The Peninsula Manila

After a relaxing trip from Japan, we decided to stay at The Peninsula Manila for two nights before our flight back to the U.S. As a loyal Chase customer, this hotel was part of The Edit, so we expected a true luxury 5-star experience. Unfortunately, it was the complete opposite. I specifically booked this hotel under the assumption that they honor “Peninsula Time,” which—according to their website—allows late checkout until 10:00 PM. This was crucial for us due to our late flight. However, upon check-in, we were told we would be charged a half-day rate for late checkout. At that point, we had no choice since we were already there. What can we do? Lol. To be fair, the lobby is beautiful and makes a strong first impression. Unfortunately, that is the only redeeming quality of the property. The room hallways felt dark, dated, and honestly unsettling, like something straight out of a horror movie rather than a luxury hotel. While the suite itself was nicely decorated, several areas were noticeably dirty, and furniture—particularly the sofa—was worn out and tired-looking. For a hotel that brands itself as luxury, this level of upkeep is unacceptable. There was also no welcome amenity, not even a glass of champagne or small gesture upon arrival, which is standard at most luxury hotels we’ve stayed at. On our first night, brown hot water came out of both the bathtub and sink. We immediately contacted the concierge, and an “engineer” was sent to inspect the issue. We were then told this was an ongoing problem the hotel was still trying to troubleshoot and they will let us know when it’s fixed. That response was shocking. If this issue is ongoing, why are guests being placed in rooms with unsafe, contaminated water? We received no remedy, compensation, or offer to be moved to a different suite. The following day, we decided to try their so-called iconic lobby afternoon tea, which locals frequently rave about online. We ordered the Vienna hot chocolate and Native hot chocolate—both were just okay, nothing special. The afternoon tea set for two cost almost 3,000 pesos and almost 5,000 pesos if you wanted champagne. The service, however, was unacceptable. The manager took our order at 4:20 PM. We received our drinks and service water at 4:45 PM. After waiting nearly an hour, we followed up at 5:15 PM, and only received the afternoon tea set at 5:35 PM. To make matters worse, the server who came to take our afternoon tea drink order had a bad attitude, as if the excessive wait was somehow our fault. The food itself was mediocre; the only redeeming item was the macarons—one decent option out of ELEVEN. The manager eventually came over to apologize for the delay, but it was clear we had simply been forgotten. Had we not followed up, I genuinely believe our order would never have arrived. That said, credit where it’s due: the security team, door attendants, bellman, and housekeeping staff consistently delivered excellent, warm, and professional service. They were the only ones who truly embodied the level of hospitality one would expect from a luxury hotel. We are fortunate to be privileged enough to afford a stay like this, but it’s deeply disappointing knowing that many hardworking Filipinos save up in local currency to come here as a special treat—expecting a luxury experience—and are instead met with disorganization, poor service, and conditions that fall far below the hotel’s price point and reputation. We will never be returning and strongly recommend staying elsewhere. This hotel is disorganized and falsely labeled as “luxury.” Save your money—there are far better options in Manila that actually deliver on what they promise.

I am shocked at the irresponsible managment of charging guests. The hotel has charged me twice for the stay, and has not resolved the matter for two months now. They claim one transaction was cancelled but did not produce any proof of said cancellation or refund. If they are doing this to all guests, the interest alone must be lucrative for the hotel. I will never stay here again. I do not know if I will ever get my money back.

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.