I'm starting a separate thread for Hotels in the Manila Embassy and St. Luke's area. If you have any direct experiences staying at these hotels please post. Just mentioning a hotel because it's in the area isn't all that useful though. For myself, I'm particularly interested in security and safety. Here's a list to discuss:

Aloha Hotel (near US Embassy)
2150 Roxas Boulevard. Malate, Manila, Philippines

Bayview Hotel (across the street from the US Embassy)
1118 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila, Philippines

Best Western Hotel La Corona
1166 Mh Del Pilar Arquiza Street, Manila

Cherry Blossoms Hotel (near St. Luke’s)
550 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila

City Garden Suites
1158 Mabini St., Ermita, Manila

Executive Plaza Hotel
1630 A. Mabini Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines

Las Palmas Hotel
1616 A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila, Philippines

Lotus Garden Hotel Manila (walk to Embassy, formerly Royal Palm Hotel)
1227 A. Mabini corner Padre Faura Sts., Manila, Philippines

Mandarin Oriental
Makati

Miramar (near US Embassy)
1034-36 Roxas Boulevard (UN Avenue Corner Roxas Boulevard) Ermita, Manila, Philippines

ONE BEATRIZ TOWER CONDOTEL (Nearest Hotel to CFO Office)
Walking distance from CFO Manila, across from NCBA (National College of Business Administration).

Palm Plaza Hotel
526 Pedro Gil cor M. Adriatico St., Malate, Manila, Philippines

Paragon Tower Hotel
531 A. Flores St., Ermita, Manila, Philippines

Pearl Garden Hotel
1700 M ADRIATICO STREET, CORNER GENERAL MALVAR ST, MALATE, METRO MANILA

Ralph Anthony Suites
Ma. Orosa corner Engracia Reyes Streets Ermita Manila

Soriente Hotels, Inc.
545 A. Flores St., Ermita, Manila

SWAGMAN RPL HOTEL MANILA
411 A. FLORES ST. ERMITA, MANILA

My fiancee (then) and her Mom stayed at the Bayview for a week and reported that the hotel was ok. It was a bit more expensive than others. My friend who lives in Cagayan on Mindanao always stays at the Swagman any time he is in Manila but I have heard it is a bit more of a seedy hotel.

Yes what I'm hearing about the Bayview is that it's OK but you pay for the convenience of being right across the street. I've also heard that the Swagman isn't taken care of very well.

Well you pay for where you stay! hehehe

Seedy hotels are cheap but do the job if you can stand them, a safe clean hotel is better if you can afford it. Sadly we will have too choose the seedier hotel.

It would also be nice too the price ranges of the hotels listed my friend.

So far for an inexpensive place Cherry Blossoms Hotel seems to be an OK choice.

i've stayed at the mandarin oriental in makati, it's nice but quite a long ways from st. luke's and the embassy.

I've heard that the hotels in Makati are nicer than in Ermita (and the area is nicer too).

Thanks again as always garya505!

It's adjacent to Robinson's Mall and there are ATMs just outside the door. Prices seem to be about P1800 to P1900 and they have free breakfast. The only complaint I have seen is that it "doesn't look nice".

Personally I wouldn't mind paying a little more for a nicer place, if someone can give me a good reason to.

Hi garya505 and to all! Happy New Year!

I will be staying in City Garden Suites together with some girls here on VJ for our Medical exam later this month. Anyone stayed there before? How far it is from St Lukes? And how will you "rate" it? [5-1 (5 as A-ok)].

Thanks,
Mari

hi! yes i been in aloha hotel many times..iam very comfortable there.they got nice and clean room..and they have camera survelance 24 hours..in those stairs and elevator..it safe! they have thier chinese restauant downstairs...you can see also the nice view of roxas boulivard....and very affordable prize...

The City Garden Suites looks like it might be step up from the Cherry Blosssoms Hotel. A little more expensive but may be worth it.
http://www.citygardenhotels.com

for my cfo and interview we stayed at bayview and it was cool. u get $20 cheaper (3,375 to 2,300) if you booked to asiatravel.com than pay directly to a hotel and thats w/ free b-fast for 2

for my med we chose another route thinking we could go cheaper plus nearer so we stayed at palm plaza. $20 cheaper (2900 to 1900) thru travel agent again. it was ok but theres no free b-fast coz maybe we paid cheaper i guess. lol... and the hot shower isnt that hot so i was freezing at 2:30 am coz i woke early for my med... but its walking distance to robinson mall so mcdonald's and starbucks everyday is not half as bad!

http://www.precisionreservations.com/MapMa...;Hotel_id=10552

check the map of the different hotels near the embassy and st. luke

The poor man's hotel: My wife and I always stay at a cheap hotel at the Catholic Center (the late Cardinal Sin's place) when in Manila. Think it's called the Peus. Twin beds-have mattress (we sleep together on one), cold water only in CR, aircon, a few mosquitoes, walk downstairs and out the door and go to mass in the square. Have interesting talking birds in a large pen. Fairly safe place for us in daytime-around the corner from the Manila Police Station. If you are used to staying in the provinces and sleeping on wood beds with the mosquitoes keeping you awake at night, and you are money-conscious, this is a decent place. Internet cafe and 7-Eleven, McDonald's, ChowKing, Wendy's, and Jollibee in close walking distance, and jeepneys heading to embassy/St. Luke's all very close. I think it's 400 or 500 pisos a head per night.
Gary

I stayed at Pearl Garden in 2005 check my previous comments on that place ! I really liked it! Very clean , safe and staff looks out for u! ( I am a girl LOL!) Its in Malate, kinda a party place but hotel is quiet and safe , I highly recommend the coffee in d morning! I am a white chick (lmao!)and I was out and about walked to RObinsons, went shopping, blah blah no one tried to mug me harr harr, only just the typical guys whistling etc etc My friend stayed at the ALoha ( i briefly was there for a half hour picking her up for dinner in 2006.....i don't get it, carpeting in d tropics? OK watever, it reminded me of some place here in New York , its really big , and kinda intimidating, maybe a little snooty???It seemed clean from as far as i can see, Oh well .....i like pearl garden better. I dont know about checking out Pensionne hauses in Manila area, I stayed in pensionne haus in Ilocos, beuatiful and good prices, is it true they are like government sponsored or sumthing? Worth looking into for manila area....?????

let me stick to the topic, ok safety- aloha hotel I noticed it was so crowded anyone could walk in....
pearl garden-has security guard(armed??) in front 24 hours and wont let u in unless u r a guest staying there. Our guests couldnt go up to our room, they had to meet us in lobby which was fine.....sorry guys i think i have attention defecit disorder!

Ran across this site. I think I'm leaning towards The Pavillion when I go back for Sheryl's interview. After reading the reviews seems like it might be better option than some of the hotels closest to the embassy. It's near Robinson's Mall by St Lukes, so if I remeber right that puts it within a mile of the embassy.

http://www.asiarooms.com/

I always stay at the Heritage on the corner of EDSA and Roxas, location is perfect for me and Security is top notch. Private safe in room, and my guests are treated respectfully, I would however go down to the lobby and meet them. Free breakfast (really good), if you gamble theres a casino (i do not), a bank in the casino (good exchange rate) room service rocks and many other amenities. all around pretty good hotel. I always book through precision reservations, prices seem to be p3250 in the off season and p4250 in season.
Ymmv

That's good info about the Pearl Garden.

I stayed at the Heritage once. Yes they have a safe in the room but it wasn't attached to anything! The breakfast was very good, but I paid about $80US.

Dude, the safes in my rooms have ALWAYS been anchored rock solid. did you actually try to move it?...they are perched on a feeble looking shelf, but anchored solidly through the back. I regularly lift unassisted, a 325 pound machine onto and off of a service truck...and I cant even wiggle the safes, I ALWAYS try because, its a valid point that if someone can carry it away its useless. I feel sure if in fact it was loose, a call to the desk would either get another room or a prompt repair. and yes the rate runs from about 64-84USD per night, depending on season.

[quote name='garya505' date='Jan 3 2007, 07:14 PM' post='645473']
That's good info about the Pearl Garden.

Yeah it looks like a good step up from the Cherry Blossoms Hotel, i check online and it is about 39USD a night.

My question is: should i book it online for her stay (her, her son and her mom) or let her call them too get the room paying for it when she arrives?

We was thinking a 10 day stay. checking in on Jan 23 (2 days before her and her son medical and checking out on Feb 2nd (day after the interview)

You said Cherry Blossoms Hotel was about 35USD a night, so not bad.

I have personally stayed in the Madarin in Makati, great hotel, very expensive and in the middle of the Makatia bisiness district.
Also stayed in the Executive Plaza and for the money is by far one of the best hotels near the Embassy. We have reservations through Precision Reservation including taxes $38 a night in the Executive.
Lots of friends choose the City Garden but say it is run down and only good if you are on a budget and can not afford to stay anywhere else. They also said it is good for 1-2 night but not much more.
Swagman is an old hotel and I have not stayed there in several years but the frequent travelers like it for the budget and transportation services.
I have also stayed in the Diamond and Pan Pacific (not on your list), both in malate walking distance to the Embassy but again very expensive. Both of these hotels are excellent and utilized by the Embassy staff and Embassy visitors.
For the sake of being near the Embassy, stay in the Ermita and Malate areas. Good luck, Ken & Maria

My short list, for now:

Pavilion Hotel
United Nations Ave, Ermita, Manila 1000
Business Center (internet access)
$41 Jan 8-12 (www.precisionreservations.com). Rating 4.0

Lotus Garden Hotel Manila (formerly Royal Palm Hotel)
1227 A. Mabini corner Padre Faura Sts., Manila
Tel: (632)522-1515 Fax: (632)522-0768 Manager: ELENITA MENDOZA
24-hour Security, Business Center (internet access), Safe Deposit Box, Restaurant, near Robinsons Mall, across from Jollibee.
$30 Jan 8-12 (www.precisionreservations.com). Rating 3.5

City Garden Suites
1158 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. (632)536-1451 Fax: (632)524-4844 Toll-Free: 1-800-1-888-6789
24-hour Security, Business Center (internet access), Safe Deposit Box, Restaurant, near Robinsons Mall.
$35 Jan 8-12 (www.precisionreservations.com). Rating 3.0

Cherry Blossoms Hotel
550 J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. (632)524-7631 or 524-7636 Manager: RODNEY C. ROBOSA


Got any feedback???

Gary only sugestion is to use precisionreservations and read the latest reviews on each hotel. There are too many opinions on what each person considers a good hotel. I personally di not like the City Garden but have friends stay there all the time. Just google precision reservations they typically get you better prices then booking direct with the hotel. Ken

hi all!!!
since i experienced cold shower at palm plaza i wana book las palmas for my up coming trip to manila... i would have wanted bayview but mom wanted to be near at the shopping mall. anybody here heard or experienced some positive/negative outcomes from this hotel???!!! thanks

Hey everyone just FYI. I have found that this site is cheaper than precision reservations. I compared same 3 days staying at Manila Pavillion. Precision was $178, Asiarooms was $162. Precision doesn't include the taxes and fees in their up front room fees, Asiarooms does. From what I have read in thier customer reviews they look to be reliable (I'm sure they delete the bad ones ).

http://www.asiarooms.com/

Hey Gary. Are these discounted rates for your membership or something? I'm not finding the same rates for the same hotels through Precision.

I personally stayed at Las Palmas.....great hotel for the money....grand lobby, close to everything plus a stone throw from the Robinson Gallery. 1600 pesos walk in.....best value for that money

I don't know, I did it very late last night and I don't remember.

Do you know if we can pay for the room in advance by US credit card on www.asiarooms.com or www.precisionreservations.com if we're not one of the guests? My fiancee will be there with a friend and she can pay it, but it's easier if I can just pay it before she arrives.

Gotcha.

Well not sure about those sites. When I went to Manila last time Sheryl met me there and arrived at the hotel before I did. I made sure her name was also added to the reservation. This was through hotels.com. The only problem we had is the deposit they ask for the possible phone use etc. After much going back and forth Sheryl gave it to them in cash and it was refunded once I got there and provided my credit card.

I've been to Bayview Hotel and Palm Plaza. They're fine, and not so expensive.

Francel

I've been to Bayview Hotel and Palm Plaza. They're fine, and not so expensive.

Francel

I agree, Ma ndarin Oriental will be farther. Its a five-star hotel though. But no one needs a five-star hotel really during P.E.

Francel

My last trip to the Philippines, I stayed at both Cherry blossom and Adriatico Arms. Both are ok places to stay and are about the same price. Cherry Blossom is right next to Robinsons Place and Adriatico Arms is about 4 blocks away.

I thought Adriatico Arms was a little nicer place but no elevator (or atleast that I could find). It is a small hotel with only 28 rooms. My girl friend's family stay there when ever they go to Manila.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonigirl/222783135/

Adriatico Arms
Address: 560 J. Nakpil St. at Adriatico St
Phone: 2/521-0736
Fax: 2/525-6214

when i had my medical last january 4-5, 2007...me, my son and my fiance, stayed at DIAMOND HOTEL
larry always wants a comfortable hotel..and at that time, the hotel was fully booked due to 400 chinese people who'll stay in the hotel, so the only room left was the executive suite..and we got the suite for $308 per night.and we stayed there fr 4 days...but worth it though.. before we always stay at HYATT REGENCY for $198 a night but for some reason the hotel is closed now...

but i dont know how much they charge for the regular rooms.

DIAMOND HOTEL
roxas boulevard cor. Dr.J Quintos st. Manila 1000 philippines
tel. (632) 528-3000 facsimile (632) 526-2255
http://www.diamondhotel.com

Hehe, I'm answering on my own topic.


My fiancee is at the Lotus Garden Hotel this week (Jan 8-13) and she says she likes it. She says there are guards at the front door, the desk staff is nice, and it was quiet last night on the upper floor she's on. I'll have a report on the included breakfast and internet access (if any) later. She is also checking the walking distance and time to St. Luke's this afternoon. She will be there most of the week so if you let me know of any specific questions you have I can ask her.

We paid $50 but they may have rooms for $45. We got the second lowest price thinking it might be a little nicer.

If anyone needs a reccomendation on good hotel for the price. Palm Plaza is a very good price if you call or text a man named Tony Avn. He works for the hotel and can give discounts. His number is 09198111296. I have stayed ther a couple times before. He offers a room for P2000. We usually stay at Holiday Inn Galleria, but I have stayed at Palm Plaza twice and it was nice, clean, safe and convenient. It's a big savings for us also. 10 days for P20,000 VS Holiday in at P65,000 for the same length of stay.

Thanks all

The five-star hotels are the expensive ones which includes Manila Diamond Hotel, New Hyatt Hotel, Pan Pacific (room, food, service and security are great are better as expected than the others) . Manila Pavilion is 4-star hotel and i like the food breakfast too. While Bay view is 3-star, it is nearest the embassy so very convinient but i dont like their room including their bathroom.

Glenn, I guess nice depends on the person? I was in the Las Palmas (rt next door to the Exec Plaza) and did not like it. The rooms were old and the street side rooms could hear the traffic all night long even though we were on the 7th floor. The rate was 2600 peso a night. Our phone did not work (got it fixed) the staff was suplada and less than helpful. The Hotel is old and run down but it is clean. For the price you can find newer nicer hotels in Manila.
Warning to all that do not travel Manila frequently, there are taxi driver vultures camped outside the Las Palmas and Exec Plaza that do not use meters.... insist on the meter taxi and do not buy the 50 peso over meter crap from the driver. It is no more than 150 peso to the airport and these hotels are walking distance to the Embassy and Robinson Mall. Good luck, Payato

Ya I'll conform that about the taxis. My fiancee was a newbie in Manila and got charged P750 from the airport to EPCI bank (CFO seminar location) on Taft!

Going back to the airport (on meter) from Lotus Garden Hotel to airport was P250.

Wow the price is really good. do you have a website for that or just address and telephone number... I'm looking for a cheap please to stay for 2 days..God bless

hyatt regency moved and is now called the hyatt hotel and casino. I have gotten a beautiful room as low as usd..130.00, but without advance reservation about usd..190.00... also for 5 star service try the century park hotel. its a little more reasonable and very nice... since I always have a driver I'm really not sure of the address..

this thread was started before the Philippine Forum existed. maybe it should be moved there....