The Hotels of Makati in Manila
Manila is a big city. Its premier financial center area is called Makati. This is where one can find the fancy malls, restaurants, hotels as well as the Philippine's version of Wall Street called Ayala Avenue. This is also the place where the gated mansions of the very rich Filipinos are located.
The place feels and looks upscale. It is a safe place and this is where many visitors to the country also stay before heading out to visit the fabulous beaches of the Philippines spread out over 7,100 islands.
I stay here every time I return to the Philippines. I find it odd though that for a developing country like the Philippines, its hotels can be more expensive than some I have stayed in both in the US and Europe.
Nonetheless, its hotels have some of the prettiest lobbies I have ever seen in the whole world. On my first full day back in Makati in Manila, I was impressed by what I saw.
The lobby of the brand spanking new Fairmont Hotel Makati
Beautiful floral arrangements dot the hotel throughout
One of the Fairmont Raffles Hotel's restaurants
Nice lounge area, don't you think?
Chandelier at the Raffles Hotel Makati
The Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel Makati
Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel Makati
Cafe Macaroon of the Fairmont Hotel Makati
Cafe Macaroon of the Fairmont Hotel Makati
Fairmont Hotel
Shangrila HOtel Makati
Shangrila Hotel Makati
The grand chandelier of the Shangrila Hotel in Makati
Shangrila Hotel Makati
Holiday Inn Makati
Philippine baskets on display at the Holiday Inn
The Manila Peninsula
One of the buildings of the Manila Peninsula
The lobby of the Manila Peninsula. The Peninsula may no longer be the newest hotel in the city but its lobby remains my favorite. It is a truly elegant place people flock to for afternoon tea or simply hang out. As one cliché goes: It is the place to see and be seen.
The Intercontinental Hotel, literally one of the oldest hotels in the city. No longer as grand and as elegant as it used to be but still popular due to its very, very central location. IN fact, its location can't be beat.
The lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel
A vignette in one corner of the Intercontinental Hotel using Philippine furniture and accessories
A Filipino painting
The Dusit Thani Hotel