Hotels in Manila

I am an American citizen that has lived here on and off for about 8 years. I have just recently been staying in hotels instead of renting a condo or a house for long term. The city of Manila is rich in history and has many different districts or areas that are for different types of people. Premier shopping areas such as Rockwell (Makati), Eastwood City (Quezon CIty) or Ortigas Center (Pasig City) or MallOfAsia (Pasay) have some of the biggest and the best shopping centers in the world. For the more lower budget shoppers that want to integrate with the local culture and find some locally produced goods, one of the biggest 'swap meet' type markets is Green Hills in San Juan City. Then you have some of the street markets and street food of Quiapo and Manila area. Roxas Blvd. is an avenue with large sidewalks with a up close and personal view of Manila bay, perfect during sunrises and sunsets. Manila's China town is the oldest in the world, in a city bordering Manila called Binondo. Whether you are interested in the history, the architecture, shopping or just passing through to the airport to get to one of the islands....you will not be disappointed with your visit to marvelous Manila!

1. Hiking to Mount Pinatubo (recommend travel tour: TRIPinas) 2. Eat at The Halal Guys (located at SM Megamall food court) 3. Eat at Gerry's for some fusion Filipino food (located at most major malls) 4. A Day tour to Corregidor Island (book online through SunCruises) 5. Do Manila City Tour to all major historical sites including Intramuros (most travel tours offer this package) 6. Once arrived at the airport, take a yellow cab (located outside the departure hall). Do not take the white airport cab because they charged triple the price! 7. Normal white cab are cheap if you ask them to use their meter or haggle the price. If the price is not right for you, don't accept. Don't worry because there's plenty of cabs in the town, you can always get another one. 8. If you like to shop, stay around Makati area (Ayala avenue). 9. Check out Greenhills shopping center but be prepare to haggle a lot. 10. Do take a jeepney ride if you have the chance. Do alert the driver your destination so he is aware of it. 11. Best NYE fireworks I've seen was in Makati :)

To many high points to mention but to name a few ....mall of Asia if you are there mid afternoon drag things out and then cross the road to the waterfront or manila bay at dusk the place comes alive very much alive and there is lots to do and see there lots of places to eat and drink and most nights live music . Also Rizal park is really somewhere to go early evening again if you go on a weekend to Rizal park it is thriving and I was lucky enough to get in to a concert in the outdoor auditorium it was ace . There are so many places to see here . Again I was lucky enough to be in manila for the black Nazarene fiesta that was awesome to be amongst I have never seen so many people in one place amazing and I saw no trouble whatsoever all well behaved .

If you like Bangkok you will like the lively district of Malate on the western coastal edge of Manila . Daytime the shopping is good , Robinsons Mall superb . By night. Malate has a great buzz about it , a bit naughty in parts with several girlie bars but there are also plenty of good quality cafes bars and restaurants . And only 10 minutes north by jeepney is the historic old Spanish colonial city area and fort at Intramuros...a miniature version of Cuba's Havannah ? Dont wear your best watch or gold bangles and you can safely explore this beatiful old area by day.....be careful to not get ripped of by the many trike and horse & carriage operators ....keep you sun hat on a tour on foot ,you will see far more and for a drinks break on the northern top end there are several modern fast food outlets on the main road just above the cathedral . On another half day a walk around adjoining. large Rizal Park is very pleasant and add at the end a sea side stroll down Roxas Blvd the 1.5km back to Malate if its not too hot .

Go to Shangri-La Plaza and eat in Watami. Avail of their Premiere Bistro card to get 20% off on your foods plus coupons which can be used on your succeeding dine-outs in any of the bistro group good for 1 year. Also, Shangri-La Plaza Rustan's Supermarket has Royale Jamon of Purefoods which you can buy per kilo. You can't buy that ham anywhere else. It's a seasonal ham and it has superb taste! Looking for Ruby Woo? Shangri-La Rustan's also has it which other Rustan branches don't have. 😉

The malls & the food! Makati is a good place to stay. We ate in Cabalen, Gerry's grill Restaurants There were a lot of fast foods in the mall that you will enjoy. Starbucks in Glorietta near SM makati is cozy place to sit down with friends. The old time favorite Jollibee. We had also dine in Abe's in Megamall A. But the transportation is difficult makati to mega mall vice versa.Too crowded and the traffic is terrible. It's hard when you have young children. Better to stay in makati there were several malls just next to each other. And you can find whatever you need.But will avoid booking hotel that looks promising and lovely at the picture and will end up disappointed during your stay. I have stayed in Crown Regency Makati Arnaiz St. Tower Inn Arnaiz Avenue and Prince Plaza II Condotel in Dela Rosa Street Makati. I am happy to recommend Tower Inn but strongly not Crown Regency & Prince Plaza II Condotel. This two hotels are total disappointment except for the hotel staff in Pince Plaza II Condotel they were excellent in customer service. I tell you this two hotels are totally opposite in what you are seeing in the picture when you are booking it.👎👎👎