JD H.
Yelp
I'm in the middle of my first stay here and about the most negative thing I can say about it is that its expansive 2 wing layout will be tough on those that don't like to walk. Much of the hotel based services are in the south wing with about half the rooms and the walking connection to the SM Mall of Asia and the other half of the rooms are in the north wing. There is a separate entrance/exit in the north wing but it is locked after 10pm so if your room is in the north, unless you are a recluse, you will get in several thousand steps just getting in and out of the hotel. Although that is the most negative thing I could come up with, I actually find it kind of nice because having my room in the north wing means, it is very quiet and feels almost private.
This is a very modern, luxurious, and full-service property with all of the amenities you would imagine, including some great views, a great location on the waterfront, views of the boardwalk and the Ferris wheel, an executive club that is very private and expansive, and some nice restaurants with award-winning teams at the helm. The rooms are also very well appointed, comfortable, and clean with nightly turn down services that are a really nice touch.
I think the absolute best part of this property, however, is the people that work here. I have run into many of them, and every single one of them is polite, genuinely happy, and looking to be of service. I was asked three times on my first day by various employees if I had any special requests, dietary restrictions, or needs for room amenities such as extra filtered water, special pillows, or anything else for that matter. Granted, I have significant loyalty status with Hilton, which gets me perks and recognition, but I have seen these same employees treat every guest the same way they are treating me, so I don't think that is part of the equation here. The genuine expressions of hospitality are really impressive and make this a really nice place to stay when in Manila.
It's location across the street from the waterfront is also pretty prime because there are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance as well as a separate entrance to the mall of Asia, which has a fantastic food court for casual and inexpensive dining options if you are looking for something like that. A pro tip for visitors from different time. zones is to go through this dedicated walkway to the mall off of the north wing lobby, and on the way to the mall is a small convenience store where you can stock up on snacks or instant Ramen for the room. I find that whenever I am in this time zone, I wake up around two in the morning, and I am starving so being able to make something to eat dorm room style is key to keeping me happy. At two in the morning, there is not much around the hotel within walking distance that is still open for convenient eats so cup ramen hits the spot.
In case it is not apparent, I really like this property. If given the chance, I would not miss the opportunity to stay here again and neither should you.