The Peninsula Manila

The hotel is located in a very nice and clean location in the heart of the Makati business district. The lobby is impressive and very nice. The rooms are however outdated and do not offer extraordinary comfort. Otherwise everything is ok; many restaurants, trained and friendly staff, swimming pool. In general it falls within the standards of a hotel of note 8, no more. It is a general characteristic for hotels in the Philippines that are not of a very high standard.

A traditional and luxurious hotel with very tastefully decorated rooms. The lobby is impressive and truly beautiful. Unfortunately, our luggage was delayed from our previous flight, but Joey and Lattrell were incredibly supportive and helpful in handling the situation, which saved us a lot of stress.

This is my 2nd time in The Peninsula. This time am visiting a friend. Location is good if you wanna stay close to Malls and park like Legaspi and Glorietta, Greenbelt and One Ayala mall and bus terminal. MRT too of course. The bathroom has a bathtub, the room is spacious enough with a table and chair inside. They always have Letchon prepared and grilled at the pool side every Sunday.

Stayed for 2N to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary( we had our reception at Rigodon Ballroom) but the experience left us sad for this much treasured place.. Gone are the well meaning, attentive well trained staff. It is just like a shell of what it used to be. While waiting to be checked in we dined at the Lobby, where we followed up our order of salpicao 2x but it never arrived. Only when we got our check were we informed the order was not placed.The receptionist (Alena) who got my husband's no. was suppose to inform us once our room was ready, never did. It took 1.5hrs to check in.At Escolta,the litte touches that made this place special was gone. Where as before, eveytime you get back to your seat your napkin was picked up and neatly folded( as in everytime for so many years), now even our coffee ordered arrived tepid, and the display ledges has thin layer of dust. At the pool shower area towels were left after the clients vacated the area. Having been a founder member of pen club before,we had so many core memories with this place. We thought we were looking forward to staying at this place but it seems it was the people who were employed here before, were the ones who made the difference in our experience. Going back is not even a consideration.

I decided to become a member for the benefits. Check-in was smooth and they provided a small birthday cake for my nephew. However, dining at The Lobby was disappointing. The service was slow. The servers were kind, but the food took an hour to be served. Also, if you will be requesting for something like an extra plate, it will take about 30 minutes. The food was so-so, nothing extravagant. Room was okay, basic room for a 5 star hotel. To be honest, even though this is an old hotel, it still has its charm. Now here comes the problem. I availed my free cake and wine that comes with the e-vouchers as a member. So since it requires reservation I called the main number and was transferred. The woman confirmed my cake and wine reservation. She advised I can get the wine at the boutique. Okay so I reserved on a Friday, checked in by Saturday and Checked out by Sunday. Then guess what? From all the three restaurants (Escolta, Spices and Lobby), I was advised my name isn’t there. Okay! So I insisted since I made a reservation and because they can sense my frustration, they provided it, but I waited 1.5 hours for this. And for the wine, I was advised by the boutique shop that it’s not the right place to claim it. I was advised to go back to the restaurants! I let it go since I don't have time and energy for this anymore. It’s not a pleasing experience for a first timer. I hope on my next visit, it’s not that difficult to avail the perks of being a member.

We stayed in the Peninsula Manila for two nights in November 2025. We have always liked the Peninsula brand, but were somewhat disappointed with this one. Firstly, the lobby was grand and holiday decorations were spectacular. Services were generally attentive and acceptable. The fountain outside the hotel was very nice. Our room was average but in need of furnishings. Food quality for Afternoon Tea and breakfast & dinner buffets was average. We expected welcome drinks from a luxury hotel, but got none here.

A truly magnificent and unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped into The Peninsula, the ambience was simply perfect—elegant, sophisticated, and wonderfully relaxing. It provided the ideal setting for a luxurious afternoon. We indulged in the classic Afternoon Tea, which was an absolute treat. Every bite, from the freshly baked scones to the delicate pastries, was exquisite and demonstrated impeccable culinary artistry. Complementing this perfectly, the wine selection was superb, making for a truly celebratory feel. What truly elevated our experience, however, was the outstanding service. Every waiter and waitress we encountered was easy to approach, exceptionally professional, and genuinely attentive without being intrusive. They anticipated our needs with grace, ensuring a flawless and highly personalized experience.

The Peninsula Manila is one of those places that really makes an impression. The lobby is stunning, with people constantly coming and going, so it feels very lively. It can get busy, but in a good way, it adds to the whole experience and makes the space feel iconic. There was a live choir when I visited, and paired with the Christmas decorations, it felt warm, festive, and a bit magical. The facilities in general are not new but the level of service and the attention to details really stand out!

It was a fun and memorable dining experience. The food was excellent! Service was fast, friendly, respectful. The ambiance is cozy and so relaxing.

So, I stayed here again for 5 days in November. As usual the customer service that I received here is by far the best, not that there were anything wrong with the customer service at the other hotel but this place really stands out when it comes to how they treat their guests. I noticed this time that a few employees have moved on but the new employees that they replaced them with are just as good. Anytime i go to the Philippines, I always have family and friends visit me at the hotels I'm staying at. Even THEY noticed it. My friends told me that the employees here treat me like a celebrity...lol. Maybe it's because I've stayed here several times now over the years and a lot of the employees go out of their way to say hello and talk to me...lol. But the employees here really genuinely treat their guests special. I will always stay here during my visit to the Philippines...either part of my trip or during all of my trip. It just depends on where I need to be.

I was at first very impressed when I walked in the front doors. The foyer is elegant and made of marble, leading into a timelessly majestic three tiered lobby. A pool, garden and gym act as a self enclosed resort atmosphere complete with two large windowed restaurants offering views of the pool. The bar and function room are replete with the grandeur of Victorian themed mahogany and leather accoutrements. The bell hops are dressed in classic white costume and hat, and the bar tenders sport the classic vest. Rooms are large, luxurious, offering a bath and marble fixtures while the exceptional bed faces a TV that sputters to life daily at 7 AM with an eerie hotel soundtrack looped at 30 seconds, giving a disheartening and jolted wake up call (whether or not it was requested). Some of the features feel dated and signs of use are rampant. The hotel was constructed in 1975, or so says their in house produced documentary that plays on repeat one channel away from the wake up channel. The arcade looks like an early attempt at incorporating shopping into the hotel experience, and comes off as a crowded basement with interesting options. The food is almost too predictable and bland; the burger however is on point. The options are uninspired and very little resonates. The servicié is outstanding, and maybe too much so. At times, personal attention teetered on pestering. This is probably a personal bias though. Expats abound and the classic bar lounge is worth the trip. Most hotels in Makati and luxury hotels in Manila in general lack the character and charm of this place. I love Marriott Bonvoy points, but I'll forgo the perks to enjoy a lobby serenade by a perched grand piano and lounge singer reminiscent of an earlier era of travel that may have only ever existed in the fantasy of our minds.

Classic, old world luxury hotel in Manila. We stayed here during our trip to the Philippines. It's a comfortable stay, a relatively quick ride to/from the airport and the hotel restaurants are quite nice. Like most establishments in the Philippines, the hospitality is top notch! Would stay here again for sure!

The hotel is stunning, everything from selection of restaurants, bars, pool area & fitness center made for a wonderful stay.

The Peninsula never fails! This hotel is gorgeous! The rooms are large. Check-in is smooth. We had club level access so we had the tasty and delicious snacks. The staff are lovely, professional, and helpful.

My home away from home! My second family and I stay for weeks at a time and let me tell you, it's absolutely the best hotel! From the service to the rooms. All the feels of vacation and luxury. They know you by name and make sure you're well taken care of.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Peninsula Manila hotel and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service that truly made me feel like a valued guest. The breakfast buffet was nothing short of stunning, as well as the plethora of amenities the hotel provided(gym,pool,high tea,live music daily, etc etc). Definitely worthy of 5 stars and I cannot wait to return

The Peninsula Manila holds a special place in our hearts. My sisters and I all celebrated our 18th birthdays at the Rigodon Ballroom. My parents celebrated both their 25th and 50th anniversary in the ballroom as well. I have stayed in the hotel in the past, so on a recent visit to Manila, my husband and I booked a room for a couple of nights. The hotel may appear dated, but the warmth and charm we've always enjoyed through the years remained intact. The staff were warm and friendly. The room was clean and comfortable. The lounge and some of the restaurants have not reopened, but we did enjoy two nights of in-room dining. Food came on time and hot. We would definitely stay again... and again.

This is definitely a 5 star hotel in Manila. Very nice ambiance in the lobby alone where you can have a meal or a drink. My husband had drinks the evening when they had children carolers. It was great. After the event, Peninsula had musicians playing which was fantastic. You will see the rich demographics they serve in this hotel, you'll see families with their uniformed nannies taking care of the little ones, while parents, grandparents enjoy an evening. I also had afternoon tea with my husband one afternoon. The service from the wait staff are incredible. Very polite, addressing their guest as sir and ma'm. Which if your from the US, is not common. The room service is spectacular, they clean your room on a daily if you wish and they have a turn down service in the afternoon, which I enjoy. I also enjoyed the bathtub and the water pressure in the bathroom. Which is pretty rare in the Philippines. We enjoyed the gym and yoga classes. There are restaurants in the premises and be mindful of the dress codes. We will definitely be back again. There's a lot of shopping that is walking distance from the hotel.

Hotel is great, unfortunately their Filipino breakfast in the dining area in the lobby was less than desirable. L

Escolta, locally famous buffet restaurant in The Peninsula Manila, is located at the heart of the commercial business district of Ayala, Makati City, Philippines. Famous for its western, continental and Asian buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, hotel guests and outside patrons flock to this restaurant to savor the well prepared spread of sumptuous meals. Food, salads, dessert and beverage are always being replenished, fresh and/or freshly cooked and warmed. Whenever we're back in town we see to it we dine in Escolta to rekindle our asian taste. The place is cozy with attentive staff who gives warm and fast service. Reservations is not allowed so it's best to come in early. Parking is a challenge in the area but you can get a valet in the hotel entrance. After your gastronimical trip you can practically walk to the high-end malls.across the street to chill!

and we finally decided to stay in this hotel. Been planning it here as most friends are recommending this. First impression -. superb welcome. we were assisted until we got in and room is clean and neat. Had our buffet breakfast and of course when it comes to buffet from a five star hotel, it's always perfect! I think Philippines has the best buffet served in all countries :) Coffee latte is good, plenty of choices for food,. Filipino, American, different Pastries and Fruits. You can never go wrong in this hotel. If you are new in Manila/Philippines ,. I best recommend staying in a five star hotel to be able to experience the best service and good food :). Of course after that, you can venture on more authentic food and places but it's a good start to stay in a 4 or 5* hotels :) Going to places, make sure you got grab app so it would be easy to get a ride but of course busses and jeepneys are some rides that you can try to experiment on.

The Peninsula Manila, club floor has small but cozy lounge, dining and TV viewing area. The windows face tall green trees and makati business skyline. They have a wine dispenser and good coffee maker. Internet is average speed and works well. Food is excellent , especially dinner cocktails are very good

Checked in at Nov. 27 this hotel is 10 out of 10 from front desk to room service is 10/10 ...dine in at escolta food is 5/10 ...our server is Albert hands down to this guy service is 100/10 ...highly recommended this place I'll be back soon...

One of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at. Everything here was excellent from the breakfast buffet in the morning to the bar at Happy Hour to the gym and pool. Friendly, welcoming staff and exceptional service during my entire stay. Highly recommend for anyone coming to Manila.

Deoleo Capital Group. We went to Manila Last October for one of my business trips to Tokyo Japan and Manila Philippines. After spending a few days in Tokyo we went down to Manila where we stayed at the Peninsula Hotel in Manila. The experience was Amazing from the Manager sending a Limo to pick us up at the airport to waiting for us at the Front door of the Hotel with a few More employees all very well dressed ready to over deliver a great experience checking you in directly from your room. We have been in Many hotels around the USA and the World and so far the experience at the Peninsula Hotel In Manila have been the best. We were there for a week. Amenities from the valet service to the Lobby for business meeting to the Salsa Club on Saturday nights where the best Salsa dancer from manila and around the world meets. It was Great to meet one of my salsa friends from LA that went to the salsa club on my last Saturday there. The Fitness Center and the steam room were state or the Art with a great ambiance. The Security was amazing and got to share time with some of my celebrity friends from the Entertainment industry from Manila in the Hotel where they were comfortable enough to be in public and just be a regular group of friends catching up and just having fun on a night out. The location was perfect since it was about 20 minutes away from the airport and you could use the (Grab a car Service) to get on the sky way and be anywhere else in a matter of minutes. It was great to just take a walk to the center of the Makati city and walk around just like a local have dinner and check out the night life in the area just like if I was in LA. The police officers in the outside of the Hotel where so nice that I had to take a picture with them to give them credit. I will definitely come back to the Peninsula Hotel when I am in town. One for the great customer service and second for the Salsa club on Saturday night!!

After just watching their stunning ad on YouTube, I felt compelled to revisit my memories of this hotel. An absolutely grand and regal hotel to the highest degree. Once you enter, your mouth will remain wide open. The Penninsula Manila is no doubt a five star hotel. Everything is sparkling and feels like pure lustre. Service is unparalleled. From the moment you arrive to the second you depart. This, is how you do a top tier hotel experience.

The service is pretty good but the rooms are outdated. The rooms that we got has defective aircondition.

This is my go to hotel every time I am in Manila. If you are looking for luxury and impeccable service this is the location you want to be in. They have a nice outdoor pool with a bar outside which is nice to hang out at. It's a great hotel for business and for couples. You could bring your family here but I wouldn't say it's much of a family hotel and not much for the kids other than the pool

The hotel lobby is beautiful and the staff are friendly but the rooms are dated and the food is ok. I would stay here again but it isn't what it once was. The spa is small as is the gym but it has everything you need. I did get a facial and my hair done in the downstairs salon. I truly enjoyed that. I would get the facial downstairs instead of the hotel spa because it is a deeper facial. Upstairs is more for relaxing. They are in the process of remodeling the rooms. One thing I did like was they had an outlet that accepted my flatiron voltage so I didn't need a converter it did not work for my husbands shaver though.

This grand hotel in Makati conjures up memories of days gone by, when you had a decidedly pleasurable stay in hotels above a certain price point. That includes consistently great service, well-appointed rooms and a location equally conducive to relaxing and sightseeing. I was impressed with my large-sized room, the grand hotel lobby that hosted live music in the evenings, as well as the dining options and choices. The staff, including the concierge, were on point with anticipating the needs of a newcomer to their city, and were generous with their time and patience. It is not often that I review hotels, but this one deserved a hearty five-star rating for what it delivered over my recent four-day stay. If that is not enough, Peninsula Manila has a unique distinction--how many hotels can claim to have been the venue for an armed coup d'etat?

We just arrived and checked into the Peninsula Hotel in Manila. Flew in after a week in a private Villa in Bali and The Mondrian Oriental in Jakarta prior to that. As I write this review I'm very disappointed in the amenities that the Peninsula offer with the American Express Centurion package. The club lounge is limited to coffee, tea, water or soda I was so looking forward to a glass of wine. a few sandwiches and fruit for desert no hot meals. Two massages which come with the package are done in your room, Spa entry is not included. To me as a traveler the best amenities is being able to steam and soak after flaying all day (not here) had i of know that prior to booking I would have booked the Mondrian which offered all that and more as it did in Jakarta. Even the Peninsula New York which is one my favorites offer that. I am disappointed, probably will not stay here again on my future visits.

I had an excellent time here. The room was wonderful and the staff couldn't have been friendlier or more helpful. We ended up in the bar ordering drinks and appetizers. My companions got mixed drinks and I stuck with some hot green tea. We got shrimp dumplings and a quesadilla for the table. The quesadilla came out looking like a sushi roll but tasted great all the same. The dumplings had a whole de-shelled shrimp in each one. The atmosphere was very relaxing. Dim lights and smooth jazz made The Bar a perfect place to unwind.

Really enjoyed our first time stay here for two nights. Great friendly service staff from lobby, dinning in Escolta buffet and the lobby, staff in room service and main desk. All are well trained, helpful and caring. Brought different groups here for breakfast, dinner and supper in lobby. A lot going on in lobby but part of the charm. High quality bedding, free beverages and fruit for snacks. Nice touches. Only recommendation is a free phone (like in japan) which cover local calls, internet and services app based that are helpful to you.

First off-- ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE on staff is absolutely amazing. I have never met friendlier people who are willing to go out of their way to make my stay as amazing and as comfortable as possible. The rooms are cleanly, well laid out, and beautiful. Bathrooms are magnificent and mine has a killer tub with jets-- perfect for after 24 hours of travel. This is my second stay here as this is our company's preferred hotel when staying in Manila and I couldn't be happier.

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...

This is my favorite hotel in Manila. I'd stay here again. The staff are friendly. They go out of their way to please their guest. We were upgraded to a better room which gives us access to the club membership

Me and my boyfriend wanted to have one of those lazy days by the pool and, just to try something different, we decided to go to the Peninsula. For 1000 PHP, you can use all their pool and fitness facilities, they provide two towels each for the sun beds and give you a small bottle of water. There's a restaurant and bar on the side of the pool so you can order food and drinks to have either under the sun or at the shaded tables. Very relaxing and you completely forget you are in the middle of city!

How I love The Pen. Hands down, it is one of my favorite hotels in the great city of Manila. It's been around for forever. I mean, my folks have been married for more than 30 years and they used to go on dates here so yup. While the food at The Lobby has declined to some degree, it's still great for dessert like halo-halo and ice cream. The ambiance is still also unmatched. It has a classic, old-world, sophisticated feel to it that always makes me feel like I'm home whether I'm there for a friend's wedding, a midnight snack, or just to hear the string quartet play. There's also something to be said for the rooms as well. Nice job Pen for maintaining the place even after decades in operation.

A little luxury is always a good thing. In Manila's thriving business heart is the Peninsula Hotel. Few Asian cities feel as international as Manila, which could be a good thing depending on your perspective. In a city that sprawls as spectacularly as Manila this familiarly Western district is something of a comfort for a traveller. It is here, on the grand boulevards of Ayala, that the designer shopping features alongside what is considered fine dining in this somewhat gastronomically challenged country. The Manila Pen, as the locals and expats who are granted entrance into this exceptional space call it, is a glory to the hotelier gods. TO be admitted from the overwhelming heat on the streets is to transcend to another world. A universe where a tuxedo-ed quartet play chamber music from afar, perched in a mezzanine recital hall high above the palatial foyer. A place where all staff have been conditioned to welcome and flatter at every opportunity so guests feel cosseted and spoilt. It's the kind of operation where clearly someone has thoughtfully considered every element of the hotel experience with an eye focused on luxury, ease and style. The Peninsula Hotels are known to have set the benchmark for timeless and elegant luxury and the Manila Pen is a shining example of this.

Argh the Peninsula.. the more people love this place, the more I hate it. The rich people club of manila decided there are few places in manila where it is good to have meetings and where you should be seen. Regardless of the quality of the food or anything, point proven with Polo club as well. It's not PPPP, but more PPP, it's actually pretty affordable compared to hotels in e.g. singapore, hk and tokyo. The rooms are big but old. The service is slow. The food is traditional and boring. When I was having breakfast, the napkin that my cutlery was rolled into was dirty. I got it replaced, this time I roll out my napkin.. a F(#K(#*IN cockroach jumps out at me. They only apologised. It was only until I made it very clear to them this is unacceptable is that they gave me a free dinner, which was also boring. Good things about this place: nice dramatic lobby.

Place need some upgrading inside the rooms and outside, but 5 stars for customer service and hospitality. it's a little pricey, but this place always makes me feel special. Even with family around the area i can stay in, i have to make a stop here for a few days every visit to the Philippines. The ambiance in the lobby, live music, variety of food, the tea time in the lounge. Overall experience was great.

Gorgeous hotel with such a grand entrance. Service is spot on and they have the best turn down service ever! Rooms are spacious and comfortable, but in an older style. We also drank at the downstairs bar. Indoor smoking = not a fan, so stick to the foyer for a G&T or glass of bubbles.

I had a concept for an event in mind some time ago about an event for my company. I didn't have approval yet from my boss, and nobody else knew about it. That was all I had, a concept. I wanted to bring it to everyone's attention when I already had the details down pat, so all they had to do was approve it. But rarely do hotels, where I wanted to hold my event, let you negotiate and hammer down details without signing some contract or putting down a reservation fee. Most hotels, but not the Peninsula. The friendly marketing and sales staff of the hotel let me bounce ideas off of their team until I had what I needed. They had no assurance that the event would push through, or if it did, that I'd come back to them, but they helped me anyway. That's being service-oriented, and kudos to them for helping me out.

What do I love about the Peninsula Manila? Well, let me spell it out. Party. Okay, well, it doesn't have to be a wild one. It could just be your birthday, anniversary, or wedding. Choose from the Rigodon Ballroom, The Conservatory, The Upper Lobby, or even The Gallery. There are so many function rooms to explore, too. Enticing food. The chefs at Manila Pen (as we usually call the hotel) are constantly changing the banquet menu, to suit the evolving taste of their clientele. The food at Escolta buffet is impeccable as well. Nightly serenade at the upper lobby. Seriously, I could fall int deep slumber at their couches while listening to the string ensemble playingat the upper lobby. Incredible deals at the deli (basement level) when they put their bread and pastries on sale. My favorite would be their croissant. Dip that in your morning coffee. Perfect! Ning. Salon de Ning is so beautiful and opulent, it would definitely do Madame Ning proud. Staircase. Their winding staircase is one of the reasons why most of our clients choose to have their weddings at Manila Pen. Don't believe me? Go ahead and ask those who've had weddings or special occasions here. U. You are priority at the Peninsula Manila. Even for functions, they try their best to accommodate requests even if they have set standards and packages. Lobby. Their lobby is so beautiful that it was one of the first things that concerned me when the attempted coup happened. The art installation in the ceiling adds grandeur to the beautiful hotel and is always included in portraits as a marker that the wedding was at the Peninsula. Yup, THAT iconic. Arrozcaldo. Uhm, yes. I like the arrozcaldo at the Peninsula lobby. Think I'm weird or being burgis about it? Try it before you judge me.

I have very fond memories of "The Spices" in Peninsula as we had our first dinner as husband and wife here. I was really amazed by the décor and interiors of this restaurant, simple yet classic. It is also one of the few 5-star hotels in Manila where you get good Indian food. So this is the place we go whenever we want to celebrate any memorable occasion. For starters we always go for Samosa or Hara Bhara Khabab (Green cutlets). The taste is so perfect that for a second you forget that you are eating Indian food in Manila. For the main course my personal favorite is Bhindi do Pyaaza (Okra with Onions) with choice of Indian bread like Naan, Kulcha or Parathas. Mango Lassi is an all-time hit that helps you wash down the spicy Indian main course. We always end our dinner with Gulab Jamun as dessert.

I can't count the times I've stayed in this hotel over the past years. I'm not complaining though, I love Peninsula Manila! The rooms are great, the food is great, and all the Makati malls and sights are nearby. My family used to check-in for New Year's Eve all the time. We don't spend the entire evening partying at the lobby like the other guests, but we do celebrate in time for the clock to strike 12. Loud jazz music, guests in semi-formal garb grooving on the dance floor, and horns honking everywhere. The band starts counting down seconds, and the crowd chants along, and when midnight strikes, confetti and balloons drop from the ceiling. It's a pretty great sight, actually. No matter how many times I've seen and experienced it, it still warms my heart. Oh, if you avail of the New Year's Eve dinner, you get to eat at the Lobby too. Trust me, try it at least once. The desserts are too good to resist!

Beautiful hotel with great staff! Love that they left slippers and a towel on the floor near my bed :) They have security on each floor, so I felt very safe.

There is no way this hotel is a 5 star. Not what you would think of a Peninsula Hotel. It's dated and old. The rooms need some serious upkeep. Bathtubs are small, nothing you would ever want to soak into. The beds were not comfortable as well. The front desk is the worst I've ever experienced. After arriving from a 16 hour flight, they told me I didn't have a reservation under my last name, then I gave my maiden name, still no reservation. Then they asked for my first name, apparently the reservation was under my first name and the first last name I gave them which was my married name. Ugh... not a good start. We stayed in the hotel for 6 nights for a conference. The spa was the best part of the hotel. Upon leaving we had requested a car to the airport the night before in person at the front desk. Once morning came, we went to the front desk to check out and ask for our car to the airport. It took 3 people to check and then tell us a car was never ordered for us. Horrible! They didn't even seemed concerned that we needed to get to the airport for a flight. Then they made us take the hotel car which is 5 times the amount of a taxi or a car that we had requested as well as 35 minutes late from our desired departure. I will never stay at this property or recommend it. Their front desk needs some serious training and management.

Talk about fancy. My jaw dropped when I entered the Manila Peninsula lobby for my friend's 18th birthday tea treat. Everything looked fabulous, high ceilings, great crisp champagne and ivory decors, and a tea party atmosphere to welcome you in. Manila Pen in known for being one of if not the best hotel in Manila and its afternoon tea buffet certainly did not disappoint. Each buffet go-er gets a pot of tea of their choice and an open arena to feast on all their delectable tea treats. Classic savory options like cheeses, cold cuts, and sandwiches were served in one corner. They certainly do not skim on the luxury. I dove right in and tried everything they had to offer. Everything was delicious. My friend even got the remaining block of Brie and brought it over to our table. The other side held all the sweet pastries (their scones were by far my fave) and they also had fondue (yes please!) and ice cream options. Thank you Manila Pen. Basically, every craving sweet, salty, chewy, airy, heavy, etc. will be attended to in this buffet. So relax and enjoy your tea, eat slowly and savor every bite.

It's places like Manila Pen that remind one of just how the hotels in Asia and right here at home are the best in the world. Sure, this is one of those international luxury chains, but when they set up shop here, it's somehow different because they have the luxury of larger spaces and naturally accommodating staff whose warmth and graciousness are just a given. Manila Peninsula is totally 5-star but it's comfortable and homey at the same time. Of course it has the best rooms and recreational facilities, but let me talk about The Lobby! It's a favorite upscale hangout for both the hotel guests and outside visitors because of its sophisticated ambience (that ceiling and those balconies are sooo photographed, hahaha) and just plain delicious food. Of course it's terribly expensive - it's hotel food - but it can be good for business meetings and special occasions. They have Filipino, Asian, American, and European dishes you can choose from. If you're gonna walk in for something simple, your wallet can manage some coffee and dessert or try their famed Afternoon Tea buffet. Try also the merienda dishes, the sundaes, the halo-halo, or some of the cocktails at night!