
You know we love to travel across Asia. From the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the relaxed vibes of Phuket and royal palace hotels in India, the continent is home to some wonderful places to stay. Not to be outdone, the capital of the Philippines has long been known for its dynamic design scene, so it’s no wonder that the accommodation scene is also on point. Here are the best boutique hotels in Manila, from old-world establishments that pay tribute to the country’s colonial past to luxe serviced residences in the heart of the metro.
We recently stayed at The Lind Boracay, too.
The best boutique hotels in Manila, the Philippines
1. Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences | Makati
Hotel: Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences
Location: 119 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: Salcedo Village, Makati Central Business District
Rooms: 143 residences across six room types, from studios to suites
Style: Contemporary serviced residences with colourful, Cubism-inspired interiors and original artworks
Family-friendly: Yes, with adjoining room configurations, spacious suites and kitchenettes
Wellness: Two-floor fitness centre and Studio 119 salon
Pool: No swimming pool
Dining: Pablo Bistro serves Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine; Cartel Deli offers coffee, sandwiches and light meals
Best for: Art lovers, business travellers and extended city stays
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱4,000 per night, depending on room and season

Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences
With a name like that, it’s not surprising that Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences embraces the artistic aesthetic. Interior designer Tina Periquet-Galicia drew on the famous painter’s life and style, from splashes of bold colors in the lobby to paint-splattered bedrooms inspired by stages of Picasso’s life. A gallery for the works of local artists is set on the third floor for guests who want a taste of the city’s art scene.
The vibrant but cosy Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences has 144 rooms, each one with modern amenities like work desks, kitchenettes, and free Wi-Fi to make leisure or business travellers feel at home. Featuring large beds, high-quality linens, and blackout curtains, these rooms are designed for a perfect night’s sleep. The property also has a salon, a gym, and a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant known as Pablo Bistro.
Find out more about Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences or Book through Booking.com
2. The Henry Hotel | Pasay
Hotel: The Henry Hotel Manila
Location: 2680 F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City 1302, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: Pasay, near the Manila–Makati boundary
Rooms: 32 individually designed rooms and suites
Style: Restored 1950s mansion with mid-century furnishings, vintage details and repurposed pieces
Family-friendly: Yes, with larger room options and garden spaces
Wellness: Garden surroundings and outdoor relaxation; no dedicated spa or fitness centre
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
Dining: Apartment 1B serves contemporary comfort food and international dishes; The Library provides an additional lounge space
Best for: Couples, design enthusiasts, intimate celebrations and heritage-inspired stays
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱5,000 per night, depending on room and season
As a former artist enclave in the 1950s, this old-world mansion has a rich history in arts and culture. To this day, The Henry Hotel keeps its creative roots ever-present in the verdant grounds, creating a postcard-pretty space where artists and artists-at-heart can find inspiration and serenity in the bustling metro.
Stylishly appointed rooms and suites are bathed in sunlight and warm hues, each one individually designed and kitted out with repurposed furnishings, mid-century décor, and vintage patio sets. Hotel interiors are the work of renowned designer Eric Paras.
Treat your tastebuds to the finest dining options, with in-house restaurant Apartment 1B hailed for serving delicious gourmet cuisine. Other notable amenities include an outdoor pool and a lush garden that’s a popular wedding venue in the Philippines.
Find out more about The Henry Hotel or Book through Booking.com
3. The Manila Hotel | Metro Manila
Hotel: The Manila Hotel
Location: 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila 0913, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: Ermita, beside Rizal Park and near Intramuros
Rooms: More than 500 rooms and suites
Style: Historic early-20th-century architecture with classic interiors and Filipino-inspired design
Family-friendly: Yes, with family accommodation, children’s facilities and a dedicated children’s pool
Wellness: Manila Hotel Spa and Health Club
Pool: Adult and children’s swimming pools
Dining: Café Ilang-Ilang, Champagne Room, Red Jade, Tap Room, Lobby Lounge and Delicatessen
Best for: Heritage stays, families, special occasions and exploring historic Manila
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱7,000 per night, depending on room and season

The Manila Hotel
Ernest Hemingway once described The Manila Hotel as “the perfect representation of the city, if not the country’s resilience, vitality, versatility, and hospitality.” Ever since the magnificent hotel opened near the turn of the 20th century, it has played host to a stunning array of politicians, royalty, and distinguished personalities like the Beatles and Michael Jackson. And amazingly, the boutique property remains the standard for luxury amenities, Filipino-inspired interiors, and impeccable service in Manila.
Every room in Manila Hotel is beautifully put together, but the Presidential Suite is especially grand. Feel like a VIP with a plush Senso memory foam mattress, Bulgari toiletries, a full-service kitchen, and a 24-hour butler service. Paintings by prominent Filipino artists adorn the walls, while a superb panoramic view of Manila Bay gives guests the best vantage point for unforgettable sunsets.
When it comes to food, guests have several excellent dining choices like Café Ilang-Ilang for a mouthwatering international buffet and the romantic Champagne Room that’s perfect for special occasions. The hotel also has a spa, a swimming pool, a health club, and an art gallery.
Find out more about The Manila Hotel or Book through Booking.com
4. Discovery Primea | Makati
Hotel: Discovery Primea
Location: 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1226, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: Makati Central Business District, near Ayala Triangle Gardens
Rooms: 140 rooms, suites and lofts
Style: Contemporary luxury with Mediterranean Chinoiserie influences and refined interiors
Family-friendly: Yes, with one- and two-bedroom suites, babysitting services and spacious accommodation
Wellness: Terazi Spa, 37 Degrees Gym and a health and wellness clinic
Pool: 20-metre heated infinity pool with a pool bar
Dining: Tapenade serves Mediterranean cuisine, while Gilarmi Lounge offers drinks and light refreshments
Best for: Luxury city breaks, business trips and extended stays in Makati
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱9,000 per night, depending on room and season

Discovery Primea
Nestled in the heart of Makati’s central business district, Discovery Primea is an exercise in modern luxury. Brought to life by award-winning architect Kenzo Tange and Los Angeles-based interior design firm Texiera, this five-star hotel is a beautiful take on Mediterranean Chinoiserie. It’s a welcome haven for sophisticated travellers visiting Manila, especially those seeking a balance of style and function.
Expect timeless elegance in all of the rooms and suites. Hypoallergenic goose feather mattresses, LED TVs, and pristine bathrooms in every room promise a hotel experience fit for a VIP. As much as you want to stay in this blissful cocoon for your entire stay, there’s more to see and do in Discovery Primea. You’ll love dining at Flame restaurant up on the 16th floor, before exploring the hotel’s top-notch facilities like spa, gym, and swimming pool.
Find out more about Discovery Primea or Book through Booking.com
5. Hotel Céleste | Makati
Hotel: Hotel Céleste
Location: 02 San Lorenzo Drive, corner A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City 1223, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: San Lorenzo Village, near Greenbelt and Ayala Center
Rooms: 25 deluxe rooms and five European-inspired suites
Style: European-inspired boutique design with elegant furnishings, marble bathrooms and classic details
Family-friendly: Suitable for small families, particularly in the larger suites; confirm occupancy arrangements when booking
Wellness: No dedicated spa or fitness centre
Pool: No swimming pool
Dining: Edward & Wallis Restaurant serves international dishes; in-room dining is also available
Best for: Couples, business travellers and intimate city stays
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱5,000 per night, depending on room and season
One of the first boutique hotels in Manila, a stay at Hotel Céleste promises exceptional service and personalised comfort. Home to just 25 European-inspired rooms and five elegant suites, marble baths and feather pillows are the cherries on top.
Enjoy a meal at the on-site Edward & Wallis Restaurant by Hotel Céleste or indulge in some room service instead. Conveniently located in the heart of Makati, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the city.
Learn more about Hotel Céleste or Book through Booking.com
6. Aruga Apartments by Rockwell | Makati
Hotel: Aruga Apartments by Rockwell
Location: Waterfront Drive, Rockwell Center, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City 1200, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: Rockwell Center, near Power Plant Mall
Rooms: Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom serviced apartments
Style: Contemporary Asian-inspired interiors with spacious layouts and residential comforts
Family-friendly: Yes, with two-bedroom suites, kitchen facilities and a children’s pool
Wellness: Fitness centre and access to Rockwell Club facilities
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool and kiddie pool
Dining: Dining partners within Rockwell Center, with restaurants and cafés a short walk away
Best for: Families, longer stays and travellers who prefer serviced-apartment facilities
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱7,000 per night, depending on room and season

Aruga Apartments by Rockwell
Live the luxe life at Aruga Apartments by Rockwell, a beautiful retreat in Makati that suits travellers with a more refined taste. Each tastefully designed room and suite is decked out in Asian contemporary style, with a well-stocked kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a pristine bathroom with amenities. Clean, chic, and delightfully spacious—yes, even the studio units—these spaces are a blissful base for leisure or business trips to Manila.
Aruga’s superb facilities keep all the modern essentials within easy reach of guests. The outdoor swimming pool and kiddie pool are perfect for a midday dip. Or if you want to stay strong, the hotel features a well-equipped gym, too. Foodies, don’t fret; there are loads of amazing dining options right outside the hotel doorstep.
Find out more about Aruga Apartments by Rockwell or Book through Booking.com
7. Privato Hotels | Makati, Ortigas, and Quezon City
Hotel: Privato Hotels
Location: Privato Makati: 9745 Kamagong Street, San Antonio, Makati City; Privato Ortigas: 706 Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas, Pasig City; Privato Quezon City: 82 Scout Castor, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: San Antonio Village, Makati; Ortigas Centre, Pasig; and Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Rooms: Multiple room categories, including deluxe rooms, executive rooms and suites; Privato Makati has 65 rooms
Style: Contemporary Italian-inspired interiors at Ortigas, modern urban design at Makati and Filipino design accents at Quezon City
Family-friendly: Yes, with room options suitable for families and small groups
Wellness: Fitness facilities at selected branches and in-room massage services
Pool: Rooftop swimming pools at all three branches
Dining: Piazza Privato and Privato Café at Ortigas; Amalfi Rooftop Lounge at Makati; dining outlets and nearby restaurants at Quezon City
Best for: Business travellers, affordable staycations and exploring different Metro Manila districts
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱1,700 per night, depending on room and season

Privato Hotels Ortigas
Hip, modern, and conveniently located in the metro’s key districts, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Privato Hotels. There are three different branches in Manila, so travellers can pick the location that best suits their itinerary.
The Italian-inspired Privato Hotel Ortigas is sleek and modern, with a gym, a roof deck lounge, and three ballrooms. The Makati branch is built for work and play, with a stunning rooftop lounge and easy access to the city’s central business district and nightlife hotspots. Designed by the acclaimed Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, Privato Hotel Quezon City is a stunning space featuring pieces by celebrated furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. All three hotels feature a rooftop pool and conference rooms.
Set in the bustling city centres throughout Metro Manila, these hotels are steps away from restaurants and shops that leisure and business travellers may enjoy exploring.
Find out more about Privato Hotels or Book through Booking.com
8. KL Serviced Residences | Makati
Hotel: KL Serviced Residences
Location: KL Tower, 117 Gamboa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229, Metro Manila, Philippines
Neighbourhood: Legazpi Village, near Greenbelt and Legazpi Active Park
Rooms: 91 serviced residences
Style: Contemporary apartment-style accommodation with practical furnishings and fully equipped kitchens
Family-friendly: Yes, with larger units suitable for families and extended stays
Wellness: Fitness centre and sauna
Pool: Indoor swimming pool
Dining: Nono’s Restaurant serves comfort food and all-day dining options
Best for: Business travellers, long-term stays and self-catering city breaks
Prices starting from: Approximately ₱3,000 per night, depending on room and season

KL Serviced Residences
KL Serviced Residences, located near plenty of dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities, is a city retreat designed for easy living. Yes, this 100-room boutique stay’s contemporary aesthetics are on point, but it also appeals to the practical traveller with fully furnished units in varying sizes perfect for quick business trips and long-term visits. A few of the perks: a well-lit workspace, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a modern kitchen with an electric stove and microwave oven.
Travellers can enjoy the benefits of the hotel lifestyle at KL Serviced Residences. Stay on track with your fitness goals at the gym, or relax in the sauna or indoor swimming pool.
Find out more about KL Serviced Residences or Book through Booking.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best areas to stay in Manila?
Makati is convenient for shopping, dining and business districts. Intramuros and Ermita suit travellers interested in history and cultural attractions. Pasay is practical for airport access and events.
Is Makati or Manila better for a hotel stay?
Makati generally suits business travellers, shoppers and visitors seeking restaurants and nightlife. The City of Manila is better for exploring Intramuros, Rizal Park, museums and historic landmarks.
When is the best time to visit Manila?
December to February usually brings cooler, drier weather. March to May is hotter, while June to November is the rainy season, with possible typhoons.
How many days should you spend in Manila?
Two to three days is enough for major attractions, food trips and shopping. Allow extra time if you plan to explore nearby destinations such as Tagaytay or the surrounding provinces.
Is Manila easy to explore without a car?
You can use the MRT, LRT, buses and ride-hailing services. Traffic can make journeys slow, so staying near your main activities helps reduce travel time.
Are boutique hotels in Manila suitable for families?
Many offer family rooms, serviced apartments and swimming pools. Check room occupancy, children's policies and connecting-room availability before booking.
But wait, there’s more….
- Find out our picks for the best boutique hotels in the UK
- Discover the world’s most gorgeous hotels in heritage buildings
- And read our review with hotel designer Bill Bensley





