Makati Shangri-La, Manila

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 with an elegant pattern. Porters and other staff greet guests at every corner without being intrusive, adding to the feel of entering an exclusive world. Right off the lobby is the lounge, known for its 14-piece orchestra, relaxing ambience, and striking glass walls overlooking the lush garden. Everything here was designed to be top-notch in the mid-1990s, when the hotel first opened. However, some of the property’s facilities are in need of a few updates, including the rooms, which are elegant and comfortable, but not as stylish or decadent as one might expect. Still, the place feels grand and luxurious, and is known for having some of the best service in town.

The hotel is located on the corner of Ayala and Makati avenues, two of Manila’s main and most famous thoroughfares. Ayala Avenue is known as the Wall Street of the Philippines due to its many corporate office buildings and for being home to the Philippine Stock Exchange. Makati Avenue is a nightlife and shopping hot spot, with tons of businesses and restaurants, and offers easy walking access to some of the best malls in town. Aside from shopping centers, restaurants and  bars, there are few other major attractions within walking distance. Intramuros, Fort Santiago, University of Santo Tomas, Rizal Park, and the Manila Cathedral are all a 20-minute drive away. The airport is about the same distance from the hotel.

The hotel features 696 rooms, all decorated with blonde wood wall panelling, greenish brown carpeting, and modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and LCD TVs. Bathrooms, while spacious and featuring separate showers and tubs, have older fixtures and are not as luxurious as expected of a high-end hotel. Details such as simple showerheads instead of more modern rain showerheads, and basic round water taps are somewhat underwhelming. The overall effect is elegant, yet the style and the details are what give away the hotel’s age. Executive Rooms, Horizon Club Rooms, and suites have DVD players and L’Occitane toiletries. The latter two room types also offer access to the Horizon Club Lounge, which features free Wi-Fi, late check-out, free breakfast, and evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Many rooms have striking city views, and others overlook the gardens. Luckily, rooms are set to undergo renovations. Meanwhile, expect comfort and elegance, but maybe not over-the-top luxury.

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, renovated in 2016, is lined with umbrellas and padded loungers, and features a separate area for kids. This Shangri-La hosts dozens of events every year, and features wonderful business-oriented amenities on-site, including several meeting rooms, a huge ballroom, and a staffed business center with secretarial services. Parking, free Wi-Fi, babysitting, tennis courts, and airport transport are also available.