Best Luxury Hotels in Metro Manila

This 510-room property is Manila’s grande dame. It wows guests with world-class service, opulent Filipiniana-style interiors, and top-notch amenities, including a wonderful spa, modern fitness center, large pool with a swim-up bar, and four outstanding restaurants. Rooms are some of the most decadent in Manila and have large marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. It may not be the city’s newest hotel, but it is one of the most luxurious and is a short walk from major tourist attractions such as Intramuros and Rizal Park.

Known for its outstanding service and attention to detail, the 280-room Fairmont is one of the most luxurious hotels in central Makati. All the high-end amenities expected of a hotel in this price range and category are present, including a wonderful spa complete with hair and nail services, a high-tech fitness center (think: cardio machines with internet access), a relaxing pool with bar service, and several dining options. Rooms are elegant (if a tad plain), and upscale bathrooms have separate showers and tubs as well as Le Labo toiletries.

This hotel is a clear example of why the Shangri-La brand is synonymous with luxury. The lobby is a grand, multi-level space with a dramatic staircase, a crystal chandelier, and marble floors, while the 696 elegant rooms have modern amenities, such as flat-screen LCD TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is known for its tasty and varied dining options. Located adjacent to the lobby is Circles, famous for its breakfast buffet; Inagiku, Sage, and Shang Palace offer Japanese cuisine, a grill menu, and Cantonese specialties, respectively, in elegant spaces with subtle themed decor. There are also a number of bars on-site, including the lobby lounge -- complete with a grand piano and a 14-piece orchestra -- Sage Bar, and a poolside bar offering snacks, smoothies, and drinks. The fitness center is large and well-equipped, with dozens of cardio and weight-training machines, and access to the hotel’s relaxing spa, complete with saunas, whirlpools, and treatment cabins. The pool is lined with umbrellas and padded loungers, and features a separate area for kids.

The 376-room, business-oriented New World Manila Bay Hotel delivers all the amenities expected of a luxury property: acclaimed restaurants (there are three here), a well-equipped fitness center, a large pool with bar service, a relaxing spa with massage cabins and a whirlpool, and high-tech meeting space. There's even an on-site casino. Rooms are some of the largest around and have upscale amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and large windows. The Malate location is convenient for shopping and visiting the main sights.

The 236-room Pan Pacific is a luxury hotel in Malate, a short walk from Manila Bay and several shopping malls. The hotel is known for its outstanding service and great amenities, including several restaurants and bars, a well-equipped fitness center, a business center with secretarial services, and a small pool complete with a whirlpool. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and upscale, with separate showers and deep soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and pillow menus -- but decor lacks wow factor. Massages are available on the sun deck, but there is no full spa.

The 365-room Hyatt is a luxury hotel located inside the City of Dreams shopping and entertainment center. Large rooms are elegantly furnished with a dark brown palette and ochre carpets and are equipped with large flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Common spaces are opulent, from the huge buffet restaurant with dark walls, sleek decor, and high ceilings, to the rooftop pool, complete with a kids' section and a small whirlpool. The hotel's location near the airport and within walking distance of family-friendly attractions draws all types of travelers, but those looking to explore the historic sights may find this area a little out of the way.

With lush tropical gardens and a resort-like list of amenities, gorgeous Edsa Shangri-La is a quiet, relaxing oasis in corporate Mandaluyong. Its 632 rooms -- featuring stylish, elegant decor in earth tones, and top-notch amenities -- are some of the most attractive in town. With four restaurants, a world-class spa, a wonderful fitness center, and a beautiful free-form pool, it is possible for guests to never have to leave the property. Plus, it has a few kid-friendly amenities, a rarity in Manila. Just note that Mandaluyong may be more convenient for business travelers than for tourists, as most historic sights are a drive away.

Business travelers and families would do well at this luxurious hotel. The property offers spacious, stylishly decorated studios and apartments with full kitchens and high-end amenities, such as steam generators in the shower, dishwashers, and washer/dryers. With elegant interiors, a large indoor pool with lots of natural light, and a well-equipped fitness center complete with an aerobics studio, the Oakwood Premier is easily one of the most attractive properties in this part of town. Though the hotel does feature a large whirlpool and a massage room, it lacks a full spa.

The Sofitel used to be the go-to hotel among celebrities visiting Manila during the '80s and '90s due to its luxurious facilities and upscale services. With a huge pool, one of Manila’s most renowned restaurants, a fantastic kids’ club, and tons of options for those who want to stay active, it is still one of the top properties in town when it comes to property features. Rooms, however, could use a few updates. They’re spacious, bright and upscale, but decor is a little bland and underwhelming for a hotel in this price range. All in all, it is a solid option for those who want a resort-style stay outside of the bustling city center.

This 500-room luxury hotel is located right on Manila Bay, near Robinsons Place, Luneta Park, and nightlife in Malate, and the convenient location allows it to appeal to a wide range of travelers. Rooms are spacious and light, with big bay windows, comfortable beds, and large flat-screen TVs. Decor, however, varies: while renovated units are stylish and contemporary, non-renovated ones feel a little past their prime. There are an outdoor freeform pool, a fitness center, and a spa, but the hotel is best known for its restaurants and its rooftop bar with expansive views.

Located within the Resorts World complex, the all-suites Maxims Hotel is a luxury property catering to high rollers. The 172 rooms are spacious and equipped with upscale amenities such as interactive TVs with wireless keyboards, DVD players, and deep soaking tubs. Villas have private pools, kitchens, and massage cabins. Maxims has all the features expected of a high-end hotel, including a large pool with cabanas, several dining options, a spa, and a fitness center. Freebies include Wi-Fi, breakfast, shuttle service to the airport, and parking, but rates are some of the steepest in town.

The Bellevue is a luxury business hotel located in a quiet area in Alabang, a shopping and business district home to some of the most opulent homes in Manila. Rooms are spacious and modern (if a tad plain) with LCD TVs, iPod docks, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. With two restaurants, two pools, a fitness center, a spa, and a rooftop bar with some of the best views around, this is a solid luxury option for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of central Manila -- but tourists looking to explore the main attractions may want to note that most are a long drive away.