The Peninsula Manila

The Peninsula Manila Overview

You know what strikes you first about The Peninsula Manila? It’s that unmistakable old-school luxury vibe the moment you walk through the doors – I mean, we’re talking about a five-star property that actually feels like it earned those stars through decades of getting the details right, not just fancy marketing. The lobby has this sort of timeless elegance with all that marble and those massive floral arrangements they refresh constantly (honestly, I’ve never seen wilted flowers there, which tells you something about how they operate).

The location at the corner of Ayala and Makati is honestly perfect if you’re doing business in Manila or just want to be in the thick of things without the chaos of other districts. You’re literally walking distance from Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, plus all those restaurants and bars that make Makati the city’s dining playground. I’ve stayed here during both the rainy season and the dry months, and the covered walkways to the shopping centers are a godsend when those afternoon downpours hit – you know how brutal Manila traffic gets when it rains. The taxi situation is pretty smooth too since drivers actually know where Peninsula is, unlike some of the newer boutique places where you’re constantly giving directions.

What really sets this place apart though is how they handle service without being overbearing about it. The staff remembers your name after like one night, and I’m not talking about just the front desk – the restaurant servers, housekeeping, even the guys at valet parking. The rooms themselves are spacious by Manila standards (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always saying much), but here you can actually open your luggage without rearranging all the furniture. The bathrooms are properly luxurious with those deep soaking tubs, and the shower pressure is consistently strong – something you definitely can’t take for granted in this city. I will say the rooms facing Ayala Avenue can get a bit noisy during rush hour, but honestly, you’re in the heart of Makati, so what do you expect? The higher floors are obviously quieter if street noise bothers you. The Peninsula’s afternoon tea service in the lobby is sort of a Manila institution too – you’ll see everyone from business deals being sealed over scones to families celebrating special occasions. It’s pricey, sure, but it’s one of those experiences that feels authentically Manila luxury rather than trying to be somewhere else.

The Peninsula Manila Accommodations

Reviews of The Peninsula Manila

• Exceptional – Pocholo from Philippines – September 13, 2025 (10/10)

  Location was excellent
  Service was impeccable
  Room was very spacious
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Excellent. Definitely will recommend it to others. – Adele from Portugal – September 12, 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast buffet was vast. You could travel the world for breakfast dishes. Superb.
  
  What could be improved: All good … sometimes coffee and tea refills was a bit slow.

• If you are in makati city try to stay at this beautiful property – Salman from India – September 9, 2025 (10/10)

  Service and the vibe and it’s very beautiful property
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to complain all good

• This is our favourite hotel in Manila. The staff make this place 5 star with the service they offer. – Tina from United Kingdom – August 23, 2025 (9/10)

  The Pen as it’s warmly known, is easy to get to from the airport, conveniently located in Makati business district with shops and restaurants a short walk away.
  The entrance lobby is the life of the hotel. It’s sumptuous, elegant and popular with an array of patrons. The buffet breakfast is a must with a feast on offer to suit every palette. Hanging out by the poolside with fresh fruit juice or a drink was another of our highlights. Try the club sandwich.
  We stayed 3 nights before heading to Palawan and loved it so much we ended our holiday with another 3 nights at The Pen.
  
  What could be improved: Weekends are very popular and we had issues on our last leg of our stay with VERY noisy guests beside and across our room. We had to complain several times and eventually we were moved.

• Exceptional – Volkerstephan from Germany – August 22, 2025 (10/10)

  Everything is so perfect. The general manager is a real gentleman and all of the staff is perfect. Unfortunately we were ill and couldn't fully enjoy that experience. But all helped us to get healthy as soon as possible and so we loved it in the Peninsula. Stay like you are. Thanks for everything.
  
  What could be improved: —

• A relaxing and comfortable stay – Yit from Malaysia – August 13, 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast was very good. The spread was extensive and food was delicious. We had a good lunch and dinner at the lobby lounge. Food was delicious and overall your staff are polite and very helpful.

• Wonderful – Rafael from Peru – August 10, 2025 (9/10)

  Easy access

• Always worth it – April from Philippines – July 17, 2025 (10/10)

  The Pen always lives up to the standards it sets for itself. From check in to the quality of the room to the food – all good.
  
  What could be improved: Had zero issues

• Wonderful – Arvin from United States – July 12, 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent, grand common areas.
  
  What could be improved: Service in the center restaurant is lacking.

• Loved the experience and stay – Sorabh from Australia – July 7, 2025 (10/10)

  Location of the property was great and closed to all nearby central locations. Glorietta shopping malls were walking distance
  
  What could be improved: Lunch/Drinks were expensive. Somewhat expected but few drinks were 5 to 10 times.

Surroundings