5 Best Hotels in Manila, Philippines

The Bayleaf is an oasis of calm in the heart of old Manila. It may be nestled among the Spanish colonial buildings of the historic Intramuros district, but this property is anything but old fashioned. Service in this medium-sized establishment is friendly, efficient, and very 21st-century, while the spacious rooms are contemporary, stylishly decorated, and spotlessly clean, with all modern conveniences. Don't miss the view over the city from the rooftop Skydeck bar.

The sprawling Shangri-La offers Manila's last word in overnight luxury, right down to the Zen waterfalls to soothe away the stresses of dealing with the city's nightmare traffic. Located away from the historic sights of central Manila, this posh oasis sits in the heart of the modern, prosperous Makati district, home to businesses, shopping malls, and a multitude of up-market dining choices. Inside is a veritable city in itself, with shops, beauty salons, and no fewer than four restaurants and three bars, one of the latter beside the hotel pool. The sumptuous guest rooms are large enough you could get lost in them—something you may not mind, once you behold their tremendous comfort.

This large, expansive hotel is conveniently located right by the airport, but the effective interior soundproofing is enough you won't hear planes unless you're out by the pool. Since it opened in 2010 this swanky retreat has quickly established itself as one of the very best hotels in the Philippines. It offers the high level of service you'd expect from the well-respected chain. Rooms and bathrooms are vast and nicely equipped, and there are a range of bars and restaurants. The lavish breakfasts must be experienced to be believed, and run the full range from Filipino to Continental to Japanese. If you don't want the bother of trekking into the city for an evening, head for the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex and mall—just a few steps away—which offers dozens more restaurants, shops, and nightspots.

Also known locally as the Malaysia Hotel, this modern, friendly, but relatively basic establishment offers a great value and safe overnighting in the heart of the lively Ermita district, and it's within a short walk of countless good eating options. The rooms are fairly small, in the style of a ship's cabin, and the light, minimalist furnishings are somewhat of the faceless chain-hotel variety, but accommodations are comfortable and immaculate. What the hotel lacks in character it more than makes up for in cleanliness, price, and location.

The whitewashed walls, tile floors, and wooden staircases of this restored colonial mansion immediately transport you back to the Spanish era. Today it's a hotel that makes an excellent, value-minded base from which to explore the charms of the historic Intramuros district. But while the furnishings are mainly flowing drapes, white shutters, and polished-stained wood, the cable TV, mini-bar, and well equipped modern bathrooms help to satisfy guests' 21st-century comfort requirements.