Red Planet Manila Binondo is our budget pick, and a smart one for food lovers: it puts you in the heart of the oldest Chinatown in the world for a fraction of the price of the big hotels. The hotel stands at 251-61 Juan Luna Street, a five-minute walk from Binondo Church and Roman Ongpin Park, eight minutes from the dumpling houses and bakeries of Chinatown and about fifteen minutes on foot from Fort Santiago across the river. Red Planet is a Southeast Asian chain built around reliable essentials rather than frills, and this is a straightforward, well-run example. Its 171 rooms come as doubles, twins, city-view doubles and twins and family rooms, all clean and comfortable, with air conditioning and fast Wi-Fi 6. Accessible rooms are available. There is a restaurant and cafe on site, a business centre, in-room massage on request, parking and transport services, and the hotel is pet-friendly for a nightly fee. Expedia guests rate it 8.8 out of 10 from more than 400 reviews, often praising the location for exploring both Binondo and Intramuros. If you plan the Binondo food tour, you can walk to the start.
Location and getting around: Binondo sits on the north bank of the Pasig River, and the hotel is on Juan Luna Street near the district’s busiest food streets. Walk to Binondo Church, Ongpin Street and Lucky Chinatown Mall, and cross the river by the Jones Bridge to reach Intramuros and Fort Santiago in about fifteen minutes on foot, or seven by car. Divisoria market is ten minutes away. The airport is about half an hour or more by car, and Makati is a similar drive, so use Grab and avoid rush hour.
Rooms: rooms are compact and practical, with comfortable beds, air conditioning, a desk and fast Wi-Fi. City rooms have a view over the district, and family rooms suit parents with children.
Who it suits: budget travellers, food lovers, solo travellers and anyone who wants to explore Binondo and Intramuros on foot. It is not a resort: there is no pool, and housekeeping is limited.
Good to know: Binondo is lively and noisy by day and quieter at night; ask for a higher floor away from the street if you are a light sleeper. Eat out rather than in: some of the best cheap food in Manila is a few minutes’ walk away. Carry small notes for street stalls.
Why stay here
- ✓Fast Wi-Fi 6
- ✓Restaurant and cafe
- ✓Accessible rooms
- ✓Family rooms
- ✓Business centre
- ✓In-room massage
- ✓Parking
- ✓Pet-friendly for a fee
Good questions
How far is Red Planet Manila Binondo from Intramuros?+
Fort Santiago is about fifteen minutes on foot across the Jones Bridge, or around seven minutes by car. Binondo Church is a five-minute walk.
Does Red Planet Manila Binondo have a pool?+
No, it is a simple budget hotel without a pool. It focuses on clean rooms, fast Wi-Fi and a great location.
Is Red Planet Binondo good for families?+
Yes, it has family rooms and accessible rooms, and it is an affordable base for exploring Binondo and Intramuros. Families who want a pool may prefer a bayfront hotel.
