Balibago Vacations from $465

Near dining, shopping area

This is a nice hotel right in old Manila. That means narrow roads, foot and vehicular traffic with hit and miss sidewalks, crowded, chaotic with people from various walks of life. It’s right beside Binondo church (Dominican 1596) and it’s the “first Chinatown” across the river from Intramuros which is the Spanish colonial fort. The modern infrastructure like electricity and communications can be seen to be retrofitted as times modernized; these were the first models of lessons learned in the present urbanization playbook. In many ways the place is frozen in time and for me, that’s the charm.

The room was nice enough but a bit shabby and not overly clean. The communication from the management team was excellent and Mel was very accommodating. We didn’t really research the area and wish we had as it wasn’t the best, when you can rent rooms by the hour around the corner that gives you a pretty good indication! Overall experience was ok but I wouldn’t stay again.

Wow! Luxurious, stylish & aesthetically gorgeous. The hotel had a wonderful feeling as soon as you walk in the building. The smell was like cherry blossoms, architectural with champagne, gold & ebony design, room was invitingly pleasant & rooftop pool / bar has the best view of Manila. Additionally for ease on convenience it is a short walk to T3 via Runway Bridge.