On my recent trip to the Philippines, I had to check out hotels in Manila and decide where I would spend the week. I had stayed in the Dusit Thani and the Picasso hotels in Makati before. However, both hotels had ridiculously raised their rates and I decided to stay in the Tower Inn once again. I first stayed there last April 2014.

I like the Tower Inn Makati. It is a mid-range hotel with reasonable rates and it offers quality accommodations. I was suspicious of the quality of this hotel in the beginning. However, after having stayed here twice now in the last ten months, I give it two thumbs up. Do bear in mind that should you want luxury for the price you pay here, you will be better off in the Raffles Fairmont Hotel across the street, the Manila Shangrila, or the Peninsula at double or triple the price.

Its location is definitely a big plus. It is literally just a block away from the Landmark Mall, the Gloriettas, and all the restaurants. Our room here had very strong airconditioning, several cable channels, and free breakfast to boot. I liken it to the suburban Courtyard by Marriott, the Fairfield Inn, and the La Quinta of California and Nevada in terms of quality.

I find it truly ironic that Manila hotels charge an arm and a leg for its rooms. Many hotels are actually more expensive than hotels in the US and Europe. As a traveler for most of my life, I have learned to check out places and not be wowed by famous hotel chains when searching for accommodations. I do want my hard earned dollar to go a long way when looking for a place to stay. I do try to remember that a hotel room is no more than a place to rest at night and not much more. Of course, cleanliness and location are key.

Just like one reviewer on Tripadvisor wrote after a recent stay at the Tower Inn, its room rates did go up. To top it off there were now taxes applied on the room rates unlike before.

How I wish the hotel's management published the real rates on its current website. It is but honest that they do so that anyone who reserves a room with them doesn't get any shock upon check out. A week before a planned trip to the Philippines, I emailed them about a room reservation. To my dismay, no one answered back. It was a good thing I called long distance to reserve. I was told that the person in charge of answering all email inquiries was on vacation. Anyway, the lady who answered my call did manage to reserve the room I wanted. I wouldn't mind staying here again although should rates go up even further, I think I would have to look elsewhere. For now, I am quite satisfied with this Philippine chain of hotels. See you next time, Tower Inn.