Because of its very strategic location, Manila served a significant role throughout the country’s history. During the pre-colonial era, the area we now call Manila fostered a flourishing trade relationship with other Asian dynasties and kingdoms. During the Spanish colonial era, the walled city Intramuros was established, and then the galleon trade catapulted Manila into great wealth.
The city’s storied past also has its share of conflicts and grief. Manila witnessed numerous battles and wars, including the 1898 Battle of Manila and World War II. Fast forward to today, many structures serve as tangible testimonies to the country’s history. Some old buildings were converted and repurposed into hotels, while others stood the test of time. If you fancy a memorable staycation, take a trip down memory lane in one of these historic hotels in Metro Manila. Most hotels in this list are in Manila, but we also included a few spots in Pasay and Makati.
In no particular order, here are the ten historic hotels in Metro Manila as rated by online users.
Note: Rates MAY not yet include taxes and other fees. Ranking and rates may change over time, so always double-check before booking.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Rizal Park Hotel
Housed in the repurposed Manila Army and Navy Club, Rizal Park Hotel is a historic boutique hotel along the shores of Manila Bay. Originally located in Intramuros, the club found its new home near Luneta Park (now Rizal Park) in 1911. The original structure was designed by Architect William E. Parsons. The club used to cater exclusively to US military personnel and civilians but extended its hospitality to Filipinos later on.
In April 1991, the National Historical Institute listed the building as a National Historical Landmark. Since its launch in 2017, the century-old boutique hotel has welcomed anyone chancing at a glimpse of the country’s colorful past.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: South Road Drive, T.M. Kalaw Avenue Extension, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Rizal Park, Luneta Park, Manila Baywalk, 0km Post, Quirino Grandstand, National Museum Complex, Baluarte de San Diego, Fort Santiago, Embassy of the United States of America
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
The Manila Hotel
If you want to immerse in the country’s history and culture, you can start with a stay at The Manila Hotel. Launched in 1912, the Manila Hotel immediately laid claim to the honor of being the Philippines’ first five-star hotel. Through the years, it hosted a significant number of influential and notable personalities including General Douglas MacArthur, Ernest Hemingway, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, to name a few.
It has undergone several renovations — the latest was in 2008, in preparation for its centennial celebration in 2012. The Main Building and the Tower Wing host rooms and suites, all dressed and designed with the timeless elegance of traditional Filipino interiors.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 0913 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Rizal Park, Luneta Park, Manila Baywalk, 0km Post, Quirino Grandstand, National Museum Complex, Baluarte de San Diego, Fort Santiago, Embassy of the United States of America
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
Luneta Hotel
Originally completed in 1919, The Luneta Hotel is another gem among other historic hotels in Metro Manila. It is the sole recorded surviving structure in the Philippines with French Renaissance architectural influence, combined with Filipino stylized Beaux-Arts. Despite closing its doors in 1987, it was given a new lease of life when it was reopened in May 2014. For posterity, a historical marker was also installed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines right at its front doors.
The hotel is conveniently located across Rizal Park and a few minutes walk from the United Nations LRT Station.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: 414 Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Rizal Park, Luneta Park, Manila Baywalk, 0km Post, Quirino Grandstand, National Museum Complex, Baluarte de San Diego, Fort Santiago, Embassy of the United States of America
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
Bayview Park Hotel
With 75 years of hospitality business experience, Bayview Park Hotel is one of the choice destinations for leisure and business. The original structure was built in the early 20th century. It was later demolished to give way to the widening of the road that is now known as Roxas Boulevard. The building we see today was built after the said major road development.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: 1118 Roxas Boulevard corner United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Manila Baywalk, Embassy of the United States of America, Ermita Church, Rizal Park, Luneta Park, Coconut Palace, Centennial Clock
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible, pet-friendly
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Launched in 1976, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is a prominent name in Philippine hospitality industry. This 5-star luxury resort hotel has been a constant witness to countless special celebrations.
National Artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso P. Santos Jr. are the masterminds of its classic geometric architectural style. Its interiors are a combination of local tradition and innovation. It was originally named Plaza Hotel, but following the transfer to new management and a large-scale renovation in 2007, it was renamed Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Star City, Coconut Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Folk Arts Theater
Time: Check-in, 3:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible, pet-friendly
Miramar Hotel
The Art Deco style in architecture rose to fame in the United States and Western Europe during the 1930s. This style later found itself creeping across the globe and the Philippines was unable to escape its grasp.
Sticking out amid modern 21st century structures, the Miramar Hotel is the epitome of a classic Art Deco building. Serving visitors and travelers since the 1930s, the hotel transports its guests back to the city’s gloried past. It provides a perfect starting point for those who want to learn about Manila’s rich cultural heritage.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: United Nations Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Rizal Park, Luneta Park, Manila Baywalk, 0km Post, Quirino Grandstand, National Museum Complex, Baluarte de San Diego, Fort Santiago, Embassy of the United States of America
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
The Heritage Hotel Manila
On the site of its predecessor, Manila Hilton, The Heritage Hotel Manila was born. Since its launch in August 1994, it has seen countless celebrations of special occasions and accommodated various corporate gatherings. During the 1996 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in the Philippines, the hotel hosted several delegates from participating countries who attended the momentous event during its Manila leg.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: Roxas Boulevard corner Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: SM MOA, SM MOA Globe, Bluebay Walk, MET Live Mall, Double Dragon Plaza
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
The Henry Hotel
The Henry Hotel will take you back to post-war Manila as you approach the rows of restored and redeveloped old houses from the 1950s. The property was repurposed into a boutique hotel and officially opened to the public in 2014. Its exteriors and interiors exude an old-world charm with a hint of modern flair.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: A15, 2680 Compound, 2680 F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City, 1302 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Pasay City Hall, Cuneta Astrodome, Embassy of Japan, Bluebay Walk, MET Live Mall, Double Dragon Plaza
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
Midas Hotel
Designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, Midas Hotel first opened its doors in 1968. The management was then passed on to the Hyatt Hotel chain in 1971. After yet another change in ownership, the property finally fell into the hands of its current management and relaunched in December 2010.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: 2702 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Pasay City Hall, Cuneta Astrodome, Embassy of Japan, Bluebay Walk, MET Live Mall, Double Dragon Plaza
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila, also fondly called Manila Pen, has been serving its guests since it first launched in September 1976. Part of the Hong Kong-based The Peninsula Hotels chain, it sits among well-established five-star hotels in Metro Manila. Its most recognizable feature is the massive corner fountain facing the intersection of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue. It was the site of the song performance by Regine Velasquez for the country’s contribution to the global millennium celebration in 2000.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY: Booking.com | Agoda
Address: Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, 1226 Metro Manila
Nearby Landmarks: Ayala Museum, Gabriela Silang Monument, The Landmark, Greenbelt Mall, Glorietta Mall, Ayala Triangle Gardens
Time: Check-in, 2:00 PM; Check-out, 12:00 PM
Plus Points: PWD-accessible
All photos are provided by the hotels featured in this list via Agoda.
Find More Metro Manila Hotels!
If you’re looking for other hotel suggestions around Metro Manila, check out these posts:
- Top 10 Hotels Near Manila Bay
- Top 10 Hotels Near NAIA (Manila Airport)
- Top 10 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Metro Manila
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2023.10.04 – First upload
Related Article: NAIA (Manila Airport) Transportation Guide
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