Best Hotels in Manila: 15 Top Places to Stay

Last Updated on September 28, 2026

Introduction – Best Hotels in Manila

Looking for the best hotels in Manila for your next trip to the Philippines?

Manila is a sprawling metropolis rather than a city with one obvious hotel centre. Your ideal location depends heavily on your itinerary: Makati is convenient for shopping, dining and business; Bonifacio Global City (BGC) offers a modern, walkable urban environment; Ermita and Manila Bay put you close to Rizal Park and major cultural attractions; while Intramuros is the choice for travellers focused on Manila’s historic core.

BGC a destination known for its modern attractions, landscaped spaces, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, while Makati combines its business district with museums, parks, markets and lifestyle destinations.

This guide covers the best hotels in Manila for different travel styles, the best areas to stay and a practical 3 days Manila itinerary with hotel, tour, transfer and travel insurance.

Related Posts:
– Philippines 7 Days Itinerary: Best Guide

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Quick Guide: Best Hotels in Manila

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Best Hotels in Manila

1. The Peninsula Manila – Best for Classic Luxury

The Peninsula Manila · Hotel

The Peninsula Manila is a long-established luxury address in the heart of Makati.

Its location near Ayala Avenue makes it convenient for travellers who want access to shopping, restaurants, cultural attractions and the Makati business district.

Best for: Couples, luxury travellers, business trips and first-time visitors who prefer a traditional five-star hotel.

Check The Peninsula Manila rates →

2. Fairmont Makati – Best for First-Time Visitors

Fairmont Makati · Hotel

Fairmont Makati is positioned in the Ayala area, giving visitors convenient accessto the Greenbelt lifestyle district and other central Makati attractions.

Greenbelt, Ayala Museum and Ayala Triangle Gardens among Makati’s visitor attractions.

Best for: First-time Manila visitors, couples, shoppers and business travellers.

Compare Fairmont Makati prices →

3. Makati Shangri-La – Best for a Full-Service Luxury Hotel

Makati Shangri-La, Manila

If Manila’s history is your main reason for visiting, staying around Ermita or near Intramuros can reduce travel time to the city’s major heritage attractions. · Hotel

Makati Shangri-La is another established luxury option in the Ayala district.

Its central location makes it useful if your Manila itinerary combines shopping, dining, business meetings and sightseeing.

Makati’s Ayala CBD a major concentration of five-star hotels.

Best for: Luxury travellers, business travellers and families.

Check Makati Shangri-La availability →

4. Shangri-La The Fort – Best Luxury Hotel in BGC

Shangri-La The Fort, Manila · Hotel

If you prefer Manila’s modern side, Shangri-La The Fort places you in the centre of Bonifacio Global City.

BGC is known for its landscaped streets, public art, shopping, restaurants and nightlife, making it particularly attractive for travellers who want a modern urban base.

Best for: Luxury travellers, couples, business trips and longer city stays.

Check Shangri-La The Fort rates →

5. Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila – Best for Longer Stays

Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila · Hotel

Ascott BGC is worth considering if you want more apartment-style accommodation rather than a conventional hotel room.

The BGC location is especially useful for travellers who plan to spend several days around Taguig, with restaurants, shopping and entertainment nearby.

Best for: Families, business travellers and longer stays.

Compare Ascott BGC rates →

6. Seda BGC – Best for a Modern City Break

Seda BGC · Hotel

Seda BGC offers another convenient base in Bonifacio Global City.

BGC’s concentration of restaurants, shopping, parks and entertainment means you can build an itinerary around the neighbourhood rather than spending every day travelling across Metro Manila.

Best for: Couples, business travellers and first-time BGC visitors.

Check Seda BGC prices →

7. The Manila Hotel – Best for Historic Manila

The Manila Hotel · Hotel

The Manila Hotel is an iconic property overlooking the Rizal Park area.

It’s a natural choice if your trip is focused on historic Manila, museums, Intramuros and Manila Bay rather than Makati or BGC.

Best for: Heritage-focused travellers, couples and travellers wanting a classic Manila experience.

8. Diamond Hotel Philippines – Best for Manila Bay

Diamond Hotel Philippines · Hotel

Diamond Hotel sits along Roxas Boulevard, making it a practical base for travellers interested in Manila Bay, Ermita and nearby attractions.

Best for: Couples, leisure travellers and visitors exploring central Manila.

Compare Diamond Hotel Manila prices →

9. Sheraton Manila Bay – Best for Couples and Leisure

Sheraton Manila Bay · Hotel

Sheraton Manila Bay is located around Malate, close to the Manila Bay area and within reach of central Manila attractions.

It’s a useful compromise if you want an international-brand hotel without staying in Makati or BGC.

Best for: Couples, leisure travellers and short city breaks.

Check Sheraton Manila Bay rates →

10. Manila Marriott Hotel – Best for Airport Convenience

Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts · Hotel

If your Manila trip begins or ends with a flight, the Newport area can beespecially convenient.

Manila Marriott is part of Newport World Resorts in Pasay, making it worth considering for an overnight stop, early flight or travellers combining Manila with nearby entertainment attractions.

Best for: Airport stopovers, luxury travellers and short stays.

Check Manila Marriott rates →

11. New World Makati Hotel – Best Central Makati Base

New World Makati Hotel · Hotel

New World Makati places you close to Ayala Center and the Greenbelt area.

It’s a practical choice for travellers who want a central Makati location without necessarily booking one of the city’s highest-priced luxury properties.

Best for: Couples, business travellers and first-time visitors.

Compare New World Makati rates →

12. Makati Diamond Residences – Best for Families and Longer Stays

Makati Diamond Residences · Hotel

For families or travellers staying several nights, serviced-residence accommodation can be more practical than a standard hotel room.

Makati Diamond Residences is located in Legazpi Village, an area known for restaurants, green spaces and proximity to the Makati CBD.

Best for: Families, longer stays and travellers who want extra living space.

Check Makati Diamond Residences →

13. City Garden GRAND Hotel – Best for Poblacion

City Garden GRAND Hotel Makati · Hotel

Poblacion is one of Makati’s best-known nightlife and dining districts.

City Garden GRAND is useful if restaurants, rooftop views and evening entertainment are high on your Manila itinerary.

Poblacion a popular area for nightlife-oriented travellers and mid-range accommodation.

Best for: Couples, friends, nightlife and food-focused trips.

Check City Garden GRAND rates →

14. I’M Hotel Makati – Best for a Modern Poblacion Stay

I’M Hotel Makati · Hotel

I’M Hotel offers another option in Poblacion for travellers who want to stay close to the area’s restaurants and nightlife.

Best for: Couples, younger travellers and short city breaks.

15. Red Planet Manila Bay – Best Budget Hotel

Red Planet Manila Bay · Hotel

For travellers who plan to spend most of their time sightseeing rather than using hotel facilities, a simple budget hotel can make sense.

Red Planet Manila Bay provides a lower-cost option around Ermita while keeping you within reach of central Manila attractions.

Best for: Budget travellers, solo travellers and short stays.

Find budget hotels in Manila →

Best Areas to Stay in Manila – Best Hotels in Manila

Manila’s neighbourhoods offer very different experiences. Choosing the right one can save you considerable travel time.

Makati – Best for First-Time Visitors

Makati is one of the easiest all-round bases for a Manila trip.

Attractions including Ayala Museum, Ayala Triangle Gardens and Greenbelt, alongside Makati’s dining and lifestyle districts.

Choose Makati if you want:

• Shopping
• Restaurants
• Modern hotels
• Museums and galleries
• Business-district convenience
• Easy access to Poblacion

Recommended hotels: The Peninsula Manila, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-La, New World Makati.

BGC – Best for Modern Manila

Bonifacio Global City is a strong choice if you prefer contemporary Manila.

BGC’s walkable avenues, parks, public art, restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Choose BGC if you want:

• Modern architecture
• Restaurants and cafes
• Shopping
• Nightlife
• Walkable streets
• A contemporary urban atmosphere

Recommended hotels: Shangri-La The Fort, Ascott BGC, Seda BGC.

Intramuros & Ermita – Best for History

If Manila’s history is your main reason for visiting, staying around Ermita or near Intramuros can reduce travel time to the city’s major heritage attractions.

Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, Baluarte de San Diego and San Agustin Church among the area’s major attractions.

Choose this area if you want:

• Historic Manila
• Museums
• Churches
• Rizal Park
• Manila Bay
• Easy access to Intramuros

Recommended hotels: The Manila Hotel, Diamond Hotel, Sheraton Manila Bay and selected Ermita hotels.

Malate – Best for Manila Bay & Nightlife

Malate sits close to Manila Bay and offers a mixture of restaurants, nightlife and hotels.

It’s a useful choice for travellers who want central Manila without staying directly inside the historic district.

Newport / Pasay – Best for Airport Stopovers

If you’re flying through Ninoy Aquino International Airport, staying around Newport can simplify an overnight stop.

Recommended hotel: Manila Marriott Hotel.

Best Hotels in Manila by Traveller Type

Best hotels in Manila for couples

Consider:

• The Peninsula Manila
• Fairmont Makati
• Shangri-La The Fort
• The Manila Hotel
• I’M Hotel Makati

Best family hotels in Manila

Consider:

• Ascott Bonifacio Global City
• Makati Diamond Residences
• Makati Shangri-La
• Double-room or suite options in BGC and Makati

Best luxury hotels in Manila

Consider:

• The Peninsula Manila
• Makati Shangri-La
• Shangri-La The Fort
• The Manila Hotel
• Fairmont Makati

Best hotels near Intramuros

Consider:

• The Manila Hotel
• Diamond Hotel Philippines
• Bayview Park Hotel Manila
• City Garden Suites Manila

Intramuros itself has accommodation including Bayleaf Hotel and White Knight Hotel, among hotels in the walled city.

Best budget hotels in Manila

Look around:

• Ermita
• Malate
• Binondo
• Poblacion
• Selected areas around Makati

3 Days Manila Itinerary – Best Hotels in Manila

Day 1 – Intramuros & Historic Manila

Start your Manila trip with the city’s historic core.

Morning: Intramuros

Explore:

• Fort Santiago
• Manila Cathedral
• Plaza Roma
• San Agustin Church
• Casa Manila

Operating hours and entrance fees for its principal sites, so check the official schedule before visiting.

Fort Santiago, for example, currently has different weekday and weekend hours, with the official site listing regular admission at PHP 75.

Afternoon: Museo de Intramuros

Continue to Museo de Intramuros and explore more of the city’s Spanish-colonial history.

The museum complex includes reconstructed structures associated with the historic San Ignacio Church and Jesuit mission house.

Evening: Manila Bay

Finish the day around Manila Bay or Roxas Boulevard.

Hotel:
Compare Manila hotels →

Tours:
Book an Intramuros walking tour →

Day 2 – Makati & Modern Manila

Morning: Ayala Museum

Head to Makati and visit Ayala Museum.

The museum one of Makati’s major cultural institutions, with collections covering Philippine history, archaeology and art.

Afternoon: Greenbelt & Ayala Triangle

Explore Greenbelt, then walk through Ayala Triangle Gardens.

Take a break at one of Makati’s restaurants or cafes.

Evening: Poblacion

Head towards Poblacion for dinner and nightlife.

Hotel upgrade:
Compare hotels in Makati →

Activities:
Browse Manila food tours and experiences →

Day 3 – BGC or Binondo

Choose the experience that fits your interests.

Option A: BGC

Explore:

• Bonifacio High Street
• BGC public art
• The Mind Museum
• Restaurants and cafés
• Shopping

BGC’s public art, Mind Museum, Mitsukoshi Mall and High Street/Burgos Circle areas.

Option B: Binondo Food Tour

Spend the day exploring one of Manila’s historic food districts.

Try Filipino-Chinese dishes and local street food, ideally with a guided food tour if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Option C: Slow Luxury Day

If you’ve booked a five-star hotel, spend the final day enjoying the pool, spa, restaurants and other hotel facilities before your flight.

Book attractions:
Browse Manila activities →

How Many Days Do You Need in Manila? Best Hotels in Manila

For a first visit, 3 days in Manila gives you enough time to combine historic attractions with one of the city’s modern districts.

With 4–5 days, you can slow the itinerary down and add more food experiences, museums, shopping or day trips.

If Manila is simply a stopover before travelling elsewhere in the Philippines, two nights can still work well if you stay in a convenient district.

Best Hotels in Manila Booking Guide

For your first Manila trip

Area: Makati
Consider: Fairmont Makati, The Peninsula Manila or New World Makati.

For modern Manila

Area: BGC
Consider: Shangri-La The Fort, Ascott BGC or Seda BGC.

For history

Area: Ermita / Intramuros
Consider: The Manila Hotel, Diamond Hotel or an Intramuros property.

For nightlife

Area: Poblacion
Consider: City Garden GRAND or I’M Hotel Makati.

For an airport stopover

Area: Newport / Pasay
Consider: Manila Marriott Hotel.

Tips for Booking Best Hotels in Manila

1. Choose your district before your hotel

Manila traffic can make cross-city journeys time-consuming. A hotel that looks inexpensive can become less attractive if you’re spending significant time and money travelling to your daily activities.

2. Check the exact location

“Manila” hotel listings can refer to different parts of Metro Manila. Makati, BGC, Pasay, Ermita and other districts can feel very different.

3. Compare the total booking cost

Check whether breakfast, taxes, fees and cancellation conditions are included.

4. Consider a hotel with a pool

If you’re travelling with children or planning a longer stay, a pool can make a significant difference.

5. Book airport transfers when convenience matters

For a late-night arrival or early departure, arranging a transfer can be simpler than navigating transport after a long flight.

Best Hotels in Manila Flow

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Compare the best Manila hotel prices →

Book Things to Do

Browse Manila tours, attractions and experiences →

Frequently Asked Questions – Best Hotels in Manila

What is the best area to stay in Manila?

For many first-time visitors, Makati is a convenient all-round base because of its concentration of hotels, restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions. BGC is another option if you prefer a modern, walkable urban environment.

Is Makati or BGC better for tourists?

They offer different experiences. Makati combines the business district with museums, shopping, parks and established dining areas, while BGC is more contemporary, with landscaped streets, public art, shopping and entertainment.

Where should I stay to visit Intramuros?

Ermita and the Manila Bay area are convenient bases. You can also stay inside Intramuros itself; Bayleaf Hotel and White Knight Hotel among the hotels within the walled city.

What are the best luxury hotels in Manila?

Options include The Peninsula Manila, Fairmont Makati, Makati Shangri-La, Shangri-La The Fort and The Manila Hotel.

What are the best hotels in Manila for couples?

Couples may want to compare luxury and boutique properties in Makati, BGC, Manila Bay and Poblacion, depending on whether they prioritize dining, nightlife, sightseeing or a resort-style hotel experience.

How many nights should I spend in Manila?

Two to three nights works well for a first visit. Three nights provides enough time to combine Intramuros, Makati and BGC without making every day overly rushed.

Conclusion – Best Hotels in Manila

The best hotels in Manila depends on where you want to spend your time.

Choose Makati for a convenient mix of shopping, dining, culture and business-district amenities.

Choose BGC for contemporary Manila, restaurants, shopping and a more modern urban environment.

Choose Ermita or Manila Bay for access to Rizal Park, Intramuros and central historic attractions.

Choose Newport/Pasay if airport convenience is your priority.

For a first visit, the most important decision isn’t simply choosing a five-star or budget hotel – it’s choosing the right Manila neighbourhood for your itinerary. Once you’ve picked the district, comparing hotels, tours and airport transfers becomes much easier.

J Diary

MBA Global Business | PMP | Train-the-Trainer
From bank to exploring Asia. Combining professional research with first-hand travel experiences to create practical hotels, tours, itineraries and travel guides.