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If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines and are looking for where to stay in Metro Manila, here are some options for you, especially highlighting those that give you easy access to trains, malls, and other dining and shopping options. I’ve grouped the hotels depending on the general area of where you might want to stay.
What to consider when staying in Metro Manila
Getting around Metro Manila
There’s a train line that runs through Metro Manila’s main road, EDSA. It’s called the MRT, with a few other train lines branching off from it, such as the LRT1 and the LRT2.
While you can take other rides (taxi, Grab/inDrive/GSM for bookable rides, etc.), the MRT is the most convenient, the fastest, and the cheapest, especially during rush hour when the traffic is at its worst. You might want to consider proximity to any of the MRT/LRT lines when looking for where to stay in Metro Manila.
Proximity to food establishments
While you can easily order food through delivery apps like Grab and foodpanda, when choosing where to stay in Metro Manila, you may want to stay somewhere where you can easily grab a bite to eat. In that case, it would be good to stay near a mall.
Where to stay in Quezon City
Quezon City takes up a huge part of Metro Manila, from the center of the metro (bordering Ortigas) to the edge of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the highway that takes you to provinces in the north.
There are several major areas in Quezon City, each known for something different:
- SM North EDSA: This is one of the northernmost landmarks and the last major mall before you enter NLEX. It’s near other malls like TriNoMa and Vertis North. Note for those traveling for events: If you’re going to attend a KPop concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, you’ll most likely be passing through SM North before taking NLEX, which will get you to the Philippine Arena and the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue.
- Cubao: A busy hub with malls, business offices, and bus stations that will let you catch rides going to the north or south. It’s also where the Smart Araneta Coliseum, which holds KPop concerts and other shows, and New Frontier Theater, which is one of the more popular fanmeet venues, are.
- Tomas Morato / Timog Area: This is where the nightlife places are. You can explore the different types of bars and even the restaurants that stay open till late in the evening. Fun fact: some cafes even close at two in the morning because we love our coffee and it doesn’t really prevent us from sleeping at night.
Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA
Area: SM North EDSA
Park Inn is a hotel built within SM North EDSA’s compound—and it even has an entrance/exit directly to the mall. It’s close to other malls, including TriNoMa and Vertis North. Nearby tourist spots include Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Scouts Monument and Tomas Morato / Timog Area.
Park Inn is also close to the SM North EDSA bus stop and the North EDSA MRT Station.
Seda Vertis North
Area: SM North EDSA / TriNoMa / Vertis North
Seda Vertis North is right beside Vertis North, a mall with a few restaurants and boutiques. It’s one of the quieter malls, especially on weekdays, so you might want to stay here if you’re trying to avoid the crowds (note: it can get a bit busy during the weekends, especially around the holidays).
From Vertis North, you can also cross to TriNoMa, a much bigger mall with a department store, grocery store, and a wider range of shops and boutiques. Seda Vertis North is also near the SM North EDSA bus stop and the North EDSA MRT Station.
Solaire Resort Quezon City
Area: SM North EDSA / TriNoMa / Vertis North
While Solaire is known more as a casino, they also have a hotel with luxurious rooms, a posh food court, and several restaurants where you can enjoy various cuisines. Solaire Resort Quezon City is for you if you want to splurge a bit more and live in complete comfort during your trip.
From Solaire, you also get easy access to Vertis North. You can easily cross to TriNoMa also. And if you’re willing to walk a bit further, you’ll be able to get to SM North, another big mall.
Luxent Hotel
Area: Timog / Tomas Morato
Luxent Hotel is located in the Timog / Tomas Morato area. It’s on the more affordable side—and the best part is that it’s near to several food establishments, so you won’t need to worry about where to take your meals.
Luxent also has their all-day dining restaurant which serves local and international buffets and even some seasonal themes. For travelers looking to mix business with pleasure, Luxent has a ballroom and versatile function rooms for conferences, seminars, and the like.
Citadines Roces
Area: Timog / Tomas Morato
Like Luxent Hotel, Citadines Roces is a condotel in one of the side streets of Timog and Tomas Morato, which is known for its nightlife. But Citadines Roces is along a quieter street with several restaurants nearby like Max’s.
Citadines has several different kinds of rooms, available for solo travelers, couples, and even those traveling with family. Their in-house restaurant, Alejo Restaurant + Bar on the ground floor serves Filipino classics and other dishes throughout the day.
Restaurant Recommendation: For vegan / vegetarian options, there’s a lovely restaurant I recommend that’s just a few minutes’ walk from Citadines.
It’s called Greens Plant Based Vegan Restaurant in Scout Lozano. They serve really delicious food and the garden is lovely, too.
Novotel Manila Araneta City
Area: Cubao
Novotel is a family favorite of ours because of their amenities and their delicious, delicious breakfast that offers a lot more than you could ever eat. When we stay over, we try to stay for more than just one night, simply because we want to try the different types of dishes they serve.
Aside from their all-day breakfast buffet, they also have lunch and dinner buffets that serve a variety of dishes from international cuisines.
If you don’t want hotel food, you can find stand-alone restaurants and other dining options inside the mall.
Novotel is right beside the Smart Araneta Coliseum and other nearby malls, like Gateway. You can easily access the MRT Cubao Station by foot, walking through the malls and following the signs that point you to the MRT. You can also easily walk to the LRT2 Araneta Center Cubao Station.
It’s the perfect place to stay, especially if you’re watching a KPop concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or attending an event at any of the nearby places.
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
Area: Cubao
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is a hotel located above Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City. You can easily access event places like Smart Araneta Coliseum and New Frontier Theater, and Gateway Mall through the sky bridges that link the hotel to these places.
The hotel has strEATS, their own international buffet restaurant, a cafe called Le Bistro, and a bar-lounge area, called The Edge Skyview Bar. Their rates are more budget-friendly and they even have eco-friendly hallway water dispensers on every floor so you can refill your water bottles.
Like Novotel, you can easily walk to the MRT Cubao Station and the LRT2 Araneta Center Cubao Station.
Budget hotels in Quezon City
- Hop Inn North EDSA: Clean budget hotel right beside North Avenue MRT station (Booking.com | Trip.com)
- The Cocoon Boutique Hotel, Hive Hotel & Convention Place, Sequoia Hotel: Hotels in Tomas Morato / Timog area that are on the more affordable side but still offer good, clean rooms
- The Cocoon Boutique Hotel (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
- Hive Hotel & Convention Place (Agoda | Trip.com)
- Sequoia Hotel (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
Where to stay in Ortigas
Ortigas is one of the business districts in Metro Manila. It has several major malls in the area:
- Robinsons Galleria
- SM MegaMall
- The Podium
- Shangri-La
Ortigas gives you easy access to two MRT Stations, Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard. You can also ride the EDSA Carousel Bus near SM MegaMall. Stations for UV Express rides, buses, shuttles, jeeps, and other forms of transportation are available in the surrounding areas. These rides let you access different places like Manila, Antipolo, and beyond.
Marco Polo Ortigas
Area: Ortigas
Marco Polo Ortigas is a luxury stay in the heart of Ortigas, specifically located at the corner of Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street. It offers various rooms, from standard/deluxe units and even a 1,500-square-foot suite. The hotel offers various dining options, including Cucina (an all-day international and Asian buffet), Lung Hin (a restaurant specializing in authentic Cantonese cuisine), and Café Pronto (serving coffee, pastries, and other light bites).
Nearby, you’ll find several other restaurants and convenience stores. Marco Polo is also within walking distance of SM MegaMall and Robinson’s Galleria.
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria by IHG
Area: Ortigas
Built adjacent to Robinson’s Galleria, Crowne Plaza is a business and leisure hotel. There are several dining options within the hotel, such as Seven Corners Restaurant and Xin Tian Di. There’s The Gallery Bar, for those who want to listen to live music and sip some specialty drinks. If you want a bit of coffee while catching up on work, Agenda is the hotel’s in-house cafe.
Crowne Plaza also has direct mall access to Robinson’s Galleria, which houses several more restaurants, shops, and cafes.
EDSA Shangri-La, Manila
Area: Ortigas
Known as an “urban oasis” in the middle of Ortigas Center, EDSA Shangri-La delivers paradise to travelers who are staying there. Within the hotel grounds, you’ll find a tropical garden, a swimming pool with a slide, and other amenities that enhance your stay. You’ll even find a well-equipped gym, two outdoor tennis courts, and a jogging path.
Dining options within the hotel include EDSA Shangri-La’s signature restaurant Heat (with all-day dining options), Summer Palace (a Cantonese restaurant), and Senju (a Japanese restaurant). EDSA Shangri-La sits next to Shangri-La Plaza, a mall with several more dining and shopping options. You can also walk over to SM MegaMall and The Podium which are close by.
Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
Area: Ortigas
Richmonde Hotel is located along San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas, just behind SM MegaMall and Shangri-La Plaza. Often chosen by guests traveling for business, especially in Ortigas and the surrounding areas, it is clean and simple, offering rooms at reasonable prices.
Amenities include a gym, a heated indoor pool, and a business center where you can have meetings and presentations. Nearby, you’ll find stand-alone establishments with all sorts of restaurants and cafes. You can also easily walk to the malls.
Astoria Plaza
Area: Ortigas
Astoria Plaza offers various room options, from spacious one-bedroom stays to two-bedroom suites that come with full kitchenettes. They have an outdoor lap pool, a kiddie pool, a fitness center, and a business center. For dining options, you have Café Astoria, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. You can also check out nearby restaurants around the area.
SM MegaMall and Shangri-La Plaza are approximately 10 minutes away on foot, but the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to nearby malls and the Ortigas business area.
ACE Hotel and Suites
Area: Pasig
Located on United Street, Ace Hotel and Suites is home not just to accommodations but also to the popular Ace Water Spa. The Ace Water Spa is the hotel’s signature hydrotherapy facility featuring massage jets, herbal pools, a sauna, a steam room, a lap pool, and even a kids’ area.
They offer various rooms for overnight stays and even staycation bundles, featuring a breakfast buffet and 4-hour access to the Ace Water Spa. Nearby, you’ll find various restaurants, especially as you walk from United Street on to East Capitol Drive. If you cross Shaw Boulevard, you’ll find Capitol Commons and Estancia Mall, a commercial establishment featuring shops and cafes.
Note: Beyond Estancia Mall is the PhilSports Arena, where international games and competitions are often held.
Budget hotels in Ortigas
- Hop Inn Ortigas Center: Clean budget hotel that’s perfect for business travelers who are just looking for a place to sleep (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
- The Studio 18 Residences: A simple place to sleep in; may include a dining table, sofa bed, refrigerator, and microwave in some rooms (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
Where to stay in Makati
Makati is Metro Manila’s central business district. It is home to thousands of offices, embassies, commercial establishments, and even schools and learning centers. Makati is primarily served by the MRT Ayala Station and a newly built bus station that gives you access to buses headed to different places via different routes.
Malls in Makati include:
- Greenbelt
- Glorietta
- Landmark
- SM Makati
These malls are side by side, and you can cross from one mall to another via intermall access bridges and walkways. Most hotels are also a few minutes away from these malls by foot, so you can easily get to them.
You can also find other sightseeing spots, such as
- Ayala Museum
- Ayala Triangle Gardens
- Salcedo Weekend Market
- Yuchengco Museum
Makati Shangri-La
Area: Corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue
A 5-star, luxury stay like its sister hotel EDSA Shangri-La, Makati Shangri-La offers rooms and gourmet dining options for travelers who decide to book their accommodations with them. You’ll find various room and dining options, as well as amenities to make your stay more enjoyable.
Makati Shangri-La is within walking distance of Greenbelt, Glorietta, and even the Ayala Museum. Makati Shangri-La is also home to Makati’s largest pillarless ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,500 guests.
Dusit Thani Manila
Area: Antonio Arnaiz Avenue
Dusit Thani is another hotel that’s right in Ayala Center, just within walking distance of SM Makati, Glorietta, and the other malls. Their rooms blend Thai and Filipino designs with various sizes and types available for booking. They have an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and their award-winning Devarana Wellness spa.
Dining options include Benjarong, serving authentic and modern royal Thai cuisine that’s recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, and Umu, featuring traditional and contemporary Japanese specialties. Other dining options are available in the nearby malls, where you can also go shopping, watch a movie, or find other activities to do.
The Peninsula Manila
Area: Corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue
An iconic 5-star luxury hotel, The Peninsula Manila is known for its historic Grand Fountain and in-house restaurants, including Spices (featuring Asian flavors), Escolta (featuring international buffets), and Old Manila (a MICHELIN-selected fine-dining experience).
The Peninsula Manila is also near the other malls around the Makati area for more dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
The Peninsula Manila Signature Perk: Peninsula Time allows flexible check-in at 6:00 AM and check-out at 10:00 PM (subject to notice and availability). This is a great option for travelers who are in Metro Manila for a connecting flight and want to stay in a place nearby (only 10 minutes away via car).
Fairmont Makati
Area: Raffles Drive
Fairmont Makati is a 5-star luxury and One MICHELIN Key hotel in Makati, located near Ayala Museum and malls in the area. They offer various rooms to choose from and amenities like a swimming pool and a fitness center.
If you want to dine in-house, you can try Spectrum, their all-day dining restaurant featuring local fare and international food dishes. There’s also Mirèio, which showcases Provence’s rich culture and culinary traditions, and Café Macaron, where you can enjoy gourmet sandwiches, homemade cakes, and a mouthwatering array of bakery items.
Budget hotels in Makati
- Hop Inn Hotel Makati Avenue: A budget hotel in Poblacion, around 10-15 minutes away from Rockwell PowerPlant Mall on foot (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
- Hotel Durban: A contemporary hotel with rooms organized around a central, interior courtyard; located in Poblacion (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
Where to stay in BGC
Bonifacio Global City (often called BGC for short) is another business district in Metro Manila. But it’s also known for shopping and lifestyle malls, open-air spaces and parks, diverse dining options, and more.
BGC is accessible via Guadalupe MRT Station (via jeep or shuttle) and Ayala Station (via shuttle).
Malls in BGC include:
- Market! Market!
- Mitsukoshi
- SM Aura Premier
- Uptown Mall
- Venice Grand Canal Mall
Aside from the malls, there’s also what’s known as Bonifacio High Street, a boulevard stretch filled with shopping and dining options. Nearby, you’ll also find several hotels.
BGC is also home to The Mind Museum, a fun, interactive science museum for kids.
Ascott Bonifacio Global City
Area: 5th Avenue corner 28th Street
Ascott Bonifacio offers spacious bedrooms, some of which come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, washers and dryers, and home theater systems. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a gym, and a business center.
They have an in-house dining option, Scott’s Restaurant, but you’ll also find several more restaurants nearby. The hotel is approximately 130 meters away from The Mind Museum.
Seda Hotel BGC
Area: 30th Street corner 11th Avenue
Seda Hotel BGC offers spacious rooms and business amenities. Its proximity to restaurants and shops makes it a popular choice among travelers staying in BGC. You can choose between various room options including standard rooms, studio rooms, and suites.
Mista provides in-house dining options, and you can also check out their rooftop bar which gives you city skyline views. Outside, you’ll find more dining options and nearby shops.
Grand Hyatt Manila
Area: 8th Avenue corner 35th Street
Grand Hyatt is right next to Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC and across from Uptown Mall BGC. They have various rooms to choose from, including Grand Club rooms and majestic suites with marble bathrooms and large windows. If you wish to dine in, they offer various in-house experiences, including Le Petit Chef at The Peak, The Magic Table at Penthouse No. 66, The Grand Kitchen, and more.
If you’re looking for more dining options, you can check out Mitsukoshi Mall, which has a Japanese food court, and other restaurants nearby.
Budget hotels in BGC
- mySTAY BGC: A budget stay available in four different locations—East, West, South (about 10 minutes away from St. Luke’s by car), and North (near Mitsukoshi Mall—approximately 7 minutes by car)
Where to stay in Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. Here is where you can find Malacañang, the residence of the president. Manila is where you can find the Philippine National Museum and other famous Philippine landmarks, like Intramuros and Luneta Park. You’ll also find Binondo, the so-called oldest Chinatown in the world, here.
But wait! What’s the difference between Manila and Metro Manila? Don’t let it confuse you! Metro Manila refers to the general area surrounding Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati, BGC, and Pasay. Manila, on the other hand, is home to many historical buildings like Intramuros, the National Museum, and more.
Most people choose to stay at the central business districts like Makati and BGC rather than Manila, because of how convenient it is. Manila, on the other hand, might be a little bit more challenging to navigate. Plus, you can always easily schedule a day tour to check out the sights you want to see. But if you want to experience living in Manila, with its old-world charm and historical spots, here are some places where you can stay.
The Bayleaf Intramuros
Area: Intramuros
The Bayleaf Intramuros is a boutique hotel located inside Manila’s historic walled city. It’s within walking distance from major historical sites like Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church.
In-house dining options include 9 Spoons (an all-day dining and buffet restaurant), Raffaele Woodfired Pizza (serving authentic wood-fired pizzas), and Cioccolata Churros Cafe (a rustic cafe known for its churros, coffee, and pastries).
You can find other restaurants nearby, including Ilustrado Restaurant, Casa Nueva Bistro Cafe Restaurant, and more.
The Manila Hotel
Area: One Rizal Park, Ermita
Built in 1909, The Manila Hotel is the oldest premier hotel in the Philippines. It is both a place to stay and a historical site. Ernest Hemingway even called it one of the most important landmarks in Manila and the perfect representation of the country’s “resilience, vitality, versatility, and hospitality.”
The Manila Hotel has various in-house dining options, including Cafe Ilang-Ilang, Red Jade, and Champagne Room. They even have a bar and a lounge area. Outside, you’ll find more dining options. The hotel is near Luneta Park, the National Library of the Philippines, the Philippine National Museums, and other landmarks and historical sites.
Budget hotels in Manila
- White Knight Hotel Intramuros: A small hotel within the Plaza San Luis Complex in Manila (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
Where to stay in Pasay
If you’re staying only for a while and don’t want to stray too far from the airport, you can find a lot of nearby hotels where you can freshen up or take a nap while waiting for your next flight.
Conrad Manila
Area: SM Mall of Asia
Approximately 15 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Conrad Manila Hotel is right next to SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Mall of Asia Arena. Room choices include standard rooms, upgraded rooms with bay views, and suites with living rooms, terraces, balconies, and/or kitchenettes.
Conrad Manila offers various dining options, including China Blue by Jereme Leung (a restaurant featured in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Philippines) and Brasserie on 3 (a round-the-clock dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets). You can also find more dining options around SM Mall of Asia. The hotel’s proximity to IKEA and SM Mall of Asia Arena (which also hosts many KPop concerts) makes it the ideal place to stay—though it is on the pricier side.
Solaire Resort Entertainment City
Area: Entertainment City
Solaire Resort offers 5-star luxury stays, as well as dining, gaming, and entertainment options. Their two towers, Sky Tower and Bay Tower, come with various rooms, including studios and suites. You can also dine in at various restaurants, including Finestra (acknowledged as one of Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants in 2020), Yakumi (featuring traditional and contemporary Japanese culinary techniques), among many others.
Solaire also has casinos, theatrical plays and concerts, spas, and more. It is approximately 5-10 minutes away from NAIA.
Okada Manila
Area: Entertainment City
Okada is another 5-star luxury resort in Entertainment City, also featuring gaming and entertainment options. It is also home to dozens of dining options, including Medley Buffet and various Japanese specialty restaurants. Every night Okada’s Fountain puts on a dancing water show that runs every 30 minutes from 7:00 PM to 12:00 midnight. This is free and open to the public.
From NAIA 3, Okada Manila is approximately 15-20 minutes by car.
Hotel Okura Manila
Area: Newport World Resorts Complex (right across NAIA 3)
Hotel Okura Manila is a hotel with a One MICHELIN Key in the Philippines. It has spacious rooms and suites, as well as various dining options, including their signature Japanese fine-dining restaurant, Yamazato.
Hotel Okura Manila is right across NAIA Terminal 3, easily accessible by a footbridge. It’s one of the best options to stay in if you don’t want to stray too far from the airport. Around Newport Resorts Complex, you’ll also find various dining and shopping options.
Manila Marriott Hotel
Area: Newport World Resorts Complex (right across NAIA 3)
Like Hotel Okura Manila, Marriott Hotel sits right across NAIA 3 in the Newport World Resorts Complex. The hotel offers comfortable, luxurious stays with a variety of rooms and suites to choose from.
You can also access their spa for a pampering treat before your next flight or get your blood pumping in their fully equipped fitness centers, which include access to a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi.
Budget hotels in Pasay
- Go Hotels Manila Airport Road: Located along Airport Road (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
- Holiday Inn Express: Located in Newport World Resorts, just across NAIA 3 (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
- Hop Inn Hotel Aseana City: Budget hotel located in Aseana City, near SM Mall of Asia (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com)
Final thoughts on where to stay in Metro Manila
Choose a place that’s convenient and easy to navigate. If you plan to commute, it might be best to stay in the places near MRT/LRT stations. If you’re fine with taking a taxi or booking a ride, you may find several more options with varying budgets when you’re looking for where to stay in metro Manila.
Your number one priority should be your safety. Avoid budget hotels located in dark alleys or places that are far from the main road. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with your gut and find accommodations elsewhere.
Always book from official sites so you don’t get scammed. That way, the prices are also fixed, instead of trying to negotiate with someone with no authority over the property.
Cautions aside, I think Metro Manila is a wonderful place to stay in. It has historical spots, shopping and dining centers, and fun, little quirks of its own. It’s also the city I’ve called home for most of my life, so I hope you enjoy your visit. In case you have any questions, let me know! I’m always happy to answer.
