The Manila Hotel and why guests love it
The Grand Dame of Manila, The Manila Hotel, is one of the hotels I recommend to clients who plan on staying for more than a day or two in Manila, capital of the Philippines.
And I recommend all clients stay for a few days before heading off to their paradise Island.
I’m not alone in my recommendation.
Ernest Hemingway wrote “It presents a great story for the Philippines. It is the perfect representation of the city, if not the country’s resilience, vitality, versatility and hospitality.
How, you might think, can an urban, slightly sprawling, but nevertheless Grand Hotel, represent a country of beautiful islands with swaying coconut trees, white sandy beaches and blue seas? They are polar opposites
You will feel that as you enter the lobby of the hotel, a grand lobby for a Grand Hotel, with its white coated doormen.
You will feel the warmth of the Filipino welcome as you check in. You will feel the weight of Filipino culture and craftsmanship as you admire the traditional furniture.
The Manila Hotel was opened in 1912 and rapidly became the place to stay. General Macarthur stayed here during the War, Hemingway and a host of others after.
The Cafe Ilang is a favourite dining area, to the point where you can even order take away (or out for any US readers). It’s largely buffet service and has a good range of dishes.
The bar just seeps atmosphere, dark with wooden ceilings and furniture. The band possibly play a little too loudly for my taste. I would prefer some quieter jazz.
The pool area is exceptional, with the pool effectively being divided into two, one half for serious swimmers and one for those lounging with a drink or for children.
Rooms are large, well appointed with plenty of plug sockets. The view at the front of the hotel may not be great, presented as a “city scape” but, being opposite Luneta Park, does mean that it is largely unobstructed. Other rooms are facing Manila Bay. The bathrooms are generously sized, with bath and powerful shower.
And yes, it may be a little frayed around the edges in places, it may seem a little old fashioned, but the Manila is a Grand Dame. She dresses a little like your favourite grandmother might dress. You wouldn’t want or expect her to be dressing like a teenager.
I recommend it because it is close to two of the attractions I think are really worth seeing on a short visit, the old walled city of Intramuros and Binondo, the oldest China Town outside of China.
However, a potential drawback is that is is on the other side of Manila Bay to the airport, which can be a disadvantage when arriving in Manila after a long flight. Manila’s traffic is notorious, and you may not be that keen on sitting in traffic after that flight.
And its size and architecture is a reminder to visitors that the Philippines has a long history and connection with Europe, an important stopover for the Spanish ships trading Mexican Silver for Chinese tea and a US colony between 1898 and 1946.
The Philippines is a great story which you will want to weave into your own story. The Grand Dame of Manila is chapter one.
