippine islands, Manila stands as one of the world’s most densely populated cities. Located on the island of Luzon, this Filipino capital is adorned with modern skyscrapers and bustling malls, becoming iconic symbols of the city. However, Manila offers much more than meets the eye. Often overlooked as an underrated megacity in Asia, it is a vibrant haven with its abundance of coffee shops, dive bars, art galleries, and food stalls. The influence of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to 19th centuries has left behind a unique urban landscape adorned with shrines, church spires, and fortifications waiting to be explored. While Manila boasts a multitude of hotels, the recent surge in design-focused accommodations has injected new life into the city’s hospitality scene. Here, we present four of the finest options.

1. Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery

Breaking away from the architectural legacy of its Spanish colonizers, Manila’s hotels are embracing contemporary and distinctly Filipino designs. Leading the way is the newly renovated Admiral Hotel, which opened its doors in July 2022 as the first MGallery property in the country, paying homage to the local culture and customs.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by an atrium dominated by a ceiling fresco depicting “bayanihan,” the Filipino tradition of community cooperation in moving a house. The artwork also celebrates folk dances like the tinikling. Within the atrium, El Atrio, a café run by the talented patissier Kevin Ong, delivers delightful creations. Ong’s bonbons are bursting with local flavors, including purple yam and Mount Matutum coffee.

The rooms, in line with MGallery’s signature art deco style, exude elegance with sharp angles and abundant brass fixtures. The executive rooms offer mesmerizing views of Manila Bay, but for the ultimate panorama, head up to the Admiral Club on the rooftop. Here, a stepped table doubles as a catwalk for events, while overhead projectors illuminate swimming koi images as you dine.

The adjacent open-air deck basks in intense heat, which can be countered with a refreshing dip in the pool or a delightful Don Papa rum punch from the Coconut Grove bar. If you’re in need of respite, head downstairs to the not-so-secret basement speakeasy, Ruby Wong’s, for more cocktails and a taste of Filipino-Chinese cuisine. It’s the perfect warm-up for a night of boulevard bar-hopping or even karaoke. Prices start from 7,600PHP per night, including breakfast.

2. Hotel Okura

A bridge connects guests directly from the international airport to the local outpost of Hotel Okura. This brand-new establishment, opened in 2022, embodies the features you would expect from the renowned Tokyo-based brand, including the use of Hinoki wood tubs. Although not all rooms offer outdoor views, those facing the atrium provide a fascinating outlook. The atrium itself is a marvel of glass panels, adorned with rain-inspired chandeliers and tree sculptures. Prices start from 12,700PHP per night (£229).

3. Henry Hotel Manila

Located in Pasay City, just a 10-minute drive from the SM Mall of Asia, the Henry Hotel Manila offers a retreat that resembles a suburban escape. Its garden pool and charming clapboard cladding create a serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a book from the library, relax on wrought-iron chairs outdoors, or indulge in a classic Filipino breakfast featuring longganisa sausages or milkfish with fried eggs and garlic rice. Prices start from 7,500PHP per night, including breakfast (£99).

4. Shangri-La at The Fort

Opulence and glamour define the experience at Shangri-La at The Fort. With marble-adorned corridors, chandelier-lit elevators, and an array of in-room lighting options reminiscent of a shopping mall, the hotel offers a lavish experience. However, it pales in comparison to the breathtaking view outside the windows. Occupying floors 18 to 40 of a towering 755-foot skyscraper, the hotel’s 576 guest rooms provide unobstructed vistas of the Bonifacio Global City district. Prices start from 15,500PHP per night (£270).

All rates mentioned are based on standard double rooms and do not include meals unless stated otherwise.

This story was created with the support of the Philippines Department of Tourism and is featured in the June 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about design-led hotels Manila

More about design-led hotels Manila

• National Geographic Traveller (UK)
• Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery
• Hotel Okura Manila
• The Henry Hotel Manila
• Shangri-La at The Fort, Manila
• Philippines Department of Tourism