The InterContinental Manila
Makati City
I only had 17 hours in Manila and was simply looking for somewhere with a nice location and is inexpensive. I'd budgeted approximately USD150. As nice as the Shangri La and other hotels seemed, I couldn't justify paying more than what I'd budgeted for such a short stay. The IC was running a double points promo (yes I do occassionally credit to Priority Club too), had a reasonably good location and was within budget - and looked like the more contemporary property when compared to the Renaissance (the other hotel I was considering). So with all of the above considered, the IC made a compelling choice.
The hotel is located in the GreenBelt district, and is opposite a v large shopping mall and only 30 mins or so drive (for Manila's traffic this is considered 'around the corner') to the Mall of Asia (supposedly Asia's largest shopping mall, think Chadstone). For any ex-MNL xONExers or xCIRxxers, the IC is situated within a mere 30-45 mins' inexpensive cab ride from the airport should you opt for a short layover instead of a turnaround.
I'd pre-arranged for a transfer to the hotel prior to arrival, which was confirmed by the IC rep I met at MNL airport. I was then driven to the hotel in a v nice Nissan Cefiro. There was a security check at the driveway to the hotel, and another check at the entry to the lobby. A porter immediately sprang out to whisk my suitcase away . Lobby looked pretty pleasant. My room wasn't ready and I was given a drink coupon for use in their in-house restaurant -redeemed it on a San Miguel beer. They had wifi throughout the hotel, hooked up to their 24 hour plan which seemed reasonably priced.
My room was ready in an hour as promised. Arrived to find that the porter had arrived with my suitcase before I did. Not knowing whether tipping is expected in Manila, I erred on the side of caution and gave him a small tip.
The room was clean, tidy and contemporary. It was most adequate for my short stay, though I'd give it no more than 4 stars. The room also smelt like it's been freshly painted, as there was a slight stench of paint. Bed was a bit hard but I slept well due to fatigue.
The bathroom was tiny but well equipped. Bathroom door wasn't v well fitted as I had dificulty opening and closing it. Shower curtains were excellent as no my bathroom floor remained dry after each shower. I hate nothing more than coughpy shower curtains and wet bathroom floors.
On the whole, more a nice Four Points than an InterContinental.
Makati City
I only had 17 hours in Manila and was simply looking for somewhere with a nice location and is inexpensive. I'd budgeted approximately USD150. As nice as the Shangri La and other hotels seemed, I couldn't justify paying more than what I'd budgeted for such a short stay. The IC was running a double points promo (yes I do occassionally credit to Priority Club too), had a reasonably good location and was within budget - and looked like the more contemporary property when compared to the Renaissance (the other hotel I was considering). So with all of the above considered, the IC made a compelling choice.
The hotel is located in the GreenBelt district, and is opposite a v large shopping mall and only 30 mins or so drive (for Manila's traffic this is considered 'around the corner') to the Mall of Asia (supposedly Asia's largest shopping mall, think Chadstone). For any ex-MNL xONExers or xCIRxxers, the IC is situated within a mere 30-45 mins' inexpensive cab ride from the airport should you opt for a short layover instead of a turnaround.
I'd pre-arranged for a transfer to the hotel prior to arrival, which was confirmed by the IC rep I met at MNL airport. I was then driven to the hotel in a v nice Nissan Cefiro. There was a security check at the driveway to the hotel, and another check at the entry to the lobby. A porter immediately sprang out to whisk my suitcase away . Lobby looked pretty pleasant. My room wasn't ready and I was given a drink coupon for use in their in-house restaurant -redeemed it on a San Miguel beer. They had wifi throughout the hotel, hooked up to their 24 hour plan which seemed reasonably priced.
My room was ready in an hour as promised. Arrived to find that the porter had arrived with my suitcase before I did. Not knowing whether tipping is expected in Manila, I erred on the side of caution and gave him a small tip.
The room was clean, tidy and contemporary. It was most adequate for my short stay, though I'd give it no more than 4 stars. The room also smelt like it's been freshly painted, as there was a slight stench of paint. Bed was a bit hard but I slept well due to fatigue.
The bathroom was tiny but well equipped. Bathroom door wasn't v well fitted as I had dificulty opening and closing it. Shower curtains were excellent as no my bathroom floor remained dry after each shower. I hate nothing more than coughpy shower curtains and wet bathroom floors.
On the whole, more a nice Four Points than an InterContinental.
