Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Makati, Metro Manila

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. The Edsa Shangri-La has more luxurious rooms but higher prices and a location a little away from the heart of the action.

The 584-room New World Makati is a luxurious hotel located right in the heart of the shopping and business district. It caters mostly to business travelers with extensive meeting space, functional upscale rooms with spacious work desks, and several dining and drinking options. Additionally, there is also a large outdoor pool with a kiddy section, a modern fitness center, and a luxurious spa. The Residence Club concierge level offers additional perks, such as free breakfast, private check-in, and free evening drinks. The Edsa Shangri-La has beautiful rooms at similar rates, but it is a little farther away from the action.

The luxury Peninsula Manila is a posh and polished property with swanky interiors, an array of features, and a central Makati location that's surrounded by dining and shopping options. Several dining options include Asian cuisine, a fine-dining restaurant serving gourmet fare, and an international buffet, plus there's a decadent 1930s-theme lounge and a handful of others bars. The hotel has an outdoor pool, as well as topnotch wellness features like fitness and spa facilities. Guest rooms feature tasteful decor, well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, and even fax machines. Though the spacious marble bathrooms have both showers and tubs, fixtures could use an update. Travelers might want to compare rates with the neighboring Makati Shangri-La Manila, a similar luxury property with plenty of features.

The Ascott offers 362 upscale serviced apartments for business travelers and families, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units with full kitchens and washer/dryers. All are stylish and elegant, and have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, and L’Occitane toiletries. On-site amenities include a pleasant outdoor pool, a spa with salon services, a gym with personal trainers, a staffed business center, and a cafe. The property is starting to show signs of wear and tear in some areas, but for longer business stays, the Ascott is a convenient option within walking distance of shopping, dining, nightlife and corporate offices in central Makati.

Makati Shangri-La is one of Manila’s grande dames. Even though rooms are starting to show some wear and tear and some fixtures may not be cutting-edge anymore, the property is still known for its impressive lobby, outstanding service, and long list of high-end amenities, including a luxurious spa, a great fitness center, and a large outdoor pool. The crowd here is mostly business travelers, but the kiddy pool and free buffet meals for children make it a good pick for well-heeled families as well. The pool and fitness center were renovated after our visit, but as of 2017, renovations to rooms have not yet started.

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is an upscale property located directly above Glorietta Mall, one of Makati’s most renowned malls. Rooms are cheerful and contemporary, with large windows -- some offering expansive views -- flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and iPod docks. There is only one full restaurant on-site, but there are plenty others in the mall, which can be accessed directly through the hotel. The rooftop pool, the popular lounge, and the small spa are all great perks -- but those looking to explore Manila’s historic attractions may want to note that most are at least a 20-minute drive away.

Artina Suites Hotel offers competitive prices and a no-frills, homey stay within walking distance of famous restaurants and nightlife spots around Makati Avenue. It features 41 spacious suites with microwaves, mini-fridges, plasma TVs and free Wi-Fi. A small restaurant and a meeting room is all there is in the way of amenities -- but freebies such as breakfast and on-site parking are good perks. Overall, the property offers good value, but light sleepers may want to request a room facing the rear of the building, as East Zobel Street is busy and loud.

The Y2 Residence Hotel is a solid pick for young tourists and families, with striking decor inspired by anime as well as yin and yang. The spacious studios and apartments are equipped with kitchenettes and up to two bedrooms, and notable features include a rooftop pool with panoramic city views and a hip restaurant serving South Asian cuisine. The location in Makati is convenient for business travelers and for those looking to experience the area’s shopping and nightlife scenes -- but historic attractions are a long drive away. Light sleepers may want to note that exterior rooms on lower floors get some traffic noise.

The Antel offers a wide array of amenities both for families and for business travelers, including a game room, a spa, two fitness centers, two business centers, free on-site parking, and two pools. Contemporary apartment-style rooms are equipped with basic cooking facilities (no stovetop, though), flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. However, many units are on the small side, and those overlooking the adjacent mall can get noise. The location on busy Makati Avenue is convenient for those looking to be near dining, nightlife, and shopping -- but there are no tourist attractions within walking distance. 

The InterContinental used to be popular with celebrities and well-heeled travelers during the 20th century, but unfortunately its golden days are long gone. Rooms are spacious yet dated, with traditional decor that is more old-fashioned than classic, and narrow windows that don’t let in much light. On-site amenities -- from the fitness center to the restaurants and the pool -- are numerous yet a little rough around the edges, with older-looking decor and equipment. The spa, however, feels fresh and relaxing. Location adjacent to famous malls in Makati is a plus, but the property is overall not up to par with other InterContinental hotels. Nearby Holiday Inn & Suites Makati offers more bang for the buck and newer facilities.