Where to Stay in Manila, Philippines: Best Neighborhoods, Hotels & Condos

In this article, you will learn the best location to stay in Manila and find the best hotels, condos and hostels depending on your budget and travel goals.

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is one of the largest cities in the world by population.

[toc]

The gap between the rich and the poor is huge in the Philippines so you’ll want to prepare for extreme culture shock when you arrive. Manila Airport is located near Paranaque and I don’t recommend staying in this area during your trip.

Paranaque is dirty, nasty and full of poverty. There are some cheap accommodations nearby but I cannot recommend them and suggest to head to greener pastures.

Download the Grab app to book a ride at the airport because Manila taxi drivers will try to rip you off and overcharge you. You can reach most areas of the city for no more than 250 PHP ($5). If you must take a taxi, then tell the driver to use the meter.

Best Place to Stay for Tourists: Makati

Whenever someone asks “Where is the best place to stay in Manila?“, I always recommend Makati.

Makati is the business district of Manila and one of the safest locations for tourists, expats and backpackers.

You’ll experience much less culture shock in Makati and the area is well developed with restaurants, malls, coffee shops, skyscrapers, massage parlors, doctors, fast food joints and everything else you could ask for.

Tourists flocked to Makati in droves and you’ll see Chinese, Koreans, Africans, Arabs, Americans and Europeans all over this area. It’s by far the best place to stay in Manila for a few nights, weeks or long term.

Where to Stay in Makati for Nightlife

Most of Makati’s nightlife takes place along the Makati Avenue strip and P Burgos St so look for accommodations near this area. Makati Ave boasts mostly upscale luxury hotels for $50+ while the P Burgos St hotels are a bit cheaper and cater to single male tourists looking to meet women at the bikini bars.

Best Makati Ave Hotels

Makati Ave hotels are mostly upscale and extremely luxurious. They are also family friendly and offer world class amenities similar to western style hotels.

City Garden Grand Hotel

Boasting an outdoor pool and complimentary WiFi access, City Garden Grand Hotel offers luxurious accommodation with sweeping views of the Manila landscape.

Offering city views, all rooms at City Garden Grand Hotel are air-conditioned, and feature a cable LED TV and coffee/tea making facilities. Complete with a bath or shower, the private en suite bathrooms also offer a hairdryer and bathrobes.

Guests will find a gym, an outdoor pool and several meeting and event spaces located on-site. The 24-hour front desk readily assists guests with services such as complimentary valet parking, luggage storage and tour information.

Check Prices


I’M Hotel

I'M Hotel Makati
I’M Hotel

Situated in the Makati district in Manila, 700 m from Power Plant Mall, I’M Hotel features a spa centre and hot tub. The hotel has a sauna and fitness centre, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.

Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a TV. Rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bidet. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Check Prices


Hop Inn Hotel

Hop Inn Hotel Makati Ave
Hop Inn Hotel Makati Ave

Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue Manila is located in the Makati district in Manila, 400 m from Century City and 700 m from Power Plant Mall. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

All rooms are air-conditioned and are equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, a safety deposit box and a desk. Private bathroom comes with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.

Check Prices and Availability for Hop Inn Hotel: Booking.com

Hotels Near P Burgos St

P Burgos St is the main red light district in Makati. You’ll find most of the bikini bars and clubs located on this street.

The advantages of staying near P Burgos St are you are within walking distance to all the good clubs & bars. If you want to take a guest back to your room, you can just walk without worrying about getting around much.

Best Western Oxford Suites Hotel

Hop Inn Hotel Makati Ave
Hop Inn Hotel Executive Queen Room

Best Western Oxford Suites Makati is located along Durban Street in Makati City. The hotel features a restaurant and a fitness centre. Free parking is available with advanced reservation.

Each air-conditioned room comes with a cable TV, safety deposit box and coffee/tea making facilities. Private bathrooms come with bathtub and shower facilities.

The hotel offers a business centre and a gym. Massage services are available upon request. The hotel’s restaurant serves International cuisine.

Check Prices and Availability for Best Western Oxford Suites: Booking.com


Citadel Inn

Citadel Inn Studio
Citadel Inn Studio Room

Citadel Inn is a 10-minute drive from the Central Business District and the Ayala Commercial Centre in Makati City. The condotel offers an indoor pool, restaurant and massage services.

Rooms at Citadel come equipped with a cable TV. Bathrooms have a hot and cold shower.

Guests can purchase necessities at the 24-hour convenience store. Laundry services, car rental and currency exchange are available. Inn Citadel also has a business centre and tour desk.

Matrix Bar and Restaurant serves international dishes. Room service is provided.

Check Prices and Availability for Citadel Inn: Booking.com


Royal Bellagio Hotel

Royal Bellagio Hotel Superior room
Royal Bellagio Hotel Superior Room

Situated within a 5-minute walk of bars and nightclubs in downtown Manila, Royal Bellagio Hotel features 4 dining options and Italian-themed rooms which are Wi-Fi accessible.

The hotel is about a 15-minute drive from Makati Shopping Centre, The Greenbelt Park and The Rockwell Centre.

Guests can have American favourites at The Filling Station Café, or sample Italian cuisine at Café Ibiza Italiano. Other dining options include Café Cubana, which serves Cuban and Spanish dishes.

Air-conditioned rooms feature cable TV and an en suite bathroom with toiletries and a hairdryer. A wardrobe, a minibar and a phone with teleconference functions are included.

Check Prices and Availability for Royal Bellagio Hotel: Booking.com

Best Makati Condos for 1 Month Stay

If you plan to spend 1 month or more, then your best option is to rent a condo. Condos provide more flexibility and you can find lots of good deals using AirBNB.

If you are planning to stay more than 6 months, then use RentPad to find longer term deals.

Milano Residences

Milano Residences
Milano Residences

The Milano Residences is an upscale condo apartment located near Makati Ave. The units are luxurious and modern with a Versace themed interior. It’s one of the more expensive condos in Makati with monthly rents starting at ~$1,000. There’s a gym, library, study room and pool as well.

Check Prices and Availability for Milano Residences: AirBNB | RentPad


Knightsbridges Residences

Knightsbridge Residences
Knightsbridge Residences

Knightsbridge Residences is a London themed hotel located across the street from Milano Residences. It’s a bit cheaper than Milano yet still offers amazing value and amenities as well. A studio unit costs ~$600 per month.

Knightsbridge is a haven for Chinese expats who mostly work in online casinos. The condo has a gym, sauna, pool, yoga room, library, video game room, and rooftop observatory.

Check Prices and Availability for Knightsbridge Residences: AirBNB | RentPad


SM Jazz Residences

SM Jazz Residences
SM Jazz Residences

SM Jazz Residences is one of the best and cheapest value condo apartments in Makati. It’s located a bit far from the action on Makati Ave but you can easily walk about 15 minutes or take a tricycle to reach the main nightlife areas.

SM Jazz has a gym and pool lounge area where you can relax and mingle with other residents. The price is good, too. A studio unit costs around ~$500 per month.

Check Prices and Availability for SM Jazz: AirBNB | RentPad

Best Budget Hostels for Backpackers

If you are looking for the cheapest overall accommodation, then hostels are your best option. Backpackers and budget travelers can save a lot of money by staying in 10-bed dorm rooms with other travelers.

While you don’t have much privacy, most Makati hostels provide you with a blanket, towel and keycard. You share a bathroom and kitchen with the other guests.

The downside of hostels is you cannot bring guests back to your room in most cases (there are exceptions).

Most hostel guests are under 30 years old so more mature travelers will probably prefer the comfort and privacy of a hotel room or condo.

Z Hostel

Z Hostel is the best overall hostel in Manila. It’s also one of the most expensive hostels in Makati as well. The highlight of this place is their rooftop bar where you can mingle with both locals and foreigners.

Check Prices and Availability for Z Hostel: Booking.com

Makati Junction Hostel

Just down the street from Z Hostel, Makati Junction Hostel is a much cheaper option if you are looking to save money. The place has a shared kitchen, TV room and cafe in the main lobby. It’s also one of the bigger hostels in Makati with almost 100 beds available.

Check Prices and Availability for Makati Junction Hostel: Booking.com

Our Melting Pot

If you are looking for a traditional hostel with added privacy, then Our Melting Pot is a recommended choice. The hostel is located near the P Burgos Street for extra convenience and offers a full sized kitchen area for cooking.

The downside is there is no TV and the WIFI signal is pretty weak.

Best Place to Stay in Manila for One Night: Pasay

If your flight leaves in 1 day, then you need a hotel room near the airport for added convenience. Pasay is your best option because it’s not only close to the airport, but features one of Manila’s biggest attractions, Mall of Asia (MOA).

Holiday Inn Express

A 2-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Terminal 3) and located within Resort World Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City offers air-conditioned rooms and apartments. It is within a 5-minute walk from St. Therese Church and Villamor Airbase. A free airport shuttle is provided.

The modern rooms and apartments all come with a 32-inch flat-screen TV and a personal safe. Apartments also have an extra sofa bed and a kitchenette. En suite bathrooms feature hot-water showers and free toiletries.

Check Prices and Availability for Holiday Inn Express: Booking.com

Enjoy Your Stay!

I hope this guide helps you find a good, clean place to stay in Manila. If you still have questions or comments about traveling to Manila, then please leave a comment below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One Comment