• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Belly Rumbles
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Restaurants
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Restaurants
  • Work With Us
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Blog

    The Peninsula Manila Review & the Best Halo Halo in Manila?

    August 19, 2017 By Sara McCleary Updated October 11, 2019 - This post may contain affiliate links

    The Peninsula Manila is five star luxury accommodation located in Makati City, Metro Manila. Plus claim to have the best halo halo in Manila!

    Ever since the age of 12 I have wanted to stay at a Peninsula hotel. It’s my mother’s fault. We were walking in Kowloon and she casually mentioned, “now that is THE place to stay in Hong Kong”.

    We were walking past Hong Kong’s oldest hotel, The Peninsula. An impressive and luxurious looking hotel from the outside, but it was the doormen that won me over. Their white uniforms with matching white gloves and pillbox hats. I had never seen anything like it before and I was captivated.

    Fast forward a few decades and finally my wish came true, a stay at The Peninsula Hotel. Not the one I walked passed all those years ago with my parents, instead it was The Peninsula Manila.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Josh and I arrive at The Peninsula Manila after a grueling two hour drive, only nine kilometres in distance, from the airport on a Friday night. This is my first trip to The Philippines and I am surprised that before we are allowed to enter the grounds of the hotel, the boot is searched, and a mirror is run under the car by security guards. Once we are given the all clear the boom gate is opened for us to enter.

    As would be expected of a five star hotel as soon as our car pulls up at the hotel entrance friendly porters met us. They help us with our bags, which are then given the once over by a sniffer dog. It’s late, I’m tired from a long flight from Sydney, and thinking to myself should we have come to The Philippines?

    Our hand luggage is then searched by more security staff as we walk through a metal detector, airport security style, to reach the front doors to the lobby of the hotel. Once we reached this point I had to smile. A staff member dressed in a white uniform, with white gloves and pillbox hat, opened the doors for us. We had arrived in earnest.

    Before I continue I should state that the security is normal for any quality hotel in Manila. You will even go through this when you visit the shopping malls. There are security guards in restaurants and convenience stores, it’s just a way of life. After a few days, you hardly even notice it anymore.

    The Peninsula Manila Deluxe Club Room

    We check in with ease, and Josh and I are in our room in no time. Our room for the next few nights is a twin Club Deluxe. The room is very spacious with the normal mod cons of a five star hotel.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    The beds are singles and comfortable enough. The only down side is Josh finds them a little too short, but being 6"3" this is a common problem for him. When Josh and I traveling together, to save the expense of two single rooms, I will generally book a twin. Small price to pay, but I do miss sprawling around in a king bed all to myself! There are two chairs and a small table with some fresh fruit. A large television takes

    There are two chairs and a small table with some fresh fruit. A large television takes centre stage of one wall, plus there is a mini bar, safe, robes, slippers, iron and board, etc. The desk is well stocked with stationery items, including rubber bands. It even has a fax machine.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    The bathroom is the size of a few small hotel rooms I have stayed in, for a bathroom it’s large. A separate shower and bath, plus there is added privacy for the toilet, it has a door.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Turn down service is a nice touch. I always get a pleasant surprise when I return to my room to find my bed ready for me to crash. Sheets are turned down, a bottle of water and glass at the ready on the side table and a mat laid out. They will also replace towels if needed, and of course, a chocolate was left.

    The Peninsula Manila Room Service

    Our first night at the hotel we were pretty tired from eight hours of flying and a two hour car ride from the airport to the hotel. It was late and we were tired.

    Room service was quite quick which was greatly appreciated. Too often have I ordered room service and had it delivered uncovered on a tray. I was impressed with the way it was delivered, The Peninsula do it brilliantly. All the food is wheeled up in a contained trolley which then converts into your dining table.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Once the trolley has been transformed into a table, it is set with a white linen tablecloth and dinner (in our case) is laid out for you. In addition to our order, there are condiments and a complimentary assortment of freshly baked bread and butter.

    I decided on the grilled chicken and Josh went for the club sandwich. You will be happy to know the chips were still hot and crunchy with the club sandwich. I also ordered a Caeser salad as that is my control dish when it comes to room service meals, they passed with flying colours. Plus we ordered a mac and cheese which was comfortingly quite good.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    The Peninsula Manila Club Lounge

    Our Club Room provided us complimentary access to the Club Lounge. The lounge gives Club Room guests a little bit extra by the way of complimentary breakfast buffet, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés. There is even a boardroom in the lounge for that important business meeting, as well as computer stations, and loan laptops.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    he Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    We made use of the evening cocktails and canapés but didn’t partake in the breakfast buffet in the lounge. Instead, we headed to Escolta for breakfast. It was a useful space to grab a cold drink and do some work out of the room.

    The Peninsula Manila Escolta Restaurant

    Escolta is The Peninsula Manila's buffet restaurant. They offer a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet which features live cooking stations, home baked breads, fresh pastas, sushi, charcuterie, Chinese noodles, carving stations, artisanal ice creams plus a 'farm-to-table' concept that highlights fresh produce and favourite Filipino dishes.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    We only partook in breakfast and Escolta’s breakfast buffet has something for everyone. A chef will cook you eggs they way you like them, as well as omelettes. There are juice stations, fruit stations, cereal stations, pastries galore, western style hot breakfast items, Asian style hot items like dumplings and congee. If you can’t find something you like you have a serious problem.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    The Peninsual Manila Pool & Bar

    The Peninsula Manila has a large outdoor pool with plenty of lounge chairs. Surrounded by lush gardens, it provides a nice place to escape from bustling Manila.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    There is also a pool side bar where you can have a cocktail, or order something to eat. Not a bad place for a lazy lunch by the pool.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    The Peninsula Manila Wellness Centre

    Roight next to the pool is the spa and wellness centre. This is home to the fitness centre where you can get a good work out on state of the artcardiovascular and strength-training machines, as well as a full range of free weight-training equipment by world-renowned lifestyle brand Life Fitness.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    I avoided the gym, but happily had a Filipino style massage and an hour of reflexology. If you haven’t had a hilot massage before, then you are in for a treat. I don't treat myself that often and it was a glorious two hours of me time.

    The Peninsula Manila The Bar

    There are a couple of bars at The Peninsula Manila, Salon De Ning and The Bar. Whilst Salon De Ning was rather cool with it’s glamorous 1930’s Shanghai feel, excellent cocktails and live music, we preferred The Bar.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    The Bar is the quieter of the two bars at the hotel. You have a choice of sitting around the large wooden bar, grabbing one of the various tables, and there are small booths with padded bench style seats and stools. Complimentary snacks are brought out with your drink order. I might add they happily keep refilling them for you too. After a hard day of playing tourist, it quite hits the spot.

    The Peninsula Manila Spices Restaurant

    During our week stay at the hotel we had dinner there a couple of times. Once for room service and the other Spices. Spices restaurant offers South East Asian cuisine from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka and India.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Spices kitchen is headed by Chef Phaithoon Atthasarn, who’s specialty is Thai food. Atthasarn comes from Northern Thailand and his love for his homeland is showcased on Spices menu.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Goi Cuon, fresh rice paper summer rolls with shrimp, pork and coriander

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Cha Gio and Nuoc Cham, deep fried Imperial spring rolls with shrimps, minced pork Water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms and glass noodles

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Traditional satay originating from Java, 3 pcs chicken & 3 pcs beef

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    Inihaw na Baboy, spicy barbecued pork with chili vinegar dip

    The Peninsula Manila The Lobby

    The Lobby is a stunning space. The ceiling is adorned with a giant sunburst sculpture created by Filipino artist Napoleon Abueva. The ceiling is an impressive four storeys high. There are also two massive tapestries hung on the front walls of the Makati and Ayala lobbies.

    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    The lobby acts as another dining area which seems to attract a lot of locals for afternoon tea. It is a vast area with ample places to sit and enjoy a meal, but it is the halo halo that The Peninsula Manila is known for. It is probably the most expensive (PHP 690) halo halo in Manila as well.

    Halo halo means “mix mix” and is an iconic Filipino dessert. The Peninsula’s halo halo is massive, big enough for two. They call it the Halo-Halo Harana, and it is made up of the following; leche flan (egg yolk custard), chickpeas, sweetened kidney beans, jelly, kaong (sugar palm), nata de coco (coconut gel), ube (purple yam), sago in syrup, langka (jackfruit) and makapuno (a rare variety of creamy coconut).

    Halo Halo at The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.
    Halo Halo at The Peninsula Hotel Manila stay review. 5 star luxury located centrally in Makati.

    This is then topped with a scoop of ube ice cream and sprinkled with toasted pinipig (rice crisps). If this wasn’t enough it is then topped with around an inch of evaporated milk. All served in a very balloon glass. Trust me when I say order one between two!

    Even though The Peninsula Manila is a large luxury hotel, we were made to feel very at home. Always greeted with a smile and asked how our day was on return from our adventures. Even if we looked like something the cat had dragged in after facing a day of Manila traffic humidity and heat.

    The hotel is in a good location in Makati, which is the central business district. We found it a great base to discover and see what we wanted to.

    Did The Peninsula Manila live up to my 12 year old self's dream of staying at a Peninsula hotel? Yes, yes it did.

    You may also enjoy reading about our food tour of Manila's Chinatown and our nose to tail degustation in Pampanga.  After other accommodation in Manila?  Have a read of my review of Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

    Sara xxx

    The Peninsula Manila
    Cnr Ayala & Makati Avenues
    1226 Makati City
    Metro Manila
    Republic of the Philippines
    Tel +63 2 887 2888

    « How to Make Fresh Black Truffles Stretch Further
    Baked Matcha White Chocolate Cheesecake »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Rose

      May 27, 2023 at 3:53 am

      The halo-halo now costs Php800. I was there two days ago.

      Reply
      • Sara McCleary

        July 05, 2023 at 9:45 pm

        Hi Rose
        Thanks for the price update, greatly appreciated.
        Cheers, Sara

    2. Sharon

      March 03, 2018 at 1:56 pm

      Hi Sarah,
      The Peninsula Manila. What a great spot to stay be the sound of your words. Can't wait to try it.

      Pictures are making me drool also.

      Sign me up.

      Cheers Sharon...

      Reply
    3. Raymond Williams

      February 13, 2018 at 5:24 pm

      Awesome article sharing this post. Lots of valuable important and informative info sharing this article post. Keep going.

      Reply
    4. Mandy Yanga

      January 29, 2018 at 2:33 pm

      Peninsula Manila looks great! But I'm more excited to try out the foods. They look so yummy!

      Reply
    5. Joyce Blass

      January 05, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      I've been living here in the Philippines ever since I was born but I still haven't got the chance to stay in the Peninsula Manila. Thank you for your post. Peninsula Manila looks so refreshing! (thanks to your high quality pictures) I should put Peninsula Manila in my to-go-to list!

      Reply
    6. Vicky and Buddy

      September 04, 2017 at 4:41 am

      I think it's so great when we're able to go to a place we've been dreaming about since we were kids, and it lives up to all of our expectations! The Peninsula looks lovely, with so many great amenities. The spa especially caught my eye, as well as the food. And knowing it's in a great location makes it even better!

      Reply
    7. Mags

      August 30, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      i've honestly heard mixed reviews of Manila, but I'd love to check it out for myself and this looks like a great place to do it.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:18 pm

        Manila is an interesting place to visit. I will admit I was a little hesitant about visiting from what I had read in the news, but glad we made the trip.

    8. Paige Wunder

      August 30, 2017 at 3:14 am

      You certainly find some luxurious locations to say in Manila! The food looks absolutely top notch! I'd love to eat there. I also love the look of the bar. Super glamorous.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:16 pm

        We loved the bar, it was generally not crowded and made a nice little escape before heading out for the evening or a last drink before hitting the pillow.

    9. Nathan

      August 29, 2017 at 12:57 am

      This hotel looks amazing! The room is gorgeous but I would go just for the food alone! I'll have to keep this place in mind for the next time I'm in Manila!

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:15 pm

        It is such a lovely hotel, and the food was great.

    10. Aleah | SolitaryWanderer

      August 28, 2017 at 12:03 am

      I loved the Manila Pen. I had a chance to stay there for a week years ago and it was wonderful time for me as well. Glad you liked it!

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:15 pm

        Isn't it just a fabulous hotel. The staff go a long way to making it a wonderful experience too.

    11. Wiebke

      August 27, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      Looks like a very luxurious place. Love the sleek and modern room design. And the food looks very yummy too 🙂

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:14 pm

        It was rather lux, but without any pomp.

    12. Patricia

      August 27, 2017 at 3:00 am

      That is a gorgeous hotel, and I love that you have a childhood attachment to it (in a way). Between the amazing looking food and the style of the hotel, I was sold. Although the security at the start of the trip may have had me on edge for a little while. Luckily, I would have headed straight for that wellness center to relax! I think getting the lounge access is a great perk, and, like you, I think we'd opt for the quiet of The Bar to unwind in the evenings. Glad it lived up to your 12-year-old notions. 🙂

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:13 pm

        It is a funny childhood attachment I must admit, but I am really glad we stayed there.

    13. Sarah

      August 27, 2017 at 2:21 am

      The Halo Halo looks amazing! So do the wellness centre and the Thai food at the restaurant. Great post, thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:13 pm

        The halo halo was fun to try, a very upmarket one. All the food was great.

    14. Fiona Maclean

      August 27, 2017 at 12:21 am

      I'm laughing real time at your 'trust me - order one between two' of the halo halo - it does look deliciously OTT. The hotel overall seems faultless. I love your room - it looks so luxurious and you are quite right, it's the little touches, like getting room service right that matter!

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:12 pm

        OMG I am dead serious, those halo halo are the size of your head!!!!!

    15. Ami

      August 26, 2017 at 2:22 pm

      I Am amazed with the detailed review of the oldest hotel in Manila. You have covered every aspect of the hotel to give us all an idea of how it really is and whether it will be worth the money. I love your pics as well. I love the decor of the place and the breakfast station is apt for me as I tend to have a nice elaborate one when on a holiday. It sets you up right for the day.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:12 pm

        The breakfast was great, truly something for everyone.

    16. Megan Jerrard

      August 23, 2017 at 11:12 pm

      So glad it lived up to your expectations! Looks like a wonderful hotel. It's funny how little things which are said on the fly like "this is THE hotel to stay at" can stay with us through life! For me that was watching a TV show called Getaway when I was like 10, where they featured the biggest shopping mall int he world. Ive wanted to travel to Edmonton Canada for the last 20 years just because of that!!

      The Peninsula Hotel looks truly wonderful - the food is incredible, and the rooms look immaculate. Interesting to learn that security is a normal thing in Manila - I wouldn't be surprised if other countries started adopting similar processes soon with the amount of security breaches we've seen internationally of late.

      The lobby here looks gorgeous, the halo halo sounds ... interesting! I've never tried it before, but will make sure I travel here first to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:11 pm

        It really is funny how things can stick with us. The security was a bit of a shock on arrival, but then you just get use to it.

    17. Punita Malhotra

      August 21, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      Wow! That is such a great hotel. Apart from the classy decor and comfortable sized bathroom, i am impressed with all that wonderful food. The pink pastry will be haunting my palate for some time. The restaurant and spa look snazzy too. Wonder whether it fits my budget.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:10 pm

        I fell in love with the bathroom, it was so huge!

    18. Lydia Smith

      August 21, 2017 at 4:46 pm

      Wow. Everywhere looks beautiful. From the decor to the man services, it is an excellent pass. I'd be sure to try here if time perfects me a travel in Philippines. The Peninsula Manila is one place I'd love to visit when I travel to Manila.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:09 pm

        It really was a great place to base ourselves, I can highly recommend them.

    19. Kim-Ling Richardson

      August 20, 2017 at 11:37 pm

      The room service looks delicious and so fancy! I love that the trolley is also the table. The restaurant looks nice too. I’m a sucker for a good buffet breakfast! The halo halo sounds interesting. Kinda reminds me of the randomness of an ais kacang from Malaysia (random, but still delicious!). I’ll have to try it when I visit the Philippines!

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:08 pm

        I will admit I was very impressed with the room service. Their set up is just superb.

    20. Drew

      August 20, 2017 at 6:31 pm

      I just walked past the Peninsula in Hong Kong a few weeks ago and thought the same thing! I've stayed at the Peninsula in Chicago before, and I just love their attention to detail and their extremely high level of hospitality. Yet, it always felt comfortable and not stuffy. I love Club Level rooms too, and having access to lounges like that always makes the experience better. Great pick for a hotel!

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:06 pm

        I agree with you, not once did I feel they were stuffy. Even when I walked in all hot and messy from a day of roaming humid Manila. I was welcomed with open arms.

    21. Gokul Raj

      August 20, 2017 at 5:32 pm

      Love the review. So many pics which gives you the real idea of the place. Love the rooms. Simple yet elegant.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:04 pm

        Thanks so much, as they say, a picture is worth 1000 words.

    22. Jenn and Ed Coleman

      August 20, 2017 at 5:54 am

      We love the club level. It's such a great way to get pampered at the hotel. What really gets my belly rumbling is the best halo halo in Manila. My take on halo halo is that more is more. I can get a little overboard with sweets.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:03 pm

        I must admit I do love that little bit of extra pampering you get with a club level too.

    23. suvarna

      August 19, 2017 at 5:46 pm

      9kms in two hours! wow well done on braving that! Glad you had a lovely and spacious room to rest and unwind in in.

      Reply
      • Sara

        September 02, 2017 at 1:02 pm

        It was a Friday evening nightmare!!! First time visiting Manila and wow wasn't that a shock.

    Primary Sidebar

    photo of Sara McCleary, Founder, Belly Rumbles culinary travel blog

    Well hello there! I’m Sara McCleary a food lover and avid traveller.

    Welcome to Belly Rumbles, my slice of the Internet.

    A space where I share family recipes and ones discovered on my foodie travel adventures.

    Come join me on my culinary adventure.

    More about me ?

    Footer

    back to top


    Nitty Gritty

    About Us

    Let's Connect

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • About
    • Sara McCleary
    • Work With Us
    • Contact
    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Threads

    © Sara McCleary and Belly Rumbles® 2009-2025

    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Reddit
    25 shares