The Manila Hotel has an old but elegant and luxurious style. Marble and stone finishing, tall ceilings and a grand piano at the back with a musician playing pleasant music greets you as you walk through the entrance.
Lacking points from my personal experience:
1. The carpet floors need to be replaced. I had to change rooms because the first room I got had an unpleasant smell to it (they quickly changed my room after I went to the reception, so it wasn't terrible) and although I didn't notice until the end of my stay, the new room's carpet was frayed at the edges.
2. The night mode of the lights (many switches) completely cuts power to the power outlets. I didn't know and ended up waking up to a phone and power bank with a dying battery and needing to stay in the hotel a couple of hours until they finished charging. Maybe just a warning in the future?
The good parts:
1. The service! People are SO accommodating, pleasant and efficient. Reception staff, waiters, bell boys and basically everyone greets you with a smile and tries to solve any problems with utmost focus and cordiality.
2. Traditional pride. Traditional fashion exhibition at the front was a great touch to my visit. The whole place (restaurants, pools, spa, rooms, etc) add to the experience. I could have stayed in the hotel and felt like I hadn't missed Manila's charm.
3. Excellent location. I realised early on that I could literally see every single thing from my "1 day tour of Manila" from my hotel room. Nothing says great location like this.
