The Peninsula Manila

We stayed at the Peninsula in Manila for mere 10 hours - during a long transit between two flights. We booked 2 rooms and they were super kind giving us early check-in and letting us have breakfast the moment we arrived knowing that we would not have enjoyed it the following day. Sadly, these are the only positive things I could say about the hotel. The whole structure is old and decadent, the breakfast room is far from a 5star international hotel (well, it belongs to another universe if compared to other Peninsulas we visited). Then the rooms…we suddenly landed in the 1990s: small rooms with dusty and dirty carpet, outdated bathroom and basic motel-style furniture. And the view? I made pictures because it was honestly unbelievable. I wonder if there were a renovated wing with newer rooms and a more luxury feeling but still, it is a Peninsula and as a guest you should be guaranteed a certain standard that makes you book there knowing that you will get a 5 star product in line with all the sister properties around the world. This would mean large, well-furnished rooms with up to date amenities (in Manila you can’t even charge your phone through USB but you have a button saying ‘fax waiting’), elegant breakfast area (in Manila most wooden tables were scratched) that doesn’t make you feel you are eating in a high school cafeteria. Talking about food, we were unlucky enough to be there when BOTH the restaurants we wanted to try were closed for private events. We contacted to concierge for alternatives but after 3 useless conversations we ended up with no possible alternatives. Finally, the WiFi connection is very poor and almost non existent in the pool area. So sorry but it’s a big NO or at least it is not a hotel that follows the standard of a Peninsula - please update the place or drop the name!

The grand dame of Manila’s finest hotels, Manila Peninsula or commonly known as the Pen always captured the eyes and interest of Filipinos. Entering the lobby - its grandeur where Filipinos are known to gather and hangout is still beautiful and majestic as it has ever been. An inviting place to meet family and friends and munch on my favorite, the most expensive Halo-Halo in the Philippines. Though our room was dated, the bed was relaxing and uber-comfortable, it was cozy and roomy with an equally large bathroom. We ate at the Gallery in the third floor where the food was somewhat mediocre in quality and the service, well the staff were very courteous and the wait for my Negroni took an hour. Now that’s 1-star service for a 5-star hotel. Breakfast buffet at Escolta where fresh buko is served and abundant yet food trays where allowed to be left empty for a while before it is replenished. A small container of Filipino Taho was promised to be refilled only to be told later it will not be refilled let people wanting. Walking the hallway while balancing a plate and hot soup, and weaving around the crowds and children running around to make it to the lobby where our table was situated was not an ideal situation. I can only feel the embarrassment of a glutton’s plate as people stare at the amount of food on their platter. Another 1-star service for a 5-star hotel. Overall, the service is always a 5-star but the overall dining and bar experience was far from the famous Peninsula-class standard.

What a way to start the new year 2026 with a great meal and most importantly great ambiance and experience. Thank you Kris and Teresa for always and consistently anticipating what we need to ensure of a great visit. Salamat Kris and Teresa and to the Chef and kitchen team for a delicious meal. Keep up the good work. Till our next visit.

As I had a ten hour journey to Manila and was arriving late at night, in advance I triple confirmed that pillows / duvet shouldn’t have feathers. I have a sensitive allergy. Accordingly I put this request in the original hotel booking, also in an email, and also called Peninsula reservations directly by telephone . They replied to the mail confirming this simple request, and the pleasant lady in reservation s also confirmed verbally. It was a simple request, made in triplicate. When checking in late at night after a ten hour journey, the guy in reception stalled me for fifteen minutes saying that he wanted to check that the room was ready. It was clear that The Peninsula had ignored the request. After fifteen minutes I asked for the key regardless, and on entering the room, indeed the request hadn’t been made. Some time later someone came to replace items, which were already making me sniffle by then. Soon after when I tried to sleep, there was a drilling / electric screwdriver noise from the room above me, there must’ve been maintenance taking place at midnight. Now wide awake and unable to sleep, I went for a 30 minute walk. Getting to sleep around 2.30am after a long journey, I slept in and went for breakfast at 10.30am, it was 10.37am to be precise. Breakfast finishes at 10.30am sharp. No breakfast, my bad I guess. Cutting my losses, I cut a four night stay short and checked out after one night, moving to one of the other five star hotels in Manila. When entering the Peninsula Manila, the lobby is incredible. It is majestic in fact, especially with the Christmas lights. The Peninsula lobby is up there with any hotel lobby that I’ve been to in the world. Beyond that though, things become more average and a little dated. My guess is that this hotel was incredible fifteen years ago, but didn’t update itself very well since then room wise.

Hotel is in the heart of Makati . Good location. Property is very big with a extremely big lobby . All services of the hotel are extremely praiseworthy. Breakfast is also very good.