Review: The Peninsula, Manila - SilverKris
"A grand-dame luxury hotel dating to 1976 that set the benchmark for sophisticated hospitality in the city, it features cascading waterfalls, lush greenery and a vast, palm-flanked lobby famous for a 24-hour menu—notably the Pen Beef Burger and the award-winning Halo-halo Harana (shaved ice with tropical fruits, evaporated milk and purple yam ice cream)—and houses the Sunburst sculpture by Napoleon Abueva. The property has 469 spacious rooms and suites finished with sleek furniture, marble bathrooms and Filipino design touches such as solihiya (rattan) and capiz window panels, and offers a bespoke ride in an authentic WWII US military jeepney retrofitted with air conditioning, tan leather seating, complimentary Wi‑Fi and a mini bar. Business travelers can opt for Club Deluxe accommodations with an executive work desk, access to local and international digital newspapers, meeting rooms and laptop loans, plus club-level perks like complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Families benefit from a Kids’ Explorer program with toy-making and children’s workshops, while the Peninsula Academy runs cultural experiences including heritage tours, cooking classes and fashion/design introductions. For relaxation there is an award-winning spa offering Asian, Ayurvedic and European treatments—including a Philippine Signature Massage based on Hilot using heated banana leaves, virgin coconut oil and lemongrass—alongside a 24-hour fitness center with trainers, yoga and Pilates classes, and sauna/steam rooms. Evening options include Salon de Ning, a 1930s Shanghai–inspired cocktail bar with live music (Tue–Sat) and four themed private rooms, and a more casual, dimly lit Bar reminiscent of Havana for drinks like ice-cold beer." - Claire Ang
