The Henry Hotel Manila

The Henry Hotel Manila is a boutique hotel on F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay, set in what the hotel describes as a heritage house in a storied artist haven. It belongs to The Henry, which calls itself the pioneering and largest boutique hotel brand in the Philippines, with more than a dozen properties. For visitors tired of glass towers and chain hotels, it offers a very different kind of stay in Metro Manila.

The style is design-forward and a little quirky, mixing mid-century pieces with modern vintage touches, and the emphasis is on personal service rather than scale. It is a good choice for travellers who enjoy interiors and want somewhere memorable to come back to after a day of sightseeing. Ask about the different room categories when booking, as they vary in layout and feel.

The hotel's restaurant, Apartment 1B, gives guests somewhere to eat without heading out into the traffic, which is useful in the evenings. Photographers and design enthusiasts will find plenty to look at in the public areas.

Taxis and ride-hailing cars are the easiest way to get around from the hotel. Rizal Park, the National Museums and Intramuros are a ride to the north, and Makati is to the east, so plan your sightseeing around traffic peaks.

Before you book, look at the room photographs on the hotel's website and choose the style that suits you, as a boutique property of this kind tends to have more variety than a standard chain hotel. If you are arriving late, let the hotel know your expected time so that someone is ready to welcome you. For dinner, Apartment 1B on site is the simplest option, but central Manila's museums, Intramuros and the restaurants of Makati are all reachable by taxi when traffic allows. Pack light clothing, sunscreen and an umbrella, as Manila's heat and sudden showers can arrive at any time of year.

Book directly with the hotel by phone or email for the best choice of rooms. It suits couples, creative travellers, small families and anyone who wants a boutique stay with a sense of place. Because it is a smaller property, it is worth reserving ahead for weekends and holiday periods, when rooms can go quickly.