Where To Stay In Manila, Philippines

Looking for an answer on where to stay in Manila? As with every major city in the world, the area you choose to stay in heavily depends on what you would like to do and see and of course, what your budget is.

To my surprise, I found that accommodation prices in the Philippines were generally not as cheap as elsewhere in Southeast Asia like Thailand where you can sleep heavenly in a beachfront bungalow for a few bucks. Not in the Philippines.

So what area of Manila is best to stay in?

Here are my ultimate and detailed recommendations on where to stay in Manila which aim to help find the best neighbourhoods.

1. Where To Stay In Manila For Your First Time Visit: Makati

Makati is the safest place to stay in Manila and the best neighborhood for your first time visit as it's clean and has many things to see and do.

The Best Hotels To Stay In Makati

Best Hotel Close To Greenbelt Mall: Astoria Greenbelt

Looking for warm welcoming staff, great service and amazing shopping so close you only have to make a few steps outside the door? It's the ideal spot to discover Manila, go sightseeing and make the most of Greenbelt Shopping Malls.

Comfortable air-conditioned rooms, impeccable service, plasma TV, free wifi and a yummy Asian Fusion Restaurant called Tableau downstairs, also great for getting your morning coffee.

I often see sales for this hotel. Choose a room facing away from the street if you can as honking is still a big thing on the crowded streets of Manila.

Where to Stay in Manila for 1 Night: New World Makati Hotel

Located in “The Wall Street of the Philippines” right next to the upscale shopping malls of Greenbelt, New World Hotel offers over 580 rooms with a modern vibe and amenities. It's the perfect luxury stay for one night in Manila.

It's only a 30-minute ride from the airport (in normal traffic) and has a fitness center with a sauna and spa as well as an outdoor pool.

Jasmine Restaurant is one of the three restaurants at the hotel and serves traditional Cantonese cuisine.

Best Value For Money Hotel in Makati: I'M Hotel

Situated only a short 700 meters from the Power Plant Mall, I'M Hotel has a sauna, spa and fitness center. The rooms are filled with lots of light and are spacious and clean with wonderful views over the skyscrapers of Manila.

Don't forget to visit the rooftop bar and also spend some time at the pool. Very good value for money for a hotel so central to Manila.

Our Favorite Apartment in Manila: Makati Diamond Residences 

Makati Diamond Residences is located in one of the best locations in Makati. Choose from various room types, all air-conditioned and some come with living room and sitting area, some even come with a kitchen and city views.

There's free wifi all around, flat-screen TV as well as a fitness center and a pool. Great place for couples and there are also family rooms available for that little bit more space.

Best Family-Friendly Apartment in Makati: Y2 Residence

I really loved my stay at Y2 Residence in Makati. A pretty good spot to put your head down and go in all directions of the sky exploring Manila.

Choose from a studio, 1 or 2-bedroom apartments. I found the apartments and facilities are all very modern and unique in their style incorporating harmony and balance with Yin and Yang being ever present all around the place. Really super cute and relaxing!

There is a fitness center with awesome city views, a spa offering massage treatments and more as well as a rooftop pool and terrace, which is perfect to cool down and unwind after a busy day of exploring.

Best Value For Money Apartments: Ascott Makati

Around the corner from Glorietta and Greenbelt Mall, Guijo Suites offers three elegant, air-conditioned types of suites sleeping up to 3 adults.

There are a restaurant and bar, free wifi, cable TV in the room and small coffee/tea making facilities, but not a full kitchen. On the downside, it's a bit hard to find and not very walkable. That being said, I took Uber everywhere around Manila, it's very cheap and much better than taking a taxi.

Best Hostel in Makati: Z Hostel

Stylish and comfortable is your thing? No second thoughts here but to choose the luxury Z Hostel, a modern budget hostel with free wifi, a 24-hour front desk, a cool chill-out and games room and only a stone's throw away from Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

And wait till you see the roof deck with those city views! All rooms have air-conditioning, individual lockers and you can choose from shared to private bathrooms.

Sleep in an 8-bed dorm or opt for a private double room. Rates start from US$23 per night.

2. Where To Stay In Manila By The Water: Malate

Other good & safe areas to stay in Manila are Ermita & Malate, which both have a bit more character and are overall also safe. Malate is the best neighbourhood in Manila to stay beachfront and for nightlife as it has many bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Two other areas to consider for a night's accommodation are Malate and Ermita as they have a bit more character than super-clean Makati.

They both are good areas in Manila and also closer to the water, making them fantastic places to watch the sunset over Manila Bay or to go on a sunset boat cruise.

After dark, Malate comes to life with plenty of bars, music and a lively clubbing scene.

3. Where To Stay In Manila On A Budget: Ermita

Ermita is a well-known area in Manila close to the water that houses many government buildings, universities and museums. It's also a great area to stay in Manila for those who are on a budget.

Ermita is located south of the city and is another great area to stay in Manila. In its heart, you'll find Rizal Park, one of the largest urban parks in the Philippines.

You can also find Robinson's Place Shopping Mall as well as many shops, restaurants and cafes. The nightlife in Ermita is also very much alive.

Ermita is a pretty big district and therefore easily caters for anyone, from luxury to budget, from hotels to apartments and hostels.

Best 5-Star Hotel in Ermita: The Manila Hotel

Best 3-Star Hotel in Ermita: City Garden Suites

Best Apartments in Ermita: Nahas Condo

Final Words on Where to Stay in Manila

So if you are still thinking if you should travel to the Philippines, I'd say: do it!

This country is an incredible place and despite negative reviews about Manila, I think this city has some interesting sights and corners and seeing the city with your own eyes will only confirm that.

Many times it simply depends on where you stay and if you feel safe, and if you do, then there is nothing holding you back to explore outside your comfort zone.

Are you planning a trip to Manila? Let me know your travel plans in the comments below, I'd love to help make them perfect.

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