The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is the city’s historic landmark hotel and our pick for a first stay with a sense of occasion. It opened in 1912, in the American colonial era, on reclaimed land between Intramuros and Manila Bay, and for more than a century it has hosted presidents, writers, film stars and generations of Filipino weddings. Its most famous resident was General Douglas MacArthur, who lived here from 1935 to 1941 while advising the Commonwealth government, in a fifth-floor penthouse built for him by the architect Pedro Luna, son of the painter Juan Luna. The suite has been refurbished to recreate his family’s layout and is still bookable, at a price to match. The rest of the hotel is more accessible: 515 rooms and suites, a grand lobby of chandeliers and polished wood, an outdoor pool with a children’s pool, a full-service spa, six restaurants and free self-parking. Its address, One Rizal Park, says it all: the park, the National Museum and Intramuros are all within walking distance, and the bay sunsets are on your doorstep. Expedia guests rate it 9.2 out of 10.

Location and getting around: the hotel stands at the edge of Rizal Park in Ermita, a two-minute walk from the park and a short stroll from the Quirino Grandstand and the bay front. Intramuros begins just to the north, so Fort Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church are an easy walk or a very short ride, and the National Museum is across the park. Binondo is about ten minutes away by car outside rush hour. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is roughly half an hour by car, more in heavy traffic; use Grab or the hotel’s transfer.

Rooms: room types range from deluxe rooms to heritage suites and the MacArthur Suite. Rooms in the historic wing have the most character, while higher floors facing the bay have the best sunset views. Expect classic, slightly formal decor rather than cutting-edge design.

Who it suits: first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights, history lovers, couples marking a special trip and families who will use the pools. Business travellers heading for Makati may prefer to stay there.

Good to know: book a bay-view room for sunset over Manila Bay. The lobby and bars are a social hub, especially at weekends and during weddings, so ask for a room away from function areas if you want quiet. Parking is free for guests.