Manila, Philippines
The Peninsula Manila
Favored Retreat
What it is
A beloved icon of the Manila business district with nine bars and restaurants, a garden-flanked outdoor pool and wellness-oriented spa.
What it isn't
Boring. Experiences for guests include The Peninsula Academy, where you can take classes on Filipino culture and even whip up a halo-halo (custard and fruit ice cream) with the chef.
What we think
This was famously the first Peninsula outpost outside of mainland China, and it’s still a head-turner today—the type of hotel the well-heeled tycoons of the globe flock to for exemplary service. We love the authentically Filipino aesthetics of the rooms—airy and colorful, in a soothing palette of soft blues and cloud whites—as well as the “smart” touches, like touch button room controls, high definition smart TVs and zippy internet. Guest rooms begin at 393 square feet; to sprawl out a bit, we recommend the Grand Deluxe Room for their 495 square foot floor plans and roosts on higher floors of the tower (9th through 11th floor). For a separate living space complete with handwoven rattan sofas and daybeds, splurge on a Premier Suite; they have walk-in closets and nearly 1,000-feet of breathing space.
You're here because
You like to return home from a trip feeling healthier than you left, so the wellness approach at the spa—including a red rice and ginger body glow scrub—appeals to you.
The Moment
The signature restaurant here, Old Manila, has been beloved for decades…but it’s still as fresh as ever. On your to-eat list tonight? Home-cured Tasmanian salmon with sake-marinated roe and black truffle and wild mushroom agnolotti in parmesan foam.
Restaurants & Bars
Old Manila - Offers a unique dining experience with its exciting contemporary market cuisine and stunning artwork by contemporary Filipino artists.
Escolta - Feast from around the world at Escolta's renowned international buffets at lunch and dinner featuring live cooking stations, home-baked breads, fresh pastas, hand-rolled sushi, charcuterie, Chinese noodles, carving stations, artisanal ice creams plus a 'farm-to-table' concept that highlights fresh produce and popular Filipino dishes.
Spices - With floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to the pool and lush tropical gardens, Spices' Balinese inspired décor transports diners to a Southeast Asian paradise. Spices presents the flavorful cuisines of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka and India.
The Gallery Club Lounge - A relaxing space that provides live musical entertainment and refreshments and nibbles, including a breakfast, The Peninsula Afternoon Tea, and an open bar with a curated selection of spirits and sommelier-selected wines.
The Peninsula Boutique - Offers a wide range of freshly baked breads, sumptuous cakes and pastries and sandwiches that are too good to resist.
The Bar - The ambience is reminiscent of the dimly lit bars of La Antigua Habana in Cuba. Savor a malt whisky or a glass of wine and enjoy the conviviality of the bar or sink into a sofa for quiet conversation or a business meeting.
The Pool Snack Bar - Features light bites inspired by global flavors served alongside sun loungers or by the cool shade of the canopied area.
The Lobby - Served in the heart of the hotel, The Lobby, the traditional Peninsula Afternoon Tea has become a local favorite and a beloved attraction for visitors since the hotel opened. The much-beloved menu which includes beef short ribs kare-kare (beef short ribs stew slow-cooked in peanut and vegetable) and the award-winning Halo-halo Harana (a cooling tropical dessert made with shaved ice and tropical fruits topped with a scoop of purple yam ice cream) continues to hold a special place on guests' must-eat list.
Location
Across the street from Ayala Triangle Gardens and two blocks from the must-visit Ayala Museum, where the collection includes finds from the PreColonial period that include ancient bronze bracelets and 10th century gold cups.