Manila Marriott Hotel

The Manila Marriott is one of the most luxurious properties in town. Its 342 rooms are housed in contiguous buildings of different heights, colors, and designs, simulating a long city block. The large property is surrounded by manicured lawns and palm trees, creating a serene vibe that feels a world away from Manila’s chaotic traffic. A large porched entrance with a skylight provides some shade against the sun, and while the outside the hotel may feel a little generic, the lobby is striking and high-end. Here you'll find high ceilings and a winding staircase leading up to the mezzanine. The reception area has several front desks made up of stacked planks of wood topped with glass. Large and round, dark brown ornaments adorn the back walls. There is also a cozy seating area with brown textured walls, warm lights, and dove-gray chairs. The remainder of the hotel's spacious lobby is taken up by Great Room, the stylish lobby bar. The grand decor continues here with floor-to-ceiling, garden-view windows, a large and square central bar, several clusters of seats, and dozens of small orange lamps hanging from the ceiling. 

The property is known for its wonderful amenities and upscale rooms, but the one thing that has made headlines here is the hotel’s massive Grand Ballroom -- which the hotel claims is the largest in the country. At over 32,000 square feet, the space can sit up to 3,800 guests. 

Manila Marriott is conveniently located near the airport, within the large Resorts World complex. A main arterial hallway off the hotel lobby leads directly out into the Resorts World complex where guests will find an entertainment center offering a casino, dozens of restaurants and bars, a movie theater, and a shopping mall. Adjacent to the hotel are a quiet residential area and the 18-hole Villamor Golf Course. Although the property would be just a 15-minute walk from the airport, there is no pedestrian-friendly area, so and walking there is not possible. The hotel offers free shuttle service, but the ride can take much longer than the expected 10 minutes, depending on traffic. This location is convenient for transit passengers, business travelers with on-site events, and those looking to spend time at Resorts World. However, Manila’s main historic attractions and Makati can be more than an hour away due to Manila’s infamous traffic. 

The hotel has 342 rooms, ranging from Standard Rooms to Presidential Suites. All feature quality king-size beds topped with duvets and an assortment of pillows and have either golf course or city views. (Rooms with two double beds are also available on request.) Decor is upscale but generic, with your average, cookie-cutter wood finishes, neutral decor with coral accents, and abstract artwork on the walls. Large wood and glass desks with ergonomic chairs offer ample space for those who need to work, while armchairs provide additional seating. Rooms have all the expected amenities of an upscale hotel, including huge flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars (although they are somewhat lightly stocked), safes, free bottled water, electric kettles, and DVD players. 

Bathrooms are separated from the bedroom by a glass wall, and have wet room-style rain showers and separate deep soaking tubs, plus a wide array of Thann toiletries. Large backlit mirrors and black countertops with wooden drawers make bathrooms appealing and bright.

Executive Rooms are located on higher floors and offer access to a private lounge with plenty of perks, such as free cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and free continental breakfast. 

The hotel has six on-site restaurants, including a popular steakhouse, an all-day buffet, and an Asian restaurant. You'll also find two casual cafes and a deli serving quick, cold bites like sandwiches, salads, and sushi. Please note that CRU Steakhouse and the main buffet spot, Marriott Cafe, require reservations. The hotel also has direct access to Resort Worlds via the lobby, where there are dozens of other restaurants and bars to choose from. 

Manila Marriott's fitness center is large and bright, with lots of cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, steam room, whirlpool, and sauna. Scrubs, couples' massages, body wraps, and facials are all available at the spa (in-room treatments are also available). Outside, there's a slightly smallish pool surrounded by palm trees and padded loungers. Guests can spend the day here relaxing, swimming a few laps, and ordering drinks and snacks from the poolside bar. 

Most ideal for business guests, the hotel has over 107,000 square feet of meeting space in over 40 meeting rooms -- including a striking 32,000-square-foot ballroom for up to 3,800 guests that the hotel claims to the be largest in the country. Additionally, there is a full business center with secretarial, translation, and shipping services located on the second floor. 

Free on-site self-parking and free shuttle to the airport are also available. Guests often praise the speedy and reliable Wi-Fi although there is limited availability free of charge. Valet parking and additional Wi-Fi usage are extra.