The Peninsula Manila

With a lavish waterfall feature at its entrance that's all cascading plumes and gushing fountains, the Peninsula Manila was built to impress. Interiors at this luxury chain property evoke a similar reaction: the grandiose spaces feature soaring ceilings, impressive staircases, palm trees sprouting in the massive lobby, and sleek gleaming marble. The Salon de Ning is a transportive experience in itself, a moody, opulent lounge named after a fictional socialite and styled as a 1930s Shanghai nightclub that blends glamour with whimsy. It's a plush setting for live music and offers a creative cocktail list, plus it has four themed private rooms, including one devoted to boxing, a shoe room with 101 pairs of footwear, and a zeppelin room that recreates the interior of the airship. Compared to this extravagance, other common spaces feel subdued. Attentive staff is polished and crisply dressed, and the swanky vibe attracts well-heeled leisure and business travelers.

The hotel occupies a convenient location in the center of Makati, at the intersection of Makati and Ayala Avenues and right across the street from the Ayala Triangle Gardens. This business district is full of dining options, shops, and shopping malls. Both Greenbelt Mall and Glorietta shopping mall are within a 12-minute walk away. Other top attractions, like Rizal Park, Manila Ocean Park, Fort Santiago, and the National Museum of the Philippines, are within a 20- to 30-minute drive from the hotel. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is around a 15-minute drive away.

Rooms are polished and elegant, with handsome contemporary decor that includes dark wood furnishings and a neutral color scheme of browns, beiges, and whites. Beds are topped with crisp white linens, black-framed photos adorn cream-colored walls, and large windows illuminate the spaces with natural light. All rooms have sleek desks as well as armchairs with ottomans. Suites have separate living rooms with sofas. All rooms are equipped with a solid set of mod cons, including flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea-making facilities, well-stocked minibars (including a variety of snacks), electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, and fax machines. 

Marble and granite bathrooms are a tad dated -- fixtures could use updates -- but they're spacious and have both tubs and walk-in showers. Hairdryers and Oscar de la Renta toiletries are provided.

Club Rooms come with an array of extra perks, including access to the Club Lounge with free breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails, free laundry service, and more. 

The hotel offers a plethora of features, including an array of dining options and bars. Four restaurants serve Asian, international, and gourmet fare in settings that range from elegant fine-dining to casual buffet, plus there's a bakery/patisserie. There are two atmospheric bar/lounges, as well as a poolside bar serving light bites and drinks, plus 24-hour room service is available.

A large outdoor pool makes for a refreshing dip in the heat and is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas. Wellness features include a large and well-equipped fitness center that's stocked with a variety of LifeFitness machines. The luxe spa offers an extensive menu of treatments. Other amenities include meeting/event space and the Peninsula Academy, a rich cultural program offering a variety of classes, tours, and experiences, such as World War II tours by land and helicopter, the art of hand embroidery, and craft and cooking classes for kids.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.