The 147-room H2O is an upscale hotel offering the one-of-a-kind experience of, literally, sleeping with the fishes. Most rooms have striking views of Manila Bay, but Aqua Rooms are the highlight here, with huge wall-to-wall aquariums full of fish and jellyfish. There is a nice fitness center, relaxing spa, extensive meeting space, stylish lounge, and average restaurant. The property is in the same complex as the family-friendly Ocean Park, which means it can get loud with kids running around. Those traveling with kids will probably enjoy their stay; business travelers may find the property lacking in attention to detail and its location a bit out of the way.
The 147-room H2O is an upscale hotel offering the one-of-a-kind experience of, literally, sleeping with the fishes. Most rooms have striking views of Manila Bay, but Aqua Rooms are the highlight here, with huge wall-to-wall aquariums full of fish and jellyfish. There is a nice fitness center, relaxing spa, extensive meeting space, stylish lounge, and average restaurant. The property is in the same complex as the family-friendly Ocean Park, which means it can get loud with kids running around. Those traveling with kids will probably enjoy their stay; business travelers may find the property lacking in attention to detail and its location a bit out of the way.
The upper-middle-range Camaya Coast is part of a larger residential development located about a two-hour ferry ride from Manila (or a four-hour drive). It sits on a pretty, palm-dotted beach, complete with cabanas and an inflatable island with waterslides, which is nice enough to warrant daytrips. However, despite the direct ferry, it’s a bit of an inconvenient destination and there’s little else in the area. Two attractive outdoor pools include an infinity one, and loungers line the decks. There are a well-equipped fitness center and a spa, plus guests have access to the sister hotel’s water park. Food is pricey though, and most of the options are of the fast food variety. The 35 rooms here are clean and pleasant, all with balconies or patios (but they’re unfurnished) and solid amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. It's worth comparing rates with the upper-middle-range, 21-room Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel, which is a beachfront property in Leiya, a 35-minute drive from Naambon Falls.
The upper-middle-range Camaya Coast is part of a larger residential development located about a two-hour ferry ride from Manila (or a four-hour drive). It sits on a pretty, palm-dotted beach, complete with cabanas and an inflatable island with waterslides, which is nice enough to warrant daytrips. However, despite the direct ferry, it’s a bit of an inconvenient destination and there’s little else in the area. Two attractive outdoor pools include an infinity one, and loungers line the decks. There are a well-equipped fitness center and a spa, plus guests have access to the sister hotel’s water park. Food is pricey though, and most of the options are of the fast food variety. The 35 rooms here are clean and pleasant, all with balconies or patios (but they’re unfurnished) and solid amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. It's worth comparing rates with the upper-middle-range, 21-room Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel, which is a beachfront property in Leiya, a 35-minute drive from Naambon Falls.
Set on a beautiful beach a 45-minute free boat ride from Davao, the upscale Pearl Farm Beach Resort caters to couples and families seeking a relaxed getaway. It offers 70 beautiful cottages and villas, some built on stilts over the water and some tucked away in nature. They’re all decorated in traditional southern Filipino style, and feature balconies, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Two beautiful pools -- including an infinity-edge one by the beach -- offer serene views and plenty of loungers under straw umbrellas, and there are three fine-sand beaches, one of which is on a private island a five-minute boat ride away. Rates are higher than at most other resorts in the area, but the property is still a good value. For something cheaper, consider the mid-range Chema’s by the Sea Resort.
Set on a beautiful beach a 45-minute free boat ride from Davao, the upscale Pearl Farm Beach Resort caters to couples and families seeking a relaxed getaway. It offers 70 beautiful cottages and villas, some built on stilts over the water and some tucked away in nature. They’re all decorated in traditional southern Filipino style, and feature balconies, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Two beautiful pools -- including an infinity-edge one by the beach -- offer serene views and plenty of loungers under straw umbrellas, and there are three fine-sand beaches, one of which is on a private island a five-minute boat ride away. Rates are higher than at most other resorts in the area, but the property is still a good value. For something cheaper, consider the mid-range Chema’s by the Sea Resort.
Set overlooking Lake Taal and its famous volcano, the mid-range Club Balai Isabel is a decent option for families and groups who prioritize access to activities over luxury. Three pleasant pools -- two of which offer views of the lake -- extensive (if basic) sports facilities, a playground, and a water park keep guests of all ages busy. A basic spa has indoor massage rooms and outdoor water areas. Both the main restaurant and the pizzeria have pleasant outdoor spaces that draw guests and non-guests alike, especially in the evening, though food gets mixed reviews. The resort’s 288 rooms range from simple standard units with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, to comfortable 12-person villas with patios and full kitchens. Many, however, are showing wear and have drab bathrooms and spotty Wi-Fi. Travelers wanting an oceanfront stay may like Club Punta Fuego.
Set overlooking Lake Taal and its famous volcano, the mid-range Club Balai Isabel is a decent option for families and groups who prioritize access to activities over luxury. Three pleasant pools -- two of which offer views of the lake -- extensive (if basic) sports facilities, a playground, and a water park keep guests of all ages busy. A basic spa has indoor massage rooms and outdoor water areas. Both the main restaurant and the pizzeria have pleasant outdoor spaces that draw guests and non-guests alike, especially in the evening, though food gets mixed reviews. The resort’s 288 rooms range from simple standard units with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, to comfortable 12-person villas with patios and full kitchens. Many, however, are showing wear and have drab bathrooms and spotty Wi-Fi. Travelers wanting an oceanfront stay may like Club Punta Fuego.
This cute, stylish boutique hotel fuses modern services and retro- and surfing-inspired decor. The colorful lobby features a bright, geometric carpet and a curved pull-apart couch, flanked by a yellow-framed photograph of surfers on the beach. The rooms are contemporary (if a bit bland), and all feature private balconies with views of the bay, wharf, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, as well as iHome docks, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers. Small but modern bathrooms feature bright orange and yellow tiles, and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. The restaurant, Aquarius, serves seafood in a casual space with ocean views, and amenities include a small pool and Jacuzzi (but no spa or fitness center).
This cute, stylish boutique hotel fuses modern services and retro- and surfing-inspired decor. The colorful lobby features a bright, geometric carpet and a curved pull-apart couch, flanked by a yellow-framed photograph of surfers on the beach. The rooms are contemporary (if a bit bland), and all feature private balconies with views of the bay, wharf, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, as well as iHome docks, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers. Small but modern bathrooms feature bright orange and yellow tiles, and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. The restaurant, Aquarius, serves seafood in a casual space with ocean views, and amenities include a small pool and Jacuzzi (but no spa or fitness center).
The Ascott offers 362 upscale serviced apartments for business travelers and families, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units with full kitchens and washer/dryers. All are stylish and elegant, and have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, and L’Occitane toiletries. On-site amenities include a pleasant outdoor pool, a spa with salon services, a gym with personal trainers, a staffed business center, and a cafe. The property is starting to show signs of wear and tear in some areas, but for longer business stays, the Ascott is a convenient option within walking distance of shopping, dining, nightlife and corporate offices in central Makati.
The Ascott offers 362 upscale serviced apartments for business travelers and families, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units with full kitchens and washer/dryers. All are stylish and elegant, and have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, and L’Occitane toiletries. On-site amenities include a pleasant outdoor pool, a spa with salon services, a gym with personal trainers, a staffed business center, and a cafe. The property is starting to show signs of wear and tear in some areas, but for longer business stays, the Ascott is a convenient option within walking distance of shopping, dining, nightlife and corporate offices in central Makati.
The 195-room Ace is a busy mid-range hotel offering good value in Kapitolyo, a short walk from dozens of restaurants and bars. Clean rooms offer lots of space, nice bathrooms, and great amenities, and some suites have basic kitchenettes. Rates may initially seem a bit high for a three-pearl hotel in Pasig, but they include an array of great freebies, including breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and four-hour passes to the hotel’s huge indoor water park and spa. The rooftop bar is a popular spot for evening drinks, and its skyline views are some of the best in the area. There are three other restaurants on-site, as well as a karaoke bar and a large ballroom for events. Those not interested in the water park may want to consider the nearby Astoria Plaza Hotel, which has similar rates plus a fitness center and a pool.
The 195-room Ace is a busy mid-range hotel offering good value in Kapitolyo, a short walk from dozens of restaurants and bars. Clean rooms offer lots of space, nice bathrooms, and great amenities, and some suites have basic kitchenettes. Rates may initially seem a bit high for a three-pearl hotel in Pasig, but they include an array of great freebies, including breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and four-hour passes to the hotel’s huge indoor water park and spa. The rooftop bar is a popular spot for evening drinks, and its skyline views are some of the best in the area. There are three other restaurants on-site, as well as a karaoke bar and a large ballroom for events. Those not interested in the water park may want to consider the nearby Astoria Plaza Hotel, which has similar rates plus a fitness center and a pool.
Sitting directly on the beach in the resort area of Matabungkay, this mid-range hotel draws mainly families and groups on team-building outings. It's a tired property that could use some updates, but it has two attractive outdoor pools and a kids' pool, as well as offering various water sports on the beach (for a fee). The 54 rooms are plain, but spacious, and multi-bedroom units and villas on stilts over the water are both available. The rooms lack Wi-Fi though, which is only available in the lobby. The hotel has a restaurant and three bars, including a poolside option, but food gets mixed reviews. Another downer is the lack of restaurants in the area; there's not much but other hotels. A comparable nearby alternative is the Coral Beach Club.
Sitting directly on the beach in the resort area of Matabungkay, this mid-range hotel draws mainly families and groups on team-building outings. It's a tired property that could use some updates, but it has two attractive outdoor pools and a kids' pool, as well as offering various water sports on the beach (for a fee). The 54 rooms are plain, but spacious, and multi-bedroom units and villas on stilts over the water are both available. The rooms lack Wi-Fi though, which is only available in the lobby. The hotel has a restaurant and three bars, including a poolside option, but food gets mixed reviews. Another downer is the lack of restaurants in the area; there's not much but other hotels. A comparable nearby alternative is the Coral Beach Club.
Hotel Sogo EDSA Harrison is a basic, budget-friendly property located in Pasay City, right off the EDSA. Rooms are plain and bland – some lack windows -- and equipped with just basic amenities like small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are tiny and toiletries are not provided. A simple restaurant is open for all three meals and serves regional as well as international fare, plus room service is available. Beyond this, there’s not much more in terms of features. Overall, it’s an average choice for undiscerning budget travelers looking for cheap hotels in Pasay or those with flights to catch at the nearby airport, but it’s worth shopping around. The nearby Heritage Hotel Manila is a bit more expensive, but offers more features like a pool and fitness center, plus rooms are bigger and have more amenities.
Hotel Sogo EDSA Harrison is a basic, budget-friendly property located in Pasay City, right off the EDSA. Rooms are plain and bland – some lack windows -- and equipped with just basic amenities like small flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are tiny and toiletries are not provided. A simple restaurant is open for all three meals and serves regional as well as international fare, plus room service is available. Beyond this, there’s not much more in terms of features. Overall, it’s an average choice for undiscerning budget travelers looking for cheap hotels in Pasay or those with flights to catch at the nearby airport, but it’s worth shopping around. The nearby Heritage Hotel Manila is a bit more expensive, but offers more features like a pool and fitness center, plus rooms are bigger and have more amenities.