The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the aesthetics and the staff's warmth, but the noise from the street is a frequent dealbreaker for light sleepers.
Admiral Hotel Manila Mgallery
$120-220/ night
Book this if You want a boutique, art-deco fantasy in the heart of gritty Malate with a rooftop sunset view that rivals any 5-star giant.
Why People Love It
- Stunning 1930s Art Deco revival design that feels like a movie set
- Rooftop infinity pool with the best Manila Bay sunset view in the city
- Ruby Wong's Godown, a hidden speakeasy that actually lives up to the hype
Quick Take: A gorgeous, Instagram-ready oasis that forces you to choose between a loud room with a view or a quiet room with no windows.
Reviewed by @gabrielladlp: I checked into the Admiral for a romantic city escape and was obsessed with the art deco design. The lobby feels like a gallery, and the rooftop pool is the perfect chill spot. Definitely book the breakfast package—the spread is huge and delicious!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Atrium' rooms are often a shock to guests who didn't realize they would be looking into a hallway rather than the city.
- You appreciate Wes Anderson-level interior design
- You are a foodie looking for high-quality buffet and speakeasy vibes
- You are traveling with a pet (the VIP 'Very Important Pet' program is legit)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service, though some reports of missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. High-quality fixtures, though watch out for slow drains.
- Maintenance: Pristine condition (renovated 2022), but isolated reports of AC mold smell in humid months.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count linens and plush towels.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of signature citrus/white tea scent; some hallways have faint smoke traces.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy traffic and sirens from Roxas Boulevard
- Interior noise from the atrium lobby if in lower-floor atrium rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- A deposit of PHP 5,000 per stay is typically required upon check-in.
- The neighborhood (Malate) is historic but gritty; expect nightlife and street hustle right outside.
- Breakfast buffet is around PHP 1,888 per person if not included in your rate.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential for Bay View rooms)
- Swimsuit for the rooftop sunset sessions
- Dressy casual outfit for Ruby Wong's speakeasy
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Bay King for the view (bring earplugs)
- Superior Atrium Room if sleep is your #1 priority and you don't care about sunlight
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor Bay View rooms (maximum noise)
- Standard rooms if you are claustrophobic (Atrium windows can feel oppressive)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper but would love a view. Please assign the highest possible floor for a Bay View room, away from the elevator. If not possible, I prefer a quiet Atrium room on a high floor.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool crowded?
It can get busy at sunset (5-6 PM) because the view is famous. Go in the morning for laps.
Is it safe to walk around at night?
Malate is lively but can feel sketchy to the uninitiated. Stick to main streets like Adriatico and Remedios, or take a Grab.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, they have a 'VIP' program. Fees apply (approx PHP 1,850/pet) and a deposit is required.
Is breakfast worth paying for?
Yes, the Admiral Club buffet is highly rated, featuring a 'catwalk' table and diverse stations.
Do the windows open?
Generally no, they are sealed for safety and climate control.
Is there a resort fee?
No specific resort fee, but a 10% service charge and 12% VAT are standard in PH hotels.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Catwalk Table' in the Admiral Club restaurant features digital projection art while you eat.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for the 'secret' entrance to Ruby Wong's Godown if you want the full speakeasy experience.
- ✨
The hotel offers a shuttle to Mall of Asia (MOA); book it early to save on Grab fares.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Atrium' rooms technically have windows, but they look into the hotel hallway/lobby, not outside.
💡The rooftop bar music can thump through the ceiling of the highest floor rooms until late.
💡The shower drains in some rooms are slow to drain, leading to mini-floods.
💡You might smell cigarette smoke in the hallways despite it being a non-smoking hotel.
💡The 'VIP' pet welcome kit includes a bed and treats, which is rare for Manila.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Admiral Hotel Manila Mgallery is located and what's nearby.