Having traveled thru Manila many times and spend a fair amount of time in Malate over the past years, I am always looking for a good value place to stay while in the area. Biancas is the place I found that suits me the best after looking at and/or staying in 10-12 places in the Malate area during the past 5 years.
The scene outside the gates can sometimes be a bit much for less traveled/uptight types, if you are not interested in seeing the reality of poorer folks living in Manila, stay somewhere fancy where you will not be exposed to reality. However, if you have an open mind, you will enjoy the lively scene. Cheap Tricycle rides are easy to get to the mall or anywhere you want to go around Malate, and taxis are also always around.
The accommodation varies from smaller fan cooled basic rooms to nice larger air con rooms. I have stayed in most of them, depending on your budget, you should be able to find a room to suit you. Food is good, although a bit slow sometimes (understand what it means to be on pilippino time), while you are waiting, hang out by the pool and have a chat with the staff.
