The Manila hotel with a lot of history to show for it. With famous guests staying there from Michael Jackson to the Late Pope. Now the hotel itself is not that bad a bit old compared to other hotels but it has survived a World War and is still standing we were luck and we got accommodated on the 17th Floor of the hotel with a view of Manila Bay the view was amazing and well words could not describe it the amenities at the hotel were ok the toilet was very small and cramped the bathroom was fine and the room itself still had a feel or the old art deco style to it. I was lucky and was staying with a friend whom is Filipino which was very handy. The security at the hotel is very different the first time I have seen armed security officers at the entrance of the hotel and airport x ray scanners within the hotel. Made you feel safe to say the least. The staff’s proficiency in English was second to none and there was not problem getting out point across to them. The only downfall to the hotel one would say is the cost of things a glass of orange juice 160 – 170 ml at most was 250 peso which I was told by my friend that the price I paid was extortionate and I paid way above what I would pay outside. Apart from that the location of the hotel is brilliant only other downfall is catching a cab from the hotel on the main road we spent an hour waiting outside (it was so bad that we started singing to pass the time a experience which we would not even let our worst enemy endeavour) we ended up getting a Calleser (Horse and Carriage) apart from those few things brilliant hotel if it is ones first time in Manila Philippines. And it is only 20 – 30 minutes from the Airport and all the bars and clubs are very close by and its about a 15 minute cab journey up to the SM Mall of Asia

This was my 6th time staying at the Manila Hotel in the past 4 years and once again this hotel never disappoints me! The odd review is negative on here and people must understand the difference between a "bad hotel" and a "bad experience". Anyone can have a bad experience at a great hotel at anytime. Things do ocassionally go wrong even in the best hotels. Fortunately for me this has never happened at the Manila Hotel.

I stayed here for 3 nights in November 2008 along with my fiance and 4 of my friends from Canada. All of us are seasoned travellers. I travel on vacation every three months so my experience in hotels is extensive (not to mention I used to work in hotels many years ago). The Manila Hotel is clean, beautiful, the rooms are gorgeous and spacious, and the service is about as good as it gets in the industry. You can talk about the beauty of the lobby all you want but its the bwell-decorated rooms and the magnificant views that make this hotel stand out. The front desk attendants are fast and courteous and the concierge will bend over backwards to assist you. I paid under $100 for the room per night through the internet. If you want a great experience then this is your hotel.

It boasts an array of celebrities that have stayed at the hotel including Marlon Brando, Bob Hope, Michael Jackson, US President Clinton & his wife, and of course the Beatles stayed there in July 1966. They actually talk about sitting in the lobby of the hotel waiting for a taxi to bring them to the airport in their series documentary "Beatles Anthology". and of course, American General Douglas McArthur resided there in the 1930's. And if you are lucky, you might just meet someone famous there like I did in November 2006 when I bumped into Imelda Marcos at the hotel. It's a classic hotel that still lives up to it's name!

The only negative thing we encoutered was the pool was out of service due to ongoing renovations. I am also not crazy about the huge tent that now sits on what was once a beautiful garden in the back. I would like to see that tent gone as it's a bit of an eye sore.
Otherwise, I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a great place to stay in Manila!

I've been traveling to the Philippines for about 15 years. This was my first stay in the Manila hotel.

I never chose this hotel as it always got mixed reviews from frieneds and it is a little bit out of the way from most places I frequent in Manila.

After reviewing tripadvisor, I decided to give it a go as I had a meeting at the US Embassy, which is about a par 5 away.

LOOK AT THIS>>>I can't help but to think the tripadvisor Manila Hotel reviews are partially tainted. Why so many reviews by people who only have one review for the Manila hotel? It appears as soon as someone gives low marks or complains about the hotel.... the next review is by a "newbie" giving good marks. Something fishy here. Either way, there are some real reviews up there and that's why I made a booking.....

The Hotel - Walking into this place is like walking into a museum of sorts or a huge Hacienda. I would say it's one of the nicest / coolest hotel lobby's in the world. Lots of history in there. Comfy couches. Great place to watch people.

Check in was ok, room 1319, 6,000 pesos for double with breakfast. Room was oldish but king size bed was very comfortable. small pillows. Very good water pressure and hot shower. Small TV. Good free fruit basket.

Super excellent view of Manila bay and peir. Lots of activity to peek at.

Dinner buffet didn't look good, I asked the waitress if we should go for the buffet or ala carte? She said the buffet wasn't fresh (cooked a few hours ago) and to go with the menu. She then made some recommendation... I was impressed....We ordered and the food came out hot, freash and tasty in less than 10 minutes. >Not cheap.

Breakfast was ok but nothing special. I think maintenance and the kitchen got the Minwax mixed up with the coffee pot. Wow.

I will stay at Manila hotel again. Probably when my Dad visits we'll go for the Macarthur Suite if it's available and try the Champagne Room Resto.

This hotel can work for anyone if you plan ahead, it's big and it's old, it's classic - good for some, not for others.

Old world charm in this colonial building.
Incredible lobby, airy and classy.
Generous rooms.
Quiet location.
Breakfast buffet with bread as fresh and aromatic as in good old Europe. May I add, european bread! cheeses, fruits, everything fresh and tasty. I hope it hasn't changed since my last visit.
I have stayed 3 times, we also stayed in other Manila hotels and always returned to this one.
Good value for the money, good service.
The only thing - a little bit out of the way - but we wanted to be away from hustle and bustle and the pollution.
Great!