THE PENINSULA MANILA

Manila can be a little intimidating. Like all mega-cities finding a good location requires research and then finding a great hotel can be hit or miss. The Peninsula, thankfully, shows up towards the top of almost all lists for Manila and it's well deserved. It's a bit pricey for Manila - you can get much cheaper - but it's hard to argue with the service and luxury. The rooms go from big to huge! The decor is a mix of classic and modern. There's a range of options for drinks and food. The main breakfast restaurant is huge; there's a luxury Indian restaurant; there's the large main lounge; enjoy a snack and a beer by the pool; and there are two great bars (one with incredible decor - I'll leave it as a surprise) with fabulous cocktails and happy hour! In all locations of the hotel you will find smiling, helpful, friendly staff. Top notch services from reception to recreation. Location-wise, everything is reachable. Manila has the (unfortunately named) "Grab" car service so if you need to get anywhere you can "grab a grab" cheaply and conveniently right to the door of the hotel. It does take a while to get around Manila by car because of the insane traffic. The rooms are fabulous. On our return visit to the Peninsula we upgraded for $20 a night and got a palatial suite with two rooms, walk in closet, massive bathroom with tub, and a very comfortable king size bed. There's really nothing quite a nice as that bed when you get off of a 15 hour flight in the middle of the night. The other primary contender for best in this location is the Shang-Ri La across the street. Unfortunately I haven't stayed there so I can't compare. I did have a drink there and it seems similarly luxurious, but I see no reason on to think it's any better than the Peninsula. If you stay here, you will be happy.

I stayed here for 2 nights before flying back to the US. Staff at the registration was courteous and helped me bring my stuff all the way to my room. I stayed in the 7th floor facing Makati center; room is spacious and very clean. Internet is okay, towels looked new (I'm very particular of this), had fresh fruits upon arrival. Staff in the lobby were kind enough to advice me to take a hotel taxi instead of the regular one to be safe! Breakfast has enough choices, loved the fresh juice and fruits!

Hotel was excellent. A lot of space. Good restaurant and swimming pool. Negative- there are not any local food in restaurant. It will be much better to have a local meals for breakfast. Location is very good it is easy to get Ayala center and museum

Peninsula Manila is a true 5-star hotel in all respects. Although some 40 years old the building is well maintained. Rooms are big and comfortable, staff extremely helpful and friendly, restaurants are excellent. The buffet breakfast is very good. My only complain is the afternoon-evening orchestra playing in the lobby area. The sound level is so high that what is otherwise good music turns into an unbearable noise. Whenever that orchestra is playing, we simply have to find other locations than the lobby area.

Friendly staff. The hotel lobby had a beautiful ambience and is good for brunch meetings. Ordered at the restaurant lobby - blueberry pancakes topped with strawberries - and it was a big serving. Brewed coffee was good.