MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Manila

Where to Stay in Manila

Manila Metro Manila, Philippines Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Options for Every Style

  • Luxury Hotels

    International brands like Conrad, Grand Hyatt, Marriott, Shangri-La, The Peninsula, and Sofitel. Premium services and comprehensive amenities.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Comfortable 3-4 star stays with standard amenities and value. Swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site dining.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses

    Simple accommodations with basic facilities in areas like Ermita, Malate, and Quezon City for cost-responsible tourists.

  • Hostels

    Dormitory beds and private rooms, popular with backpackers, fostering a social atmosphere in Malate and Poblacion.

Specialty Stays

  • Serviced Apartments

    Perfect for extended visits, with apartment-style living and hotel amenities. Common in Makati, BGC, and Ortigas for expanded space and kitchen amenities.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Platforms like Vrbo provide apartments, condos, and houses in most neighborhoods, for flexible local living.

  • Homestay Options

    Limited within the urban core; opportunities exist on the outskirts of Metro Manila for immersive cultural experiences.

  • Camping & Outdoor Stays

    Not available within Manila. Look for natural parks and beaches outside Metro Manila for camping adventures.

Neighborhood Guide

Manila's districts offer distinct atmospheres, each with distinct advantages for your stay.

City of Manila Historical Core

Benefits
  • Proximity to places of historical interest like Intramuros and Rizal Park.
  • Authentic local experience with budget-friendly options.
  • Good access to LRT lines.
  • Bustling areas like Ermita and Malate for nightlife.
Considerations
  • Can be very crowded with significant traffic.
  • Some areas may experience less secure at night.
  • Older infrastructure compared to newer districts.
  • Vigilance advised for petty crime.

Makati City & BGC Modern Hubs

Benefits
  • Upscale, modern, and generally safe with strong security.
  • High-luxury shopping, fine dining, and corporate offices.
  • BGC features wide, pedestrian-friendly streets.
  • Excellent dining and a sophisticated urban feel.
Considerations
  • More expensive accommodation and dining.
  • BGC can feel disconnected from traditional culture.
  • Less public transport access in BGC.
  • Poblacion nightlife can be noisy.

Pasay City Airport & Entertainment

Benefits
  • Convenient for airport access (NAIA Terminal 3).
  • Extensive entertainment (casinos, resorts).
  • Large-scale buying things at SM Mall of Asia complex.
  • MRT-3 accessible.
Considerations
  • Very busy and congested areas.
  • Focused more on resorts than local culture.
  • Can be noisy due to constant activity.
  • Heavy traffic during peak hours.

Safety Notes

Safest Areas:

Makati and BGC feature strong security and lower crime rates.

Vigilance Required:

Ermita, Malate, and Binondo in City of Manila; exercise caution notably at night.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps secure the best accommodations at favorable rates.

Advance Booking

  • High Season (Dec-Feb, major holidays): Book 3-6 months ahead for optimal selection.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar-May, Nov): Booking 1-3 months in advance is suitable.
  • Low Season (Jun-Oct): A few weeks to a month ahead often allows flexibility.
  • Prices peak during holidays; lower rates may appear during the wet season.

Booking Platforms

Important Notes

Direct Booking Advantage
  • Many hotels present discounts or special packages on their official websites.
  • Always compare rates with online travel agencies.
  • Check IHG Hotels for their direct offerings.
  • Special deals might appear for members.
Policies and Negotiation
  • Review deposit and cancellation terms thoroughly.
  • Free cancellation often available up to a point.
  • Walk-in rate negotiation possible for budget guesthouses during low season.
  • Negotiation usually not applicable for mid-range to luxury hotels.

Local Booking Tip

Traveloka

A popular Southeast Asian platform for local accommodation deals.

Airbnb

Popular for monthly rentals across various neighborhoods.

Compare Options

Always check both global and domestic platforms for the best rates.

Accommodation Recommendations

Tailored recommendations for different traveler needs.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Stays

Hostels and guesthouses cater to budget-conscious visitors.

  • Z Hostel (Poblacion, Makati)
  • Pink Manila Hostel (Malate)
  • Various guesthouses in Ermita/Malate
Mid-Range Comfort

Hotels offering a balance of coziness and conveniences.

  • I'M Hotel (Poblacion, Makati)
  • The Linden Suites (Ortigas)
  • Citadines Salcedo Makati
  • Savoy Hotel Manila (Pasay)

Luxury & Long-Stay

Luxury Experiences

Premium hotels for a higher stay.

  • The Peninsula Manila (Makati)
  • Grand Hyatt Manila (BGC)
  • Conrad Manila (Pasay)
  • Shangri-La at The Fort (BGC)
Long-Stay Solutions

Ideal for long stays with the house-like amenities.

  • Serviced apartments (e.g., Ascott Makati, Fraser Place Manila)
  • Extended-stay hotels
  • Using using airbnb for monthly rentals
  • Discovery Primea

Family & Solo Travelers

  • Family-Welcoming Options

    Serviced flats for space and kitchen facilities. Hotels featuring pools and kid-friendly amenities. BGC or Pasay for modern facilities and nearby entertainment.

  • Solo Traveler Options

    Youth youth hostels in Poblacion or Malate for a communal atmosphere. Mid-range hotels in safe, well-connected areas like Makati or BGC for protection and comfort.

  • Kid-Friendly Amenities

    Look for properties featuring dedicated play areas or children's programs. Explore resorts with expansive grounds and varied activities.

  • Social Hostels

    Many hostels host events and common areas that encourage interaction among guests. A great way to connect with other travelers.

Cultural Significance

  • The Manila Hotel

    A historic landmark since 1912. It has a luxurious stay with historic colonial appeal, featuring views of Manila Bay and Intramuros.

  • Old-world Old-world colonial charm

    Experience the elegance of a bygone era with its classic architecture and interiors. A a spot in itself.

  • Heritage Stays

    Some boutique hotels in older districts restore heritage buildings, presenting an unique atmosphere.

  • Beyond the Ordinary

    For those seeking an accommodation that describes a story, these accommodations offer more than just a place to sleep.

Unique Stays & Tips

Boutique Hotels

Small, stylish hotels often featuring unique themes or personalized service. Check areas like Poblacion, Makati.

  • The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences
  • Joya Lofts and Towers
  • Somerset Central Salcedo Makati
  • Discovery Suites Ortigas
Consider Guest Reviews

Always check recent guest reviews on reservation websites. These provide insights into service quality, amenities, and location specifics.

  • Learn about cleanliness and the team responsiveness.
  • Check for noise levels mentioned by guests.
  • Look for comments on breakfast quality or Wi-Fi.
  • Guest experiences paint a clearer image of your potential stay.

Getting Around from Your Stay

Public Transport Access

Choose accommodation near MRT/LRT stations for easier city traversal, especially in zones like City of Manila or Ortigas.

Ride-Hailing Services

Grab (similar to Uber) is widely used and reliable for getting around all districts, especially BGC and Makati.

Walkability

BGC and some parts of Makati (like Ayala Center) are pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to walk to nearby shops and dining.