Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a place where millions of people come every year. There are multiple reasons why people decide on that move. Some of them are huge buildings, amazing international and traditional specialties, welcoming locals, and so on. Yet, if you have never been to Manila before, then you probably wonder which hotel and resort are the best.
If you struggle to find the best place, we recommend you continue reading our guide. We will try to briefly analyze the best hotels in Manila and let you decide which one suits you the most. Let’s go!
Solaire Resort
Solaire Resort is one of the first-ever hotel resorts built in Manila. Yet, this old resort has a modern interior design that will make most people speechless. While staying there, you will get the chance to enjoy Red Lantern Chinese Restaurant and Macallan Whiskey Bar. Also, if you want to additionally relax, there is a luxurious spa available for all the guests of the hotel.
We have left the best thing for the end. All the guests will also have the chance to test their luck at a casinothat is part of the resort. Believe it or not, the total size of the Solaire casino is around 200,000 square feet. There, you can find more than 1,200 slot machines and around 300 tables.
Indeed, you can also enjoy some great online casinos in the Philippines, like the ones mentioned on this recommended site, and enjoy gambling from the comfort of a hotel room. That way, you can avoid crowds that are usually present there but miss the opportunity to hang out with other tourists and locals. It is up to you to decide which option suits you the most.
Okada Manila
The owner of this resort is Kazuo Okada. If you want to enjoy the lavish indulgences, then this place is a great option for you. In one place, you will find a wellness center, a sun-drenched pool deck, a spa, and a casino. We have to admit the prices at this resort are a bit higher compared to the previous ones on our list.
Yet, be sure that the comfort and relaxation you will get is worth every penny!
City of Dreams
Resorts like this one really do ensure that you turn some of your dreams into reality. City of Dreams is a resort that includes three different hotels. Their names are Hyatt Hotel, Nobu Hotel Manila and Nuwa Manila. This resort is located on Roxas Boulevard, one of the most luxurious destinations within the town.
For those that do not know, it is located near Manila Bay, another popular destination among tourists. A second after you reach this resort, you will notice that each of the hotels has some specific charm. Each one provides a high level of entertainment, relaxation and comfort.
EDSA Shangri-La Manila
Shangri-La Group is a business organization that possesses three luxurious hotels in Manilla. As you can guess, this is one of them. Opposite the previous hotels and resorts, this one is located in the farther north of the town. The main source of relaxation for guests is the lavish spa treatments supported by tropical flora surroundings.
By reading reviews online, you can conclude on your own that this place looks like heaven!
Manila Prince Hotel
Do you want to experience the taste of old Beijing? Coming to this hotel would be a great choice for people having such a desire. You will get the chance to enjoy old Beijing food. However, that’s not all! Apart from an amazing restaurant, you will also get the chance to enjoy an outdoor pool and banquet hall.
As part of the hotel, there is also a business center and a few meeting rooms. That means this hotel can also be a great choice for entrepreneurs and people involved in the business world. Ultimately, the hotel is pet-friendly, which allows you to have some memorable moments together with your pet.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Would you want to stay in one of the oldest resort hotels in Manila? Sofitel has a long tradition, and it has managed to keep and upgrade its quality over the years. Before everything, we have to highlight the view of Manila Bay, which is exceptional! Even people who have never been to Manila know how crowded this city is.
Yet, this hotel somehow managed to keep noise at a very low level. You won’t feel like you are in a huge town; the atmosphere will remind you of those small Filipino beach towns that are always quiet and peaceful. In addition, guests can enjoy the spa and pool during the entire day.
We have tried to highlight the resorts that will meet everyone’s tastes and expectations. Each one has a specific charm, which is why they deserve to be on this list. Whichever resort you choose, be sure your weekend will be full of joy, relaxation and entertainment!
Are the heat and the humidity of the metro getting to you? Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Or do you feel bored to bits while stuck in your room as you work from home?
It may be high time for you and the fam to take a break from the daily grind and hie off to a quick getaway for a much needed change of scenery.
That’s what Hubby and I did this last weekend. Together with the kiddos -#ExhibitA and #ExhibitB – we went off to a mountain adventure to Timberlands Highlands Resort for some family bonding time and well-deserved R ‘n R.
Here are 8 reasons why you should, too!
1. You won’t have to travel far to get there.
Timberland Highlands Resort is a sprawling property located within Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.
Thanks to the ever-reliable Waze app, we were able to reach the resort in less than an hour from our home in Pasig (not counting our lunch stopover in Marikina).
If traveling by car, it’s also around 40 minutes away from the Batasan area in Quezon City, and a little over an hour away from the cities of Manila and Makati.
Imagine being that close to your staycation destination!
2. It’s your escape back to nature.
Surrounding the Timberland Highlands Resort property are lush greenery with the Sierra Madre mountains as a backdrop.
With this high altitude and its situation away from the busy cities, the area boasts of fresh air and a cooler climate. As is typical with other green spaces, the area is conducive to outdoor activities and socializing while promoting both physical and mental well-being.
3. You can engage in revitalizing physical activity.
One of the physical activities that the fam can do together is taking a leisurely stroll through the path surrounding the property. Doing so brings you to various vantage points to appreciate the surrounding mountainside.
After your invigorating walk, you can all take a dip in the swimming pools to cool down. One is an infinity pool that lets you enjoy the view while taking a swim. The kiddie pool, on the other hand, features a slide and cascading water, guaranteeing lots of fun time in the sun for the little ones.
Adult Pool
Kids Pool
Chillin’ at the Pool with #ExhibitB
Diving in.
If the weather does not permit outdoor activities, you can always engage in physical exertions indoors, thanks to the resort’s well-equipped gym (which got a thumb’s-up from fitness buffs Hubby and #ExhibitA).
Gym
Gym
Did you know that the resort used to be known as Timberland Sports and Nature Club? The indoor sports facilities it was famous for – such as the basketball court, badminton court, table tennis and indoor rock climbing areas are still here for guests to enjoy.
Basketball Court
Badminton Court
Table Tennis
Indoor Rock Climbing
4. The kids are sure to have a great time.
While all the grown ups are exercising and getting into sports, the kids can play and entertain themselves near the pool area, thanks a wide space they can run around in, and kiddie-sized chairs and plush seats. Here, they can learn a game of chess, challenge themselves with Jenga or even spot a mascot or cartoon character handing out treats.
Recreation Area near the Pool Bar
Entertaining games like Jenga
Kiddie-sized chairs and comfy plushy seats
Blippi handing out cookie treats
5. You can settle down to a relaxing retreat.
After your very active day, you can wind down and relax in your well-appointed accommodations. The hotel has 70 fully air-conditioned rooms which can all accommodate two adults and two children sharing the bed with their parents, making the hotel perfect for a family retreat.
The Deluxe Twin is a 35-sqm room situated in the main building, furnished with comfy twin beds.
The Deluxe King, a similar-sized room furnished with a king bed and features a fitted bath tub, is also an option.
At the newly renovated building annexed to the main hotel, you can find the 32-sqm Premiere Deluxe accommodations.
Premier Deluxe Twin
Premier Deluxe Twin
Premier Deluxe King
Premier Deluxe King
All hotel rooms are equipped with a safety deposit box, flat-screen TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi connection and a work desk. (The latter two, in particular, were very helpful during our first day there as I was doing remote work. I was able to log in to three consecutive Zoom meetings, and was presenting in two of them with nary a dropped call or frozen screen.)
Note: Mobile phone signal may be spotty in the room and at some other locations within the hotel so I would suggest logging your devices into the hotel WiFi. That way, you can be reachable via online messaging to your work colleagues and family members (if you want to be reachable, that is, hehehe!)
Other room features include toilet and bath (with hot and cold shower), dental kits, bath items such as soap, bath gel and shampoo from Aum Spa, a minibar, a coffee/tea set and bottled water.
Hot and cold shower
Dental Kits
Toilet with bidet
Minibar and Coffee Set
The fam loved the crisp linens and the blackout curtains that helped us get a restful slumber after our activity-filled day.
6. Dine with a majestic view at Ridge Cafe.
Of course, any weekend getaway wouldn’t be complete without a gastronomic adventure, wouldn’t it?
Fortunately, the hotel two in-house restaurants, one of which is Ridge Cafe. It has an elegantly appointed interior dining room, as well as an al fresco area which boasts of grand view of the surrounding mountains and overlooking Metro Manila.
Every weekend, foodies can look forward to a sumptous breakfast buffet which includes:
The makings of classic Pinoy silogs such as Corned Beef with Potatoes, Tocino, Longganisa and Tocino (just add the Garlic Fried Rice and a sunny-side up egg from the Omelet Station)
Locally-grown fresh produce for salads or fruit desserts
A variety of freshly baked breads, including four types of pan de sal (regular, ube, cacao and malunggay).
Continental breakfast choices such as cereals, chicken nuggets and breakfast sausages
Kiddie treats such as mini pancakes and cookies
On weekdays and for other parts of the day, guests can order ala carte from a menu that includes Appetizers, Sandwiches and Burgers, Pastas and Noodles, Salads, Sushi, along with main courses and desserts.
Curious about the foodie possibilities here? I’ll tell you more about our dining experiences at Ridge Cafe here, here and here.
And should you fancy a drink while hanging out at the pool or viewing deck, you can always get refreshing beverage from The Pool Bar.
Butterfly Pea Lemonade
Fresh Mango Juice
7. It supports local industries.
Timberland Highlands Resort recently partnered with local merchants in showcasing sustainable and home-grown products. These include brands such as Zarah Juan, TÙ by Modern Filipiniana, Gourmet Farms, Engkanto Brewery, Alab.Mnl, Lakan Lubi, Circa 1740 by Timplado, Better Snacks PH, Tu’ka Spiced Vinegar and more. Their wares are all prominently displayed and available for purchase in the Live Love Local corner in Ridge Cafe.
These are also great for souvenirs or pasalubong to your city-bound friends and relatives.
8. The management and staff are all geared up to provide you with a memorable stay.
All of these are just the tip of the iceberg, as they say, because more exciting developments are in store for guests and visitors, as envisioned by resort’s management.
These include additional restaurants and other exciting renovations (which will be revealed in due time!)
Zeon, Director of Operations. He’s also got great things planned for the hotel. Watch out for them!
Ranuka, Executive Chef. He’s gearing up to bring more exciting cuisines for hotel guests to enjoy.
Stephen, Sous Chef. He’s keeping the kitchen staff in tip-top shape.
Moira, Pastry Chef de Partie. She’s whipping up new kinds of breads for guests to enjoy.
The resort also helps local communities by sourcing its manpower from nearby areas, upskilling and retooling them to provide world-class service to guests.
Derek, F&B Manager. He oversees the dining room staff to bring you a great dining experience.
Rey, F&B. He also taught me how to add a background to your Tiktok video (thanks, Rey!)
Josh, F&B.
Jona, F&B
They’re always ready to give you a hand, so when you see them around, be sure to say hi!
Rom, Housekeeping. He gives quite an animated tour of the hotel room.
Analyn and Marlyn, Housekeeping. These friendly ladies will keep your room spic-‘n-span.
Edison, Kar and Genie, Front Office. Count of them for your queries about the hotel.
JR, Lifeguard. He also takes care of the gym and guided me on a tour of the indoor sports facilities.
Thanks to the above reasons, my family and I had a fun, restful and memorable stay at the Timberland Highlands Resort, so why don’t you treat your family to one, too?
Book your room via Klook today and use my code JELLYBEANS to enjoy great savings!
For more details, visit Timberland Highlands Resort’s website, call +632 8891 8288 or +63 918 9799863 (calls are entertained between 9am and 6pm) or email reservations@timberlandresort.com.
Check-in is at 3pm while check-out is at 11am.
Timberland Highlands Resort is located inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines.
In accordance to COVID-19 safety guidelines set by the Department of Tourism and the local government, the following safety practices are in place:
Observance of minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks, maintain physical distance and frequent handwashing
Requirement for guests 18 years old and older to present proof of full vaccination or a negative result of a swab or saliva-based RT PCR test, taken within 48 hours prior to check in
Guests below 18 years old should always be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian
To know more about Timberland Highland Resorts’ latest updates and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out my other posts about Timberland Highlands Resort:
Jellybeans in the City 