Familiarity in a fast-pace city
No longer just a stopover for travellers hoping to reach exotic Philippines islands, Manila offers up a treasure chest of its own gems. There are 16 distinct districts full of attractions and personality where accommodation options run the gamut of hostels to guesthouses; aparthotels to big-name brands.
If you’re seeking a touch of familiarity in this fast-paced exotic city, there are a slew of well-established hotel chains represented in Manila. Budget-conscious travellers will love the comfortable, contemporary Best Western La Corona, while those wanting to splurge can do so at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza near the Mall of Asia.
Bustling Binondo
With its roots dating back to 1594, Manila’s Binondo district is regarded as the world’s oldest Chinatown. This exuberant enclave was once the commercial centre during the American occupation, and today, it’s bursting with exotic eateries, stores and historic sites like the Binondo Church and Santo Cristo de Longos.
Whatever your budget, Binondo is a great base for Manila explorations. Many hotels cater for the business traveller, where you can enjoy modern conveniences as well as comfortable facilities in hotels like Binondo Suites and Corporate Inn Hotel. For a touch of yesteryear, consider a stay at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, a deluxe property that was once the home of Manila’s opera.
Splash out on sumptuous surrounds
Where shanty towns lay side by side with mammoth air-conditioned malls and tree-lined boulevards play host to an endless stream of traffic, it’s not hard to feel a little overwhelmed when visiting this megalopolis for the first time. Manila is an exciting sensory overload, but if you need some time out from the hubbub, there are plenty of hotels within the city that offer a calming, luxurious retreat.
In Makati, you can find serenity with an indulgent treatment or cocktail by the sparkling pool at the Mandarin Oriental, and unwind in style in a sophisticated guest room at the InterContinental. If your tastes are a little more discerning, Pan Pacific has been billed as Manila’s finest 5-star hotel with its Butler Service and world-class amenities and service.
