The Bayleaf Intramuros is the best place to sleep inside the walled city itself, and our mid-range pick for travellers who want Intramuros on their doorstep. It stands at the corner of Muralla and Victoria streets, right against the old walls, so you can step out early for a walk on the ramparts before the heat and the tour groups arrive, and come back in the evening when the stone streets are quiet. The hotel is modern rather than historic, with 57 individually decorated rooms, but it makes the most of its setting. Its rooftop Sky Deck View Bar, on the ninth floor, looks over the Intramuros golf course and the city skyline to the Manila Bay sunset, and it is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Manila, so reserve a table. Downstairs, 9 Spoons serves breakfast and well-loved Filipino dishes, Raffaele Woodfired Pizza bakes in a wood oven and Cioccolata Churros Cafe does coffee and churros. Free Wi-Fi and free self-parking are included. Expedia guests rate it 8.8 out of 10 from more than 900 reviews.
Location and getting around: the hotel is on the south side of Intramuros at Muralla corner Victoria streets, beside the walls and the golf course. Fort Santiago is about fifteen minutes on foot, San Agustin Church and Casa Manila are closer, and the Bambike base in Plaza San Luis is a short walk. Rizal Park and the National Museum are just outside the walls to the south, about ten to fifteen minutes on foot. For Binondo, Makati or the airport, use Grab or a taxi; there is an airport shuttle for a surcharge.
Rooms: the 57 rooms are compact and contemporary, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and higher rooms have views over the walls, the golf course or the city. Room service is available around the clock.
Who it suits: first-time visitors and history lovers who want to explore Intramuros on foot at the quiet edges of the day, couples who want a rooftop sunset, and travellers on a mid-range budget who still want a central base.
Good to know: Intramuros is quiet at night, so plan dinner at the hotel, at the rooftop bar or a short ride away. Breakfast is a surcharge on some rates. The Sky Deck opens in the late afternoon and fills up at sunset, so book ahead and arrive early.
Why stay here
- ✓Sky Deck View Bar rooftop
- ✓9 Spoons restaurant
- ✓Raffaele Woodfired Pizza
- ✓Cioccolata Churros Cafe
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Airport shuttle for a fee
Good questions
Is The Bayleaf inside Intramuros?+
Yes, it stands inside the walled city at the corner of Muralla and Victoria streets, beside the walls and the golf course. San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago are within walking distance.
Does The Bayleaf Intramuros have a rooftop bar?+
Yes, the Sky Deck View Bar on the top floor looks over the golf course and the Manila Bay sunset. It is popular, so reserve a table and arrive early.
Is breakfast included at The Bayleaf Intramuros?+
It depends on the rate, as breakfast is a surcharge on some bookings. It is served at 9 Spoons, which also offers Filipino dishes through the day.
