Rizal Park Hotel

Rizal Park Hotel Overview

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of hotels in Manila over the years, but Rizal Park Hotel actually surprised me in ways I wasn’t expecting. First thing you notice pulling up on T.M. Kalaw Extension is how it sits right there in Ermita – I mean, you’re literally walking distance from Rizal Park (hence the name, obviously), but what’s cool is you’re also super close to the real Manila without being stuck in the complete chaos of it all.

The whole five-star thing isn’t just for show here, honestly. When I walked into the lobby, there’s this sort of old-world elegance mixed with modern touches that doesn’t feel forced – you know what I mean? The staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which is rare in big city hotels. My room overlooked the park area, and I could actually hear birds in the morning instead of just traffic, which was honestly refreshing. The beds are proper firm (thank god), and the AC works like it should – trust me, in Manila’s heat, that’s not always a given even in nice places. What really got me though was the bathroom setup; they’ve got this rainfall shower that actually has decent water pressure, plus the toiletries smell amazing without being overpowering.

Here’s the thing about the location that guidebooks don’t tell you – yeah, you’re close to all the tourist stuff like Intramuros and the National Museum, but you’re also positioned perfectly for real Filipino food adventures. There’s this little carinderia just two blocks down that serves the best sisig I’ve had outside of Pampanga (seriously, ask the concierge about it). The hotel restaurant is solid too, don’t get me wrong, but when you’re in the Philippines, you want to eat like the locals do. Parking can be a bit tight if you’re driving, but honestly, just grab Grab cars from here – drivers know exactly where you are and the rates are fair. One small thing that bugged me initially was the elevator wait times during peak hours, but I realized most guests are out exploring during the day anyway, so it’s really only an issue around check-in and dinner time. The pool area is smaller than what the photos might suggest, but it’s clean and the surrounding deck is actually quite peaceful in the evenings. What really sealed it for me was how genuinely helpful everyone was with local recommendations – not just the typical tourist trap suggestions, but actual insider tips about when to visit places and how to avoid crowds.

Rizal Park Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of Rizal Park Hotel

• Very lovely old building renovated very tastefully – Niall from Australia – September 12, 2025 (9/10)

  Very handy for a number of activities including historical areas, museums and parks. The staff are great.
  
  What could be improved: Limited variety of breakfast food

• Excellent – Mari from Philippines – September 6, 2025 (8/10)

  The ambiance, customer service and food
  
  What could be improved: None

• Always happy to be back here! – Olivier from Belgium – August 23, 2025 (9/10)

  Very comfortable room, very friendly and helpful staff, great breakfast and good dining options. We also love the location near to the bayside and Rizal Park.
  
  What could be improved: No more mini-fridge in our room.

• It was short and sweet. Breakfast was good – Rosa from Philippines – August 18, 2025 (6/10)

  Beautiful restored building. Large rooms and well decorated.
  
  What could be improved: The towels were old and need to be changed. The bedsheets were of poor quality. Small windows with little light.

• Wonderful – Bea from Philippines – August 6, 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: No hot & cold shower

• It was good. The price is just right. The facility is elegant. – Danica from Philippines – August 4, 2025 (9/10)

  Heart of Manila
  
  What could be improved: The parking is just open ground.
  Few food selection for buffet breakfast.

• lovely – Ma from United Kingdom – July 31, 2025 (9/10)

  its close to Fort Santiago and Rizal Park
  
  What could be improved: the rooftop lounge is closed.

• Wonderful – Daniel from Philippines – July 11, 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: No complaints about the hotel at all. Just about booking.com. I learned later on if i booked directly with the hotel, it would have been much cheaper than booking with booking.com. I think there was some dishonesty on booking.com's part with the breakfast worked in the price for just an extra 200-300 pesos. It was 2000 more pesos than expected the 1st night because it appears the 1000 peso breakfast each was worked in the price

• It was a good hotel, but it seemed unfinished. – Ma from Philippines – June 22, 2025 (8/10)

  Beautiful hotel! I liked how clean the room was. The bed was also super comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: We didn’t have refrigerators and my dad needs to have his insulin refrigerated. We tried to ask for ice but nobody’s answering our call. Also, it was a bit frustrating that there were no warm showers available.

• Lovely old hotel next to Rizal Park – Paul from United Kingdom – June 18, 2025 (8/10)

  Very nice room with view of the bay.
  Quiet location, and a quiet efficient aircon.
  Spacious bathroom with bath and double sink.
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast was a bit disappointing. Most Asian hotels of this quality have a much bigger selection.

Surroundings