Best Hotels in Manila: Makati, BGC & Malate Compared

Manila is the Philippines' sprawling, chaotic, exhilarating capital — a megacity of 24 million people spread across 17 cities and municipalities, each with its own character, hotel scene, and reasons to visit. For travellers arriving for the first time, knowing which part of Metro Manila to base yourself in is just as important as knowing which hotel to book.

This guide compares Manila's major hotel districts — Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Ermita and Malate, and Pasay near the airport — and recommends the best properties in each for different budgets and travel styles.

Manila's Hotel Districts: A Quick Overview

Makati

Makati is the Philippines' financial capital and home to the country's highest concentration of international five-star hotels. The Ayala Triangle area and Greenbelt mall precinct are the focal points, with luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is the best base for business travellers and visitors who want Manila's most polished urban experience.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

BGC is the newest and most planned part of Metro Manila — wide streets, dedicated bike lanes, good air quality (by Manila standards), international restaurants, and a growing number of hotels. It has a slightly sanitised feel compared to the rest of the city but is very comfortable and safe. Popular with expats, digital nomads, and families.

Ermita & Malate

The Ermita-Malate district on Manila Bay is the oldest tourist area in the city and the most affordable. It has the lowest hotel prices of any major Metro Manila district, proximity to Rizal Park and Intramuros, and a lively if somewhat gritty atmosphere. Best for budget travellers and backpackers who want to experience the historical core of Manila.

Pasay (Airport Area)

Pasay surrounds Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Hotels here are primarily transit-oriented — convenient for early flights or late arrivals but not ideal bases for sightseeing. Mall of Asia and Entertainment City are the main non-transit reasons to stay in Pasay.

Best Luxury Hotels in Makati

Raffles Makati

Raffles Makati is the city's most prestigious hotel — a relatively small, residence-style property with suites rather than standard rooms, a legendary Sunday brunch, and service standards that consistently rank among the best in Asia. Suites from 18,000 PHP per night. Every detail — from the locally designed art in the corridors to the afternoon tea service — reflects thoughtful Philippine hospitality at its finest.

The Peninsula Manila

The Peninsula is a Manila institution — opened in 1976, it has hosted heads of state, royalty, and celebrities, and it remains one of the most reliably excellent hotels in the city. The Lobby is a social hub on weekends, with live music and a crowd of Manila's elite. Rooms from 9,000 PHP per night. The Escolta lobby bar is not to be missed for afternoon drinks.

Shangri-La The Fort, BGC

Shangri-La's BGC property is one of the newest and most impressive hotels in Metro Manila. The rooms are large and beautifully designed, the HEAT pool is a social scene in itself on weekends, and the array of restaurants covers everything from fine dining to casual Japanese. Rooms from 8,500 PHP per night. The location in BGC means better air quality and easier navigation than central Makati.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Manila

Seda Vertis North

Seda is the most reliable Filipino mid-range hotel brand, and the Vertis North property offers great value in a well-connected location near Quezon City. Modern rooms, a pool, a good restaurant, and efficient service from 4,500 PHP per night. Business travellers based in Quezon City particularly value it.

B Hotel Alabang

B Hotel in Alabang is a stylish mid-range option south of the city centre, with a popular rooftop pool, strong WiFi, and comfortable rooms from 3,800 PHP per night. It is less convenient for central Manila attractions but an excellent base for the Alabang-Muntinlupa corridor.

Microtel by Wyndham Ermita

For budget-conscious travellers who want a reliable brand name, Microtel Ermita offers clean, no-frills rooms from 2,200 PHP per night in the Malate area. Close to Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the Manila Bay sunset walk. No pool or restaurant, but everything you need for a transit stop or short Manila visit.

Best Budget Options in Manila

Malate Pensione

One of Manila's best-known budget guesthouses, Malate Pensione has been welcoming backpackers since the 1980s. Fan rooms from 800 PHP per night, air-conditioned rooms from 1,400 PHP. It is dated but clean, central to the Ermita-Malate area, and the staff know the city well enough to answer almost any question a first-time visitor might have.

Z Hostel

Z Hostel in Makati is a design-forward hostel with a rooftop pool and bar — an extraordinary feature for the price. Dorm beds from 700 PHP, private rooms from 2,000 PHP. The rooftop is the social hub of the hostel, with events most evenings. A genuine surprise at the price point.

Practical Tips for Staying in Manila

Traffic in Manila can be extreme — allow two to three hours for journeys across the metro during rush hour (7 to 10am and 5 to 9pm). The MRT and LRT train lines are faster than taxis for some routes. Grab is widely available and more reliable than metered taxis. For airport transfers, always use Grab or official airport taxis from the designated queues.

Manila's neighbourhoods have very different characters — do some research before choosing where to base yourself, as a hotel in Makati puts you in a completely different city than a hotel in Malate, even though they are only eight kilometres apart.

Explore Manila city tours and day trips or browse our complete Philippines accommodation guide for hotels across all islands.