About Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and it isn’t quiet or shy; it’s layered with history, heat, and a peculiar charm that unfolds slowly, like a jeepney finding its gear. Stand by Manila Bay around 5:30 p.m. and you’ll catch one of Asia’s most honest sunsets; no filters needed, just sea wind and the faint smell of grilled corn from a nearby vendor. The city itself feels like a dozen smaller worlds stitched together. Intramuros holds the old Spanish soul, while Makati towers above it all, sleek and global. In Malate, neon bars mix with backpacker hostels. In Bonifacio Global City (locals just call it BGC), business travelers stride past outdoor art installations and cafés that could rival Melbourne’s. The heartbeat of Manila isn’t just in its attractions, it’s in how people navigate it. A taxi from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Makati takes about 35 minutes on a weekday morning, though that same ride can double in rush hour. You’ll hear horns, laughter, karaoke from somewhere you can’t quite locate. And that’s Manila: imperfect, resilient, and oddly endearing.

When it comes to the best hotels in Manila, the variety is vast. You’ll find 5 star hotels in Manila that feel like mini-resorts, cheap hotels in Manila tucked behind lively markets, and hotel apartments in Manila built for longer stays. The range means travelers can land here with any budget and still find comfort, though booking early, around 45 days ahead, tends to yield the best value. For price comparisons or package deals, checking akbartravels.com is a practical move before hitting the “book now” button.

Manila Airport Address

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
Andrews Avenue, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 8771 3602
Email: info@miaa.gov.ph
Website: www.miaa.gov.ph

Tip: Terminal 3 handles most international arrivals now, but Terminal 2 is catching up post-renovation. Taxis line up outside the arrival area, expect around PHP 300–400 to reach Makati if you skip the airport coupon cabs.

The Best Time to Visit Manila

From December to early March, the air dries up and the light turns crisp, this is when the city breathes easiest. It’s warm, yes (27–31°C), but not sticky. Rain retreats to the provinces, and sunsets at Manila Bay stretch longer.

April and May bring summer fever; hotel prices inch up 25–40%, especially the seaside ones. June to October? Rainy season; lush and unpredictable. Still, hotels in Manila lower rates during this time. Travelers who don’t mind carrying an umbrella can score serious deals, even at the best hotels in Manila. Booking via akbartravels.com helps lock flexible cancellation options in case of weather hiccups.

Explore customized Manila tour packages through Akbar Travels, offering curated city experiences, hotel stays, and guided excursions that capture the heart of the capital.

How to Reach Manila

By Air:

NAIA connects to nearly every Asian hub; Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and beyond. Domestic flights link Manila to Cebu, Davao, and Palawan multiple times daily. From the airport, the most efficient route into the city is via Grab (the local Uber equivalent).

By Rail:

Manila’s LRT and MRT systems are handy for short hops, they connect major points like Taft Avenue to Quezon City. If arriving from nearby provinces, the North–South Commuter Railway is expanding, though schedules still shift. Hotels in Manila near railway station are a smart pick for budget travelers who plan side trips to Pampanga or Laguna.

By Road:

Long-haul buses connect Manila to nearby cities like Baguio, Batangas, and Subic. Try not to travel between 4–7 p.m., traffic thickens like stew. A Manila-bound ride from Tagaytay costs roughly PHP 150; from Baguio, around PHP 600.

Things to Do in Manila

• Intramuros – The walled city that guards centuries of Spanish history.
• Rizal Park (Luneta) – Green calm in the city’s heart, great for a late walk.
• Manila Ocean Park – Underwater tunnels and penguins (yes, penguins in Manila).
• National Museum Complex – Free entry, breathtaking art and anthropology.
• Binondo – The world’s oldest Chinatown, chaotic and delicious.
• Fort Santiago – Jose Rizal’s final steps preserved in stone.
• Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) – Ballet, symphony, or avant-garde — check schedules.
• Mall of Asia – Shopping mixed with seaside dining.
• Manila Baywalk – Best for sunsets and street musicians.
• Paco Park – Once a cemetery, now serene and leafy.

Shopping in Manila

1. Greenbelt – Upscale, open-air luxury brands.
2. Glorietta – Connected to Greenbelt; mid-range and family-friendly.
3. SM Mall of Asia – Massive, by the bay, with an ice rink.
4. Divisoria – Wholesale chaos; bring patience and small bills.
5. Market! Market! – Local finds at fair prices.
6. Robinsons Place Manila – Central Malate location.
7. Power Plant Mall – Air-conditioned calm in Rockwell.
8. 168 Shopping Mall – Bargains galore in Binondo.
9. Shangri-La Plaza – Elegant mall with gourmet food halls.
10. SM Megamall – For everything under one roof.
11. Uptown Mall – Modern vibe with rooftop dining.
12. Landmark Makati – Locals’ go-to for daily essentials.
13. Tiendesitas – Crafts and Filipino-made furniture.
14. Venice Grand Canal Mall – European-themed, good for photos.
15. Greenhills – Reliable for gadgets and pearls.

Famous Restaurants in Manila

1. Antonio’s (Tagaytay detour, worth it)
2. Gallery by Chele (innovative fine dining)
3. Café Adriatico (Malate classic)
4. Abe (Filipino comfort done well)
5. Blackbird (old airport building turned restaurant)
6. Wildflour Café + Bakery (brunch heaven)
7. Spiral at Sofitel (legendary buffet)
8. Mesa Filipino Moderne (modernized local dishes)
9. Toyo Eatery (creative, local-twist dining)
10. Manam (Filipino food for every craving)
11. Vikings (grand buffet scene)
12. Locavore (farm-to-table with flair)
13. Harlan + Holden Glasshouse (Makati serenity)
14. The Aristocrat (old-school Filipino BBQ)
15. Your Local (Asian-inspired urban café)

Popular Hotels in Manila

1. The Peninsula Manila – Classic luxury, grand lobby music every evening.
2. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila – Resort-like, by the bay.
3. City Garden Grand Hotel – Rooftop bar with sweeping city views.
4. New World Makati Hotel – Polished service, great beds.
5. Hotel H2O – Aquarium rooms; kids adore it.
6. Dusit Thani Manila – Thai hospitality, Filipino warmth.
7. The Manila Hotel – Historic and stately, steps from Intramuros.
8. Red Planet Manila Bay – Compact and clean for quick stays.
9. The Bayleaf Intramuros – Rooftop views worth lingering for.
10. Conrad Manila – Contemporary and chic, linked to Mall of Asia.
11. Sheraton Manila Bay – Modern upgrade to the Malate strip.
12. Belmont Hotel Manila – Hotels in Manila near airport winner.
13. Hotel 101 Manila – Midrange comfort with practical amenities.
14. Hop Inn Ermita – Cheap hotels in Manila favorite.
15. Discovery Primea – Quiet, elegant, among luxury hotels in Manila.

For full booking comparisons, check akbartravels.com, they occasionally include breakfast deals that local sites skip.

Popular Resorts in Manila

1. Okada Manila – Grand, with a choreographed fountain show.
2. Solaire Resort & Casino – Vegas energy, Filipino detail.
3. Conrad Manila – Technically a hotel, feels like a resort.
4. The Manila Hotel – Old-world charm meets seaside.
5. Sofitel Philippine Plaza – Famous for its lagoon-style pool.
6. Azure Urban Resort Residences – Urban beach concept.
7. Rizal Park Hotel – Heritage luxury near Intramuros.
8. Club Balai Isabel – On Taal Lake’s edge, great day trip.
9. Acacia Hotel Manila – Boutique resort vibe in Alabang.
10. Crimson Hotel Filinvest – Quiet, modern, underrated.
11. The Bellevue Manila – Polished, business-friendly.
12. Pico Sands Hotel – Subic direction; beach and mountain mix.
13. Canyon Cove – Family resort feels good for weekenders.
14. City of Dreams Manila – Glamorous, entertainment-packed.
15. Timberland Highlands Resort – For mountain air and pool views.

Where to Stay in Manila

If convenience is the goal, Makati, BGC, or Ortigas are the best places to stay in Manila. These districts balance safety, nightlife, and access. Makati shines for business travelers; BGC caters to families; Ortigas fits longer stays with good rates.

Malate and Ermita attract backpackers and night owls. Intramuros suits history buffs, its cobbled streets and Spanish-era walls transport guests to another time. For a seaside experience, hotels in Manila near beach (mostly around Roxas Boulevard) offer the bay’s golden sunsets, though swimming’s not ideal.

For exact fare comparison, use akbartravels.com again, it simplifies the Manila hotel price comparison process.

Places to Stay in Manila Near Popular Attractions

• Near Intramuros – The Bayleaf, The Manila Hotel
• Near Mall of Asia – Conrad Manila, Hotel 101
• Near Rizal Park – Rizal Park Hotel, City Garden Suites
• Near BGC – Seda BGC, Shangri-La at the Fort
• Near Makati nightlife – Poblacion’s City Garden Grand or Lub d Makati
• Near cultural centers – Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Sheraton Manila Bay

Budget Hotels in Manila

For travelers balancing experience and savings, several cheap hotels in Manila stand out. Red Planet (Ermita and Makati) provides crisp rooms for under PHP 2,000 nightly. Hop Inn Malate is another neat option; the lobby coffee machine is a quiet morning win.

Tambayan Capsule Hostel near Remedios Circle draws both backpackers and digital nomads. A night averages PHP 900, and staff often share street food spots worth trying. For absolute thrift-seekers, Go Hotels in Otis or Cubao are close to the cheapest hotel in Manila bracket, without losing air conditioning or Wi-Fi reliability.

Manila Hotels by Star Rating

• 5-Star: The Peninsula Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Okada Manila, Conrad Manila, New World Makati Hotel; top-tier, some of the most famous Manila 5 star hotel properties.
• 4-Star: City Garden Grand, The Bayleaf Intramuros, Belmont Hotel Manila.
• 3-Star: Hop Inn, Red Planet, Hotel 101 Manila.
• 2-Star Hotel Manila: Stone House Hotel Pasay, Casa Bocobo.

Each category varies about PHP 1,200–2,500 between weekdays and weekends; weddings and conventions drive rates upward fast.

Best Hotels in Manila Based on Location

• Makati: Dusit Thani, Discovery Primea, and New World. Perfect for nightlife, malls, and dining.
• BGC: Shangri-La at the Fort; large gym, sky-high views.
• Roxas Boulevard: Sofitel and The Manila Hotel; sunset watchers’ dream.
• Pasay (near airport): Belmont Hotel, Savoy Hotel.
• Malate/Ermita: Bayview Park Hotel and Red Planet Bay.

Each district changes personality with the hour; Makati is business at 8 a.m., cocktails at 9 p.m.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Manila

Conrad Manila tops the list: spacious suites, mall access, and weekend kids’ clubs. Sofitel follows closely with its lagoon pool and family buffet. For affordable comfort, Hotel 101’s kitchenette rooms are a hit. The Bayleaf Intramuros charms with safe walks and open rooftops. Families traveling with elders appreciate Dusit Thani’s gentle service, staff remember repeat guests by name, which says a lot.

Manila Hotels Tariff

The Manila hotel prize (tariff) swings between PHP 1,500 and PHP 15,000 a night depending on timing. Expect:

• Budget range: PHP 1,200–2,500
• Midrange: PHP 3,000–6,000
• Luxury: PHP 8,000–15,000

During Chinese New Year or Holy Week, rates rise 25–40%. For fair Manila hotel price comparison, check across akbartravels.com and local aggregators 40 days before travel. Prices rise fast after 80% occupancy hits; locals book staycations early, especially when long weekends align with payday Fridays.

Manila Travel Tips

1. Book your flight early: Manila flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Manila well in advance, ideally 45–60 days before departure. Fares surge closer to payday weekends and local holidays, so early booking really does matter.
2. Carry small bills: Drivers, café cashiers, and even market vendors struggle with large denominations. Keep PHP 20, 50, and 100 notes ready, it’ll save you a few awkward smiles and shrugged shoulders.
3. Download Grab before you land: Manila’s local rideshare app is indispensable. It eliminates fare haggling and ensures fixed rates, even during rainstorms when regular taxis vanish.
4. Book mid-week stays: Hotels in Manila quietly drop rates by 15–20% from Monday to Thursday. Locals use weekends for staycations, so weekends are pricier and busier.
5. Avoid peak traffic windows: Between 7–10 a.m. and 4–8 p.m., traffic moves slower than a Sunday procession. Plan transfers or airport runs outside these hours or add an hour’s cushion if you must.
6. Keep a light jacket handy: The city’s air-conditioning can rival Arctic conditions, especially in malls, cinemas, and even hotel lobbies. It’s a running joke that locals bring sweaters to tropical dinners.
7. Try halo-halo once but at the right spot: Café Adriatico in Malate or Razon’s along Roxas Boulevard both do it right: finely shaved ice, real leche flan, and just enough sweetness.
8. Don’t rely on hotel laundry during weekends: Laundry services slow down as bookings rise. For quick turns, try coin laundromats near Makati Avenue; 40 minutes for a full wash and dry.
9. Walk, but with intention: Manila isn’t built for leisurely wandering outside BGC or Intramuros. Pavements can vanish mid-block, so cross decisively, and look both ways twice.
10. Ask hotel staff before using minibars: Some hotels in Manila keep snacks and water unpriced until checkout, surprising guests with inflated charges. Confirm first or better yet, buy drinks at 7-Eleven.
11. Book tours through hotel desks, not touts: Street guides near Rizal Park can be persuasive but unlicensed. Legit bookings through hotel counters or trusted sites like akbartravels.com include insurance and confirmed transport.
12. Stay hydrated but skip tap water: Bottled water costs just PHP 20–30 and avoids stomach surprises. Even locals stick to purified water for safety.
13. Carry physical ID and booking copies: A few smaller hotels still require printed vouchers at check-in. Photocopies near Robinsons Place charge PHP 3 per page if you forget.
14. Respect “No ID, No Entry” rules: Security is tight in high-end hotels and malls. Expect guards to check bags politely, they’re not being nosy, just following the law.
15. Check festival calendars before visiting: Major events like the Feast of the Black Nazarene (January) or Independence Day parades (June) cause road closures. On those days, expect traffic detours and hotel parking queues that feel endless.

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