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      Hotels, Lists

      11 Unique Manila Hotel Experiences
      By Correspondent Ching Dee

      March 7, 2024

      Solaire’s stunning sunset view. Credit: Solaire Resort And Casino

      Metro Manila, a bustling metropolis brimming with diverse cultures and dynamic energy, is home to some unique hotel experiences. During your next stay, try one-of-a-kind amenities ranging from immersive dining adventures to tailor-made recreational activities.

      Sunset Views, Culinary Delights and Luxury Shops, Solaire Resort Entertainment City

      For guests looking for a hotel with a little bit of everything, Solaire Resort, the first integrated property in Metro Manila’s Entertainment City, provides a mix of comfort, culinary indulgence and luxury shopping.

      Within the two exquisite towers, the Bay Tower and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Sky Tower, tastefully furnished rooms afford vistas of the iconic Manila Bay sunset. From there, choose your desired experience: The Manila resort boasts 19 dining and drinking options, providing a fusion of world-class flavors. The Shoppes at Solaire, featuring stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall experience. And if you stay at the right time, you can catch a Broadway-quality production at Solaire’s world-class theater.

      Gin blending in The Back Room. Credit: Shangri-La at the Fort

      The Back Room, Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila

      At Four-Star Shangri-La at the Fort, you can concoct spirits in a speakeasy. The well-regarded Back Room presents the Signature Gin Lab Class, where you can create your own Bee’s Knees gin. Under expert guidance, you’ll tinker with various botanicals and techniques to find your favorite blend.

      Raffles Makati’s distinctive art. Credit: Raffles Makati

      An immersive art tour, Raffles Makati

      Staying at Four-Star Raffles Makati is like getting access to a Philippine art museum. More than 1,600 pieces by local artists adorn the walls and niches. Let the hotel’s living gallery be your guide to the vibrant and diverse perspectives of Filipino culture.

      Take your appreciation of creative expression a step further by booking the Affair of the Arts experience to enjoy a private tour led by Raffles’ art concierge, Julio Lapuz, that explores the highlights of the hotel’s expansive collection. Continue the artistic adventure with a guided tour at the nearby Ayala Museum, which unravels the history and modern masterpieces of the Pearl of the Orient.

      Art lovers will love the Legacy Suite’s two-night package, which includes Ayala Museum tickets, non-alcoholic drinks, afternoon tea at the Writers Bar, Curator’s Hour cocktails, a three-course dinner at the hotel’s roof-deck fine dining restaurant Mirèio and a delightful breakfast — all complemented by Raffles’ signature butler service.

      Add the Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea and marvel at pieces from celebrated Filipina sculptor Impy Pilapil and renowned jewelry designer and artist Hans Brumann while you sip and nibble. 

      A dreamy getaway. Credit: City of Dreams Manila

      DreamPlay, City of Dreams Manila

      City of Dreams Manila, home to three Forbes Travel Guide-rated properties (the Five-Star Nüwa Manila at City of Dreams, Four-Star Nobu Hotel Manila and Four-Star Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams), introduces DreamPlay by DreamWorks, an interactive play and creativity center. Aimed at “learning through play,” DreamPlay immerses you in the world of DreamWorks animation with 21 attractions and engaging activities based on hit movies such as Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda.

      Brilliant views and a great menu. Credit Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

      Continental Club Lounge, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

      The Four-Star Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Continental Club Lounge sits more than 40 levels above ground. This executive lounge gives you an unobstructed view of the picturesque Sierra Madre mountain range, which becomes even more majestic at golden hour. Guests with access to this area get express check-in and checkout, dedicated concierge services, and complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

      Gallery C, Conrad Manila

      At Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Conrad Manila, marvel at the works of local artists at Gallery C, an immersive art space within the heart of the hotel. Showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary Filipino art, the gallery provides a unique cultural experience just a few minutes’ walk from your room. Whether perusing intriguing artwork or participating in curated events, you can surround yourself with the rich artistic heritage of the Philippines through the eyes of celebrated creatives. 

      Prana. Credit: Novotel Manila

      Prana Indian Cuisine, Novotel Manila Araneta City

      Novotel Manila stands as a beacon of color in Quezon City, the largest city in Metro Manila. And since 2023, it’s been home to Prana Indian Cuisine, the area’s first Indian restaurant within a hotel. Prana (“life force” in Sanskrit) seeks to breathe new life into the palates of its guests. Having the ambassador of India to the Philippines attend the inauguration is a good sign that the spicy, sweet, smoky and savory delights are authentic as well.

      Workout time. Credit: The Westin Manila

      Elevated fitness, The Westin Manila

      For the wellness-conscious traveler, The Westin Manila takes health and well-being to new heights with its innovative offerings. The RunWESTIN program allows you to continue your running routine even while traveling. The hotel teamed up with the Strava running app to provide a curated jogging route spanning the urban and suburban landscapes of nearby Mandaluyong City, Quezon City and Pasig City. 

      The Westin Manila also introduced the WestinWORKOUT Gear Lending Program. This effort allows top-quality fitness essentials like Bala Bangles and Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 recovery massagers to be loaned out so you can stay active in your room.

      Le Petit Chef’s 3D dining. Credit: Grand Hyatt Manila

      Le Petit Chef virtual dining, Grand Hyatt Manila

      Le Petit Chef in the Footsteps of Marco Polo, a culinary spectacle at Grand Hyatt Manila (the tallest building in Bonifacio Global City), offers a two-hour dinner and a show like no other. This meal combines the theatrics of 3D animations on your table and sumptuous food, transporting you to far-flung places through flavor. Appropriate for both adults and children, Le Petit Chef serves delectable dishes and mesmerizing storytelling.

      Some al fresco fun. Credit: Admiral Hotel Manila

      The Golden Era Tour, Admiral Hotel Manila

      Admiral Hotel’s Golden Era Tour transports you in style through Old Manila. While riding in a 1951 Buick Super 8, you can rediscover the city’s heritage gems, enjoy photo ops and savor refreshers and bites for two. A more comprehensive experience consists of a romantic alfresco dinner; a cocktail class at Admiral’s speakeasy, Ruby Wong’s Godown; and the chance to name a signature drink.

      Pint-sized culinary stars. Credit: Edsa Shangri-La, Manila

      A family adventure, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila

      Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s Family Adventures Premium package provides spacious accommodations and curated activities for the smallest travelers. But there are plenty of activities for all ages: The Cubs and Cubbies program lets little ones (up to five years old) earn badges for every task completed as the hotel’s resident scout. The Splash Squad guides kids ages six to 12 through edutaining activities like neon glow parties, chocolate-making courses, kiddie dance classes and more. Meanwhile, The Nook welcomes the young and young at heart to play with VR simulators, board games, a ping-pong table, a pool table and darts.

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      City of Dreams Manila Grand Hyatt Manila hotels Lists Manila Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Raffles Makati Shangri-La at the Fort Manila Sky Tower at Solaire Resort and Casino
      by Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Ching Dee 

      About Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Ching Dee

      View all posts by Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Ching Dee

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