Hotel
The Peninsula Manila
A Makati landmark since 1976, with twin wings on Ayala and Makati Avenues, a grand colonial-style lobby, two pools and the French restaurant Old Manila.
The Manila Hotel
A heritage grand hotel opened in 1912 at the edge of Rizal Park, with a MacArthur Suite, a heritage museum and classic restaurants.
At a glance
- Type
- Heritage grand hotel
- Area
- Ermita, Manila, Philippines
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- manila-hotel.com.ph
Good to know
- Pool
- Spa
- Health club
- Heritage museum
- Several restaurants and bars
Why we recommend it
The Manila Hotel opened on 4 July 1912 at the north-western end of Rizal Park, on Bonifacio Drive, as part of the American plan for the city that also gave Manila its bayside boulevard by Daniel Burnham. The original mission-style building was designed by William E. Parsons and had 149 rooms; it was renovated in 1935 under Andrés Luna de San Pedro and has since grown to several hundred rooms across the Main Building and a later Tower Wing. Ernest Hemingway described it as one of the most important landmarks in Manila.
History is the hotel's great selling point. Douglas MacArthur lived in a penthouse here while he was military adviser to the Philippine Commonwealth from 1935 to 1941, and the three-bedroom MacArthur Suite on the fifth floor of the original building now bears his name. During the Second World War, Japanese troops occupied the hotel, and it was set on fire during the battle for Manila in 1945; the shell survived and was rebuilt. Guests over the years have included James Michener, John Wayne, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, the then Prince Charles and Bill Clinton. A heritage museum and art gallery inside the hotel tell the story.
Dining is a big part of a stay. The hotel's restaurants are Café Ilang-Ilang, the Champagne Room and Red Jade, and there is also a delicatessen, the Lobby Lounge, the Tap Room bar and a pool bar. Facilities include a pool, a health club, the Manila Hotel Spa, a business centre and an Executive Club lounge for guests on club floors.
Rooms range from standard categories to suites, with a choice between the historic Main Building and the Tower Wing. If atmosphere matters to you, ask for the Main Building. Even if you are not staying, a drink in the Lobby Lounge is an easy way to experience the hotel.
The location is ideal for sightseeing in old Manila. Rizal Park and the National Museums are on the doorstep, and Intramuros is a short walk north. It is further from the Makati business district, so allow time for traffic if you have meetings there. The hotel suits history lovers, couples, families and anyone wanting a classic grand hotel experience rather than a modern tower.
The Manila Hotel FAQs
When did The Manila Hotel open?
On 4 July 1912.
Where is it?
At One Rizal Park, Ermita, at the north-western end of Rizal Park.
What is the MacArthur Suite?
A three-bedroom suite on the fifth floor of the original building, named after Douglas MacArthur, who lived in the hotel from 1935 to 1941.
Which restaurants are there?
Café Ilang-Ilang, the Champagne Room and Red Jade, plus a deli, Lobby Lounge, Tap Room and pool bar.
Is there a pool and spa?
Yes, along with a health club.
Who has stayed there?
Guests have included Ernest Hemingway, John Wayne, the Beatles, Michael Jackson and Bill Clinton.
Which building should you choose?
The Main Building for historic character, or the Tower Wing.
What is nearby?
Rizal Park, the National Museums and Intramuros.