The Best Hotels in Makati, the Philippines

This outpost of the Shangri-La luxury hotel brand sits on Makati Avenue, steps from popular shopping malls, including SM Department Store and Greenbelt. Satisfy cravings for Chinese food with elevated takes on peking duck and clay pot shrimp at Shang Palace, then head to Sage Bar for a Hallelujah cocktail featuring Laphroaig scotch laced with ginger and lemon. Even lower-tier rooms have thick cotton linen and Shangri-La toiletries; upgrade to a Specialty Suite for butler service.

Perfectly placed for both business and leisure, these seriously swanky residences are just minutes from Greenbelt shopping mall and the commerce artery of Ayala Avenue. The 410 suites combine European and Filipino design elements and have a kitchenette with a convection stove and cooking utensils. Indulge in reflexology and a full-body massage at the wellness centre, tuck into a constantly rotating menu of American classics at Alfred or hydrate with tropical smoothies at the Pool Bar.

Just outside Makati in neighbouring Pasay, the Sheraton is a great place to recharge before an early flight, as it sits opposite NAIA Terminal 3. Light-filled rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and come with air conditioning and a small seating area. Three dining options range from casual Filipino at S Kitchen to Korean barbecue featuring wagyu steak at Oori. Prepare for a peaceful night’s rest by tiring yourself out in the high-tech fitness room.

With the massive kitchens in these suites, budding chefs need not give up on home cooking while on the road. Each comes with a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer; three-bedroom suites and above even have a separate maid’s room. The exclusive 3ha (7-acre) urban complex has nine high-end restaurants, an expansive pool, a martial arts arena, boxing ring and 76-seat auditorium. If that’s somehow not enough, Ayala Avenue – the main drag in Makati – is right outside your door.

Fronting a shimmering blue pool ideal for early-morning laps, Aruga rewards the active traveller. The walled city of Intramuros is just a 25-minute ride away, and the Museo Ng Makati and Sts Peter and Paul Parish are both within a six-minute walk. Soothing, warm-toned rooms feature cloud-like beds, high-speed internet and complete kitchens with a washer and dryer.

Managed by the OYO group, this intimate, arty hotel is a great budget option in a pricey region. You’ll find the Museo Ng Makati, Ninoy Aquino Monument and Ayala Museum all within a 20-minute walk, making it an ideal base for exploration. Rooms come with an elegant, dark-wood bed, crisp white linen, a refrigerator, kettle, ceiling fan and air conditioning. The restaurant serves excellent Italian food – think seafood tagliatelle and chocolate-doused gelato.

The Makati outpost of the Lub d group takes the hostel concept upmarket, with spacious dorms with a fresh, contemporary design, a games room with vintage arcade machines and a light-filled co-working space. There’s also a rooftop restaurant for light bites and great views. The surrounding Poblacion district is known for its live-music venues, atmospheric dive bars and avant-garde art galleries.

This light, bright residential complex in Bel-Air honours Málaga’s most famous son, from the paella at Pablo Bistro to the constantly rotating selection of Filipino and international works in the Altro Mondo Gallery. Rooms, too, feature Picasso-print throw pillows and bold feature walls, as well as a bathtub with covetable Mooi & Co toiletries. Get a haircut and pedicure at the Studio 119 spa before finding inspiration in the peaceful Ayala Triangle gardens, just an eight-minute walk away.