The 13 Best Hotels In The Philippines, According To The 2019 Forbes Travel Guide List

Surveyors of the Forbes Travel Guide scoured the world to determine which among countless hotels could qualify in their rankings of the world’s best hotels for their 2019 Star Award winners. Not surprisingly, 13 luxury hotels from the Philippines made the list.

This year, the 61st annual list included the biggest and most diverse group of honorees yet.

13 Best Hotels in the Philippines

Forbes expanded their search by including new destinations starting with Anguilla, the first in the chain of the Leeward islands in Puerto Rico, followed by Bahrain and Belize. Also included are Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An in Vietnam, Doha in Qatar, Istanbul, Oman, Perth in Australia, the Swiss Alps, Tel Aviv in Israel and lastly, Uruguay.

How hotels treat their guests

In order to identify those hotels worthy of inclusion on the list, the incognito inspectors of Forbes checked into each and every hotel for at least two nights, posing as normal hotel guests.

From curbside greeting upon arrival at the hotel lobby, to the meticulous arrangement of high-quality toiletries at the toilet counter, they tested up to 900 objectives including that of having fresh flowers or live plants in their guest room, up to the tiniest detail in their services and facilities, covering everything that would exact or even exceed their standards.

Luckily, 13 hotels from the Philippines met their standards and were qualified to be on the list. Here are the 13 best hotels in the country according to Forbes Travel Guide list of awardees this 2019.

The best among the rest

Forbes rated the hotels based on two categories: service and facilities. Seventy-five percent of their score will be based on service, the hotel staffs graciousness, thoughtfulness, and personalized assistance.

The remaining 25% will be determined by the quality of their facilities. From this, surveyors will then craft a comprehensive 727,000 words report of their visit per hotel in the given year.

Those who will gain the rating of 70% to 79.99% will be receiving the award Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel 2019. Those earning 80% to 89.99% however will be given the Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award 2019, and the latter who will get 90%+++ proving their exceptional delivery of service in their destination will be receiving the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star award 2019.

Thirteen hotels from the Philippines were included in the prestigious list for 2019. Four of those bagged the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star award rating, six were given the Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award while the remaining three were awarded as being a Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel.

13 Best Hotels in the Philippines and their awards from Forbes

Hotel

Award

Conrad Manila

Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel 2019

Makati Shangri-La, Manila

Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel 2019

Pan Pacific Manila

Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel 2019

Fairmont Makati

Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award 2019

Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams

Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award 2019

Nobu Hotel City of Dreams Manila

Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award 2019

Nuwa Spa City of Dreams Manila

Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award 2019

Raffles Makati

Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award 2019

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Forbes Travel Guide 4-star award 2019

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Forbes Travel Guide 5-star award 2019

Nuwa City of Dreams Manila

Forbes Travel Guide 5-star award 2019

Sky Tower at Solaire Resort and Casino

Forbes Travel Guide 5-star award 2019

The Peninsula Manila

Forbes Travel Guide 5-star award 2019

The Peninsula Hotels surfaced as the biggest winner after receiving the award of “First all Five-Star Hotel company” in Forbes Travel Guide, bagging all 5-star ratings in their 10 top rated hotels. This inaugural award was also a first in the history of Forbes.

(Read: 11 Affordable Hotels In Metro Manila)

World-class quality

Only 20% of the total number of hotels were given the 5-star award rating. Four hotels from the Philippines qualified for such and the remaining 9 either got the 4-star rating or the recommended rating. Here is why:

1. Conrad Manila

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Price range: P10,000 to P30,000 per night

Facilities and services:

  • Luxury spa
  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Infinity swimming pool and pool bar
  • Direct link to the SMX Convention Center
  • Extensive MICE facilities, including a pillarless Grand Ballroom
  • Outdoor function space overlooking the city
  • 347 stylish guest rooms and suites with state-of-the-art amenities
  • Two restaurants, a bar, and a lobby café/chocolatier

Positioned atop S Maison, a high-end retail complex on the edge of Manila Bay, the visually striking Conrad Manila offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Makati; but is also just 15 minutes away from the airport via the NAIA expressway.

2. Makati Shangri-La, Manila

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Price range: P9,500 to P40,000 per night

Facilities and Services:

  • 696 rooms and suites
  • 4 restaurants and three bars
  • Swift access to business and shopping districts
  • Meeting rooms and conference facilities
  • Taxi and Limousine Service
  • Facilities for the physically challenged
  • Postal/Courier Service
  • Butler Service in Specialty Suites
  • Babysitting and child care services
  • 24-hour room service

A stay at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, offers the opportunity to experience Manila from the very center of the city’s prestigious business, shopping, and entertainment district.

The hotel presents 696 well-appointed rooms and suites, which are brimming with elegant modern comforts and a touch of local color. Guests can even explore an appetite for adventurous culinary experiences at Makati Shangri-La, Manila’s award-winning restaurants and bars.

3. Pan Pacific Manila

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Price range: P8,000 to P60,000 per night

Facilities and Services:

  • 24-hour express check-in and check-out
  • Babysitting service
  • VIP Gym
  • Health and Fitness Center
  • Outdoor Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi
  • Poolside Bar and Lounge
  • Sun deck
  • Pacific Lounge
  • Complimentary use of cellphone upon request
  • Complimentary use of meeting area at the Pacific Lounge

Pan Pacific Manila is a 236-room business hotel located in Malate, next to Manila’s heritage and historical landmarks. With its central location, the hotel also finds itself near convention centers, business hubs, retail and dining establishments, as well as entertainment and leisure spots. Combining modern comfort and elegance, Pan Pacific Manila is your perfect five-star escape.

4. Fairmont Makati

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Price Range: P5,100 to P45,000 per night

Facilities and Services:

  • 280 spacious deluxe guest rooms and suites
  • Fairmont Gold, the hotel’s exclusive hotel within a hotel
  • Home to the ever-famous Willow Stream Spa
  • Fourth-floor outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace and leisure facilities
  • Underground Passage to Shopping Malls
  • Babysitting Services
  • IT Butler service
  • Computer stations with high-speed Internet access
  • Secretarial, courier, printing, photocopying and facsimile services

The Fairmont Makati hotel is an urban sanctuary for both business and leisure travelers. Each 280 elegantly-designed guest rooms & suites are fitted with smart amenities, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a marble spa bathroom accentuated by their signature Le Labo bath set. Let them indulge you with a variety of amenities with an expression of cosmopolitan life at its finest, all accompanied by the hospitality the Philippines is known for around the world.

5. Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams

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Price Range: P10,000 to P 20,000 per night

Facilities and services:

  • 363 guestrooms
  • 315-seater Restaurant
  • Stylish Bar and Lounge
  • Casino
  • DreamPlay
  • Outdoor pool
  • Nightclub
  • Fitness center
  • Childcare
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Easy access to different landmarks

A stylish airport hotel at City of Dreams, Hyatt Regency Manila is perfect for important meetings, or even just exploring the capital or reconnecting with friends. The hotel is ideal for travelers who want to do more during their stay with limited time.

6. Nobu Hotel City of Dreams Manila

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Price range: P9,000 to P25,000 per night

Facilities and services:

  • Skilled therapists at Nobu spa
  • Biomechanically engineered Life Fitness strength training at Nobu Fitness
  • Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical views at Nobu Pool
  • Premium gastronomic adventure at 6 different restaurants
  • Casinos
  • Nightclub
  • Top-of-the-line events & entertainment
  • DreamPlay
  • Shopping and more

A first-of-its-kind boutique hotel, Nobu Hotel in Asia is a collaboration between Melco Resort Philippines Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Nobu Hospitality partners including Robert DeNiro and film producer Meir Teper. Nobu Hotel City of Dreams Manila appeals to the large and rapidly expanding market of vibrant Asian and international destination leisure and entertainment seekers.

(Read: The 10 Best Luxury Hotels In Manila)

7. Nuwa Spa City of Dreams Manila

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Price range: P3,800 to P5,300 for 1 to 1.5 hours spa treatment (HEAL-OT); P9,000 to P12,000 for 2 to 2.5 hours spa treatment (Nuwa Spa Journey); P1,500 to P3,500 for other spa and salon treatments

Facilities and services:

  • Signature spa suite journeys
  • Philippines’ age-old healing techniques they call HEAL-OT
  • Therapeutic massage collections
  • Wellness programs
  • Express Services
  • In-depth skin analysis facial
  • Exfoliation and wraps with the use of botanical sea salts
  • Other salon services
  • Private lockers

Nuwa Spa offers a tranquil oasis away from the demands of the city life where professionally trained therapists take you on a deeply relaxing and personalized spa journey, to a sense of utmost well-being and harmony for the mind, body and spirit. Bask in pleasure in their aqua retreat which features a vitality pool, aroma steam, a relaxation and outdoor pool which are designed exclusively by Omorovizca.

8. Raffles Makati

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Price range: P11,500 to P23,500 per night

Facilities and services:

  • 30-story complex
  • Located at the heart of Makati
  • The first luxury hotel to open in the Makati Central Business District (CBD)
  • 32 large suites
  • Large floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Mesmerizing views of the Makati cityscape
  • Offers a range of exceptional venue
  • Has Various dining destinations
  • Near various special landmarks such as Fort Santiago, Intramuros and Malacañang Palace
  • Offers residential units
  • Surrounded by a number of art and heritage traces such as the Ayala Museum
  • Walking distance to shopping areas

Raffles Makati is 30-story architectural masterpiece set in the heart of Philippines’ lifestyle and financial district, providing a graceful and elegant ambiance for discerning travelers, with every individual need catered for by Raffles Butlers.

9. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

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Price Range: P6,500 to P18,000 per night

Facilities and services:

  • Features 609 guestrooms with 2 Opera suites, 12 Family suites and 32 Sofitel Suites
  • Presents a rich selection of delectable cuisines
  • Home to the ever-famous Spiral Restaurant
  • Offers an indoor trendy lounge that opens to an outdoor terrace
  • A haven of stylish elegance at their Le Bar French Bistro
  • Optimum lounging and viewing experience at their Snaps Sports Bar
  • Houses an outdoor dining venue which features mouth-watering grilled barbecue specialties
  • Clubs, private dining and events
  • Has 17 function rooms in a variety of sizes
  • Their Grand Plaza Ballroom can abode up top 2,000 guests
  • A local to various international spas and salons

Luxuriate in tropical elegance with spectacular Manila Bay sunsets, lavish surrounds, and an exquisite French touch at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza – The top 5-star luxury resort hotel in Manila. Stroll through landscaped gardens as you explore extensive leisure facilities. Swim the day away in a luxuriant lagoon-style pool and take a refreshing break beneath its cascading waterfalls. Retreat to the spa for soothing massage or state-of-the-art skin therapy.

(Read: 5 Best Hotel Pools In Metro Manila For A Cool Escape This Summer)

10. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

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Price Range: P6,400 – P26,400 per night

Facilities and Services:

  • 316 luxurious guestrooms
  • Continental Club floors offers the best view of the bustling Ortigas Skyline and a panoramic valley and mountain views.
  • Indoor infinity pool overlooking the Ortigas cityscape
  • Round-the-clock business services
  • Conference Room Rental
  • Secretarial Services
  • Office Equipment Rental
  • Has a facility dedicated exclusively for kids (Piccolo Kids Club)

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila takes pride as it gets recognized once again in the global hospitality landscape with the Five-Star Award, for the second time. Nestled in the vibrant and growing commercial business district of the country it offers its discerning guests 316 spacious and well-designed rooms and suites, including two Continental Club floors that accord unrivalled privileges and benefits.

11. Nuwa City of Dreams Manila

13 Best Hotels in the Philippines

Price range: P10,000 to 31,100 per night

Facilities and services:

  • State-of-the-art machines from the country’s leading fitness brand Precor at Nuwa Fitness
  • Home to the 4-star rated spa by Forbes, Nuwa Spa
  • Offers an outdoor pool surrounded by stunning views
  • You can also enjoy an exclusive dip at their private cabanas
  • Houses a number of international food choices and restaurants
  • Nightclub
  • Casinos

Nuwa Hotel City of Dreams Manila is a fresh face at the Forbes Travel Guide 2019 awardees. Formerly known as Crown Towers properties, it has been rebranded as Nuwa Hotel last January 2018. Inspired by the eponymous heroine from Chinese mythology – referring to the goddess of order who created humans and saved the world from destruction – NÜWA is seen to represent classic Asian refinement.

12. Sky Tower at Solaire Resort and Casino

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Price range: P10,000 to P95,400 per night

Facilities and services:

  • Houses a total of 10 spacious meeting and conference rooms
  • Offers an exclusive luxury hub for gun and shooting aficionados
  • The Solaire Gym is equipped with the latest and most advanced gym equipment from Technogym
  • Feel refreshed and renewed at their Wellness Spa
  • Indulge in the calmness and serenity of water at their Azure Pool
  • 1,740-seat lyric theater with high-tech audio
  • Casinos
  • Satisfy your taste buds at their world-class fine dining restaurants
  • Indulge in a roll and explore Solaire’s signature luxury boutiques

Solaire offers you the best and finest accommodations and amenities at its Bay and Sky Towers. The well-appointed rooms and suites at the Sky Tower has garnered the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for two consecutive years no and is considered as one of the best luxury hotels in the world. Enjoy exceptional dining options, exciting entertainment offers, and a remarkable hotel experience at Solaire Resort & Casino.

13. The Peninsula Manila

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Price Range: P7,500 to P120,000 per night

Facilities and services:

  • 24-hour dining and beverage service
  • Offers a unique eating experience with its various in-house dining places
  • The Peninsula Manila Spa boasts the most modern treatments and facilities in the city.
  • Fitness Centre provides guests with modern cardiovascular and strength-training machines as well as a full range of free weight-training equipment by world-renowned lifestyle brand Life Fitness.
  • 22-meter sparkling azure waters at The Peninsula Manila Pool
  • Flexible event spaces that adapt well to your meeting or conference needs

Located in the center of Makati City, The Peninsula Manila has set the benchmark for luxury and sophistication for over four decades. Known affectionately as the “Jewel in the Capital’s Crown” for its legendary presence in the heart of the Philippines’ primary business district, it is a luxurious haven of comfort, of quality service and of fine cuisine.

This makes it as much a favorite with discerning locals as it is with visitors from overseas. The Peninsula Manila belongs to the inaugurated Hong-Kong based brand—The Peninsula Hotels, with all of its 10 top-rated hotels earning 5-star ratings from Forbes.