1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas

1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas Overview

You know what caught me off guard about 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas? The name sounds like it should be some massive colonial throwback, but when you actually walk up to this four-star place on P. Burgos Street, it’s got this surprisingly intimate boutique feel. I mean, the location alone is pretty brilliant – you’re right there where Burgos meets Kalayaan Avenue in the heart of Makati’s business district, but somehow it doesn’t feel like you’re drowning in corporate chaos. The Spanish colonial theme is done thoughtfully too, not like they just slapped some fake tile everywhere and called it authentic. Walking through the lobby, you get these rich wood details and period-appropriate touches that actually transport you a bit, which honestly isn’t easy to pull off in modern Manila.

The rooms surprised me – they’re more spacious than you’d expect from a boutique property, and the colonial styling extends throughout without feeling gimmicky. What I really appreciated was how quiet everything stays despite being smack in the middle of one of the busiest areas in the metro. The walls are solid, the AC works like it should (crucial in Manila, obviously), and you’re not hearing every conversation from the hallway. The staff genuinely seems to know what they’re doing too, which isn’t always a given even at higher-end places. Check-in was smooth, they had solid recommendations for nearby restaurants, and when I had a minor issue with the room key, it was sorted out in minutes, not the usual runaround.

Here’s the thing that really sold me on this place though – the value proposition is spot-on for what you get. You’re paying for a legitimate four-star experience in prime Makati real estate, but you’re not getting gouged like you would at some of the bigger international chains nearby. The breakfast is actually worth getting up for (rare for hotel breakfast, let’s be honest), and being able to walk to excellent restaurants, shopping, and business meetings without dealing with Manila traffic is honestly priceless. If you’re doing business in the area or just want to be where things are happening without staying in some soulless tower, this place hits that sweet spot. It’s got character, it’s comfortable, and it doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not – which in a city full of hotels that do exactly that, feels pretty refreshing.

Early hotels booking in Manila requires advance planning during peak tourist seasons when visitors flock to enjoy the city’s historic sites, modern shopping centers, and Filipino cultural attractions.

1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas Accommodations

Reviews of 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas

• Well-run, comfortable hotel in downtown Makati – David from Australia – September 14, 2025 (9/10)

  Great location in the heart of downtown Makati. Walking distance from modern, upscale malls and local markets. Many and varied places to eat nearby and in the hotel itself. Nice pool and gym. Breakfast buffet was good, plenty of choice and variety. Check-in and check-out went smoothly. Room was comfortable, view (22nd floor) was spectacular. Staff were all very friendly, helpful and professional.
  
  I particularly liked that there were several 24-hour places to eat. Even though I ate breakfast only at the hotel, and never had dinner after 9pm, I liked having the choice.
  
  It's also the nightclub district, a colorful, vibrant part of town.
  
  What could be improved: Overall I was happy so these are only small quibbles, not deal breakers.
  
  TV had over 60 channels with a wide range of languages and countries but the picture was grainy. Watchable but not great.
  
  Refrigerator was very small – it held the min-bar selection of about half a dozen cans/bottled drinks and they almost filled it. Had to take them out to make room for the things I wanted to keep cold (eg leftovers, other drinks, some medications).
  
  The in-room safe was installed too close to the right side of the wardrobe, the safe door didn't open all the way, I couldn't get my laptop in even though the inside of the safe would easily have been big enough. The safe should have been installed on the left side of the wardrobe, that would give the door room to swing open fully. Pure thoughtlessness by whoever installed the safe on the wrong side.
  
  It's a noisy neighbourhood and even on the 22nd floor, with double glazed windows, late at night when everything was turned off I could (faintly) hear street noise. It didn't bother me and I couldn't hear the outside noise when I was using the TV or my personal devices, honestly it was no louder than the air con (which is a modern, quiet system) but some other reviews mention it. I've stayed in much noisier places but if you need total silence you should ask for a room with no windows.
  
  Above my bed was a large photo of a historic Manila street scene. In keeping with the theme of the hotel, sure, but I got enough of that in public areas like the entrance lobby and at breakfast. I know it's a matter of personal taste but for my guest room I would have liked conventional art instead.
  
  It's a tourist district, too many women offering massages, lots of men trying to sell packets of cigarettes (or maybe something else, I didn't look too closely).

• Good – Mark from United Kingdom – August 23, 2025 (8/10)

  Location. Staff friendly and helpfull.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast didn’t really cater for English, food was mostly philippino. WiFi kept dropping out.

• Great place to stay – Scott from Australia – August 20, 2025 (9/10)

  Central location, pool, good size room
  
  What could be improved: Cost was a little high

• Okey – Nhung from Vietnam – August 16, 2025 (8/10)

  Good location
  
  What could be improved: Wifi is not stable very weak eve though i mentioned in my booking that i need great wifi

• Exceptional – Anwin from Saudi Arabia – August 13, 2025 (10/10)

  Exceptional ! Is one word I would use to describe my stay. Extremely clean premises kudos to the amazing house keeping staff who have practically kept the reception , hallways , lifts and rooms amazingly clean. Comfy beds & pillows and plenty of towels. Hotel Staff I would say is one the best I have seen in a very long time. Extremely professional, attention to details & quick responses or action for any queries. Bell boys at the door were spot on especially we went during the rainy days and they would be quick to bring out the umbrellas when we cam out of the car. To the Management of 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas – Keep up the great work & thank you making our stay memorable.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing.

• it was great and amazing – Richard from Australia – August 13, 2025 (8/10)

  The location amenities its perfect

• Worth staying here and will again at some stage – Scott from Australia – July 20, 2025 (10/10)

  Location was fantastic for where we wanted to be. But the pool and amenities were great. Doorman and bellhop were very happy and helpful. Will stay here again
  
  What could be improved: Cost a little more than a few other hotels in the area but is a more pleasant and relaxed hotel. Breakfast buffet could have been a little better with some more selection

• very great staff, great location – Dilip from Australia – July 15, 2025 (9/10)

  good location

• Staff very friendly, great pool, good location – Lori from United States – July 13, 2025 (7/10)

  The pool was amazing
  
  What could be improved: The room was smaller than I expected and the furniture was older

• Perfect even for families with kids – B-oki from United States – July 10, 2025 (10/10)

  Everythign was great
  
  What could be improved: pool has no controls for operating the jets and water features were off, no attendant present.

Surroundings