Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Manila

Interesting reception. Ok stay.

We arrived to a bomb checkpoint at the end of the hotel driveway w/ 3 guards armed w/ machine guns and two car bomb sniffing dogs. Then outside of the hotel doors were 2 cops that checked all bags/handbags w/ 1 more bomb dog. I asked about the increased security & it was due to a recent robbery of a jewelry shop a few blocks away. The security didnt seem to fit the reason we were given, but since we were on vacation I didnt push the matter. So every day we were greeted by this reception. With that said all of the security personnel were extremely nice & courteous. Once you get through the tight security, you enter a gorgeous large lobby, impressive chandelier, & sweeping staircases. We booked this hotel months before arriving, but the front desk said they overbooked & asked if we were willing to pay extra for a suite. I said NO. After 30 mins they upgraded us to a delux room for free. Unfortunately they only had a room w/ 2 twins that we put together. The room was nice, big bathroom, & free internet. The service wasnt top notch. I.e. when walking in the hotel lobby you expect the staff to stop out of your way, but instead they walk right through stopping you in Your path. Not a big deal but thats the difference between ok & excellent manners/service. Staff seemed to stare a lot too; they need to be trained to not invade guests privacy that way. Will I come back to this hotel? Based on other reviews this is the best in Manila so I guess we will when we come back.

Very friendly staff. I will definitely stay at the hotel again.

One of the best hotels i have ever stayed in. Perfect location to shops and restaurants. Friendly, courteous and always smiling staff

HOTEL ONLY FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS

First of all enjoyed the room at Shangri-La but was disappointed in a couple of things with the hotel service. My flight got in about 3 hours earlier than expected and I was told instead of being able to check in 7 hours early that i would have to pay half a days room rate. Also the hotel restaurants will not let you wear shorts or sandals to go into eat. When I confronted the front desk about this, they made it sound like it was my fault for not bringing these items and then I was told "well it is a business hotel" I was on a vacation and I didn’t bring any of those cause i enjoy being comfortable. The rooms were great and the buffet breakfast was amazing however I will not be going back to this hotel. Dusit thani is about the same quality and it is less expensive and the food there is the same. If you are going strictly to the Makati area to have fun and vacation then I would recommend Dusit thani or Mandarin Oriental. Shangri-La is very much a business hotel and is highly recommended for those that conduct business or are there for work.

Traveler's tip on dining

Very good restaurants in close proximity. Also they have a wide variety in the mall right across the street. Save money by going to these places instead.