Robin D.
Yelp
After 5 years or being away from the Manila Peninsula, I came back to my home and sanctuary in Manila. This time, I stayed on an off for almost a month and shall I say, my love affair with this hotel remains the same. Every single day I stayed in this property is a bliss, in fact I wouldn't want to leave the hotel while im in town. The Pen still receives my highest marks and remains as my gold standard for what a true five star hotel should be. So many five star hotels in Manila and in the world and very few measure up to the Manila Peninsula standards. What sets this hotel apart is its exquisite attention to detail and the excellent customer service that puts a lot of the other hotels to shame . It's amazing how consistent customer service is from the bell boys, wait staff, pool personnel, gym attendants, front desk and anyone you come across. The Manila Pen has this unique ability to leave a lasting impression, from the moment you enter the property, you are transformed to a world of classic elegance that is truly hard to beat. Service is impeccable, consistent and world class and coming from someone like me who I can consider myself as critical and discriminating, this is a huge statement. No wonder this hotel has been awarded by Forbes. I cannot think of any other hotel more deserving of that award. Although, everyone in this property holds a high standard in customer service, I need to call out Tony Santos and Victor (front desk supervisor) who really went above and beyond to make my long term stay smooth, seamless and very satisfying...Thank you guys!
The location is not as central as the Fairmont or New World but you really can walk easily to shopping, dining, etc. If you are like most locals who wouldn't walk for more than a km to get to their destination, you can always do grab service (uber is no longer available, grab probably paid the local government a huge amount to get rid of the competition) but I ended up walking everywhere from this location. Right across the Peninsula is blackbird which is a real high end restaurant that's pretty good. Rustan's supermarket is just across the street which has everything you need. The Spa is where I get my massages, The Nail Spa is where you go for your nails and waxing. The Pen's location is 4.5 stars. The Pen's lobby is truly magnificent, you walk in and you are transformed to a world of elegance that is unrivaled. Live music plays in the afternoon (piano) and evenings (quartet). I find myself just staying in the lobby for hours working on my laptop while I enjoy the experience.
Ive stayed in the deluxe rooms in floors 5 - 8 facing the garden and not the city (22 - 28s). If you follow my reviews, I am sensitive to noise and quiet is paramount in my list of requirements, this hotel does not only meet it, it surpasses it. The small details are really what makes it special, the mangoes they leave in my room every day, lens cleaners and water bottles beside my bed during turn down service. Taking a shower in the marble bathroom is something to look forward to, the water pressure is just perfect when I take a shower after coming back from the outside heat and humidity. I would like to Pen to consider implementing green initiatives as they do they remodeling.
The Pen has 2 restaurants Escolta and Spices. Escolta is where they serve their world class breakfast buffet. I am a healthy eater and eating healthy in the Philippines is a challenge. As tempting as buffets are o me, I never find it worth the money since healthy options are slim and often times not available. I tried room service and it was great as well, they were able to accommodate my diet restrictions and still deliver a fabulous dish. The breakfast in the Pen is worth every single penny and more. The people in Escolta have made everything possible to ensure that I get my healthy breakfast every single time...Egg white omelet with my choice of veggies/truffles/spices, custom green smoothies, fresh young coconut, salmon sashimi, sugar free yogurt with fresh fruits etc, sourcing only the best ingredients. But what makes my breakfast even more spectacular are the people who ensure flawless dining service. Lito who is one of the Pen's veteran servers who attends to my every need. Clarissa who prepares my sashimi and special orders every time. Most importantly, Michelle and Dennis, the dining supervisors whose extra care and attention are exemplary. Salamat sa inyo! This level of service deserves a call out and a generous tip
The Peninsula is the diamond standard for world class service. Ageless and Timeless Elegance meets world class hospitality embraced in pure luxury and indulgence, this is how I describe the Manila Peninsula. Ive stayed in the St Regis, Four Season, Ritz and other 5 star grand hotels around the world and the Pen still holds the highest marks in my book...