The hype
Travelers worship the service and the breakfast buffet, but often complain about the age of the bathrooms in non-renovated rooms.
The Peninsula Manila
$180-280/ night
Book this if You want the definitive 'Grand Dame' experience where the lobby is the city's living room and service is borderline telepathic.
Why People Love It
- The legendary lobby that feels like a movie set from the 70s
- Peninsula Time: check in as early as 6am and out as late as 10pm (if booked direct)
- The renovated Makati Tower rooms are a masterclass in quiet luxury
Quick Take: It’s the most famous hotel in Manila for a reason, but ensure you book the renovated tower or you'll feel stuck in 1995.
Reviewed by @Lauuradg: I felt like I stepped back in time the moment I entered the lobby. My stay was pure old-world glamour—the pool is a hidden jungle in the city and the service made me feel like a VIP. It’s the only place I’d stay in Makati for a true luxury experience.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You aren't just booking a room; you're booking access to 'The Lobby' scene, which can be overwhelming if you want total privacy.
- You appreciate old-school, white-glove service where staff know your name
- You have an awkward flight schedule (thanks to Peninsula Time)
- You want to be walkable to Greenbelt and Glorietta malls
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.4
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Twice-daily service with turndown that includes treats and water.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless marble. Even in older rooms, the grout and fixtures are maintained to a high shine.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The renovation in the Makati Tower is fresh; older tower is well-kept but shows age in design, not disrepair.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count linens and thick, oversized towels.
- Odors & scents: Signature Peninsula scent (floral/fresh) in the lobby; rooms smell neutral and crisp.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- faint traffic hum on lower floors
- hallway noise if near the elevators in the older tower
Before you book
Good to know
- Book directly through the Peninsula website to secure 'Peninsula Time' (flexible check-in/out).
- The pool is unheated but refreshing given Manila's heat.
- Standard voltage is 220V; renovated rooms have universal outlets and USB ports.
What to pack
- A light jacket or shawl (the AC in the lobby and malls is arctic)
- Swimsuit for the tropical outdoor pool oasis
Room Genie
Best picks
- Grand Deluxe Room in the Makati Tower (renovated, better tech, fresher feel)
- Premier Suite (corner unit with Ayala Triangle views)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard rooms in the Ayala Tower (dated decor, older bathrooms)
- Low floors facing the intersection if you are extremely noise-sensitive
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a renovated room in the MAKATI TOWER, ideally a Grand Deluxe on a high floor facing the Ayala Triangle Gardens for minimized traffic noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel renovated?
Partially. The Makati Tower rooms are fully renovated and modern; the Ayala Tower rooms retain a more classic (read: older) style.
Does it have a club lounge?
Yes, The Gallery Club Lounge is on the 3rd floor of the Makati Tower. It features Filipino art and excellent food presentations.
Is the pool heated?
No, but it's an outdoor tropical pool and the Manila heat makes it perfectly comfortable year-round.
How is the internet?
Excellent. High-speed Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property, suitable for video calls.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are generally not allowed unless they are service animals.
What is the breakfast like?
Legendary. The Escolta buffet offers a massive spread of Filipino, Asian, and Western options. The champorado (chocolate rice porridge) is a must-try.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The hotel has a bespoke 'Peninsula Jeepney' that offers shuttle services—it's air-conditioned and a great photo op.
- ✨
Order the 'Halo-Halo Harana' in the lobby; it's an oversized version of the classic dessert served with dry ice drama.
- ✨
The basement arcade has a high-end salon and flower shop that are local secrets for quality service.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Peninsula Time' policy is the most generous in the industry (check in at 6am, out at 10pm) but only for direct bookings.
💡The lobby ceiling sculpture 'Sunburst' by Napoleon Abueva is a National Artist masterpiece.
💡You can walk to Greenbelt mall via the underpass, avoiding the street-level heat and traffic.
💡The 'Spices' restaurant offers one of the best Halal-certified menus in the city.
💡Security is airport-level tight; expect bomb-sniffing dogs and metal detectors at the entrance.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Peninsula Manila is located and what's nearby.