The address already carries much prestige for the hotel, but it’s not just being situated at No. 1 Ayala Avenue that bequeaths the InterContinental Manila its legendary status—it is also the stories and memories that it has borne witness to. We recently caught word about its impending farewell, and I am so grateful that we were able to spend nights at this icon. Read more…
The InterContinental Manila sits near the intersection of Ayala Avenue and EDSA, which are two of Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares. The hotel is only about 6-8 kilometers away from Manila’s four airport terminals, and it can be accessed by a metro line that extends up to Quezon City, as well as buses, jeepneys, taxis, and Uber cars that ply the area day in and day out.
Although located in the country’s premiere business district, the hotel offers much to leisure travelers as well. It’s situated right in Ayala Center, Makati’s foremost lifestyle destination that is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), arguably the most vibrant hotspot in the metro right now, is a few minutes by car.
With its building designed by the late National Artist Leandro Locsin, the InterContinetal Manila is an institution that has seen heads of state, visiting royalty, international celebrities, and countless memories. It is already 46 years in existence, and it holds the distinction of being the longest operating international chain hotel in the country, the first five-star hotel in Makati, and the second InterContinental hotel in Asia. Despite its long, distinguished history, however, the landmark has kept up with the times with its waves upon waves of transformation.
We were welcomed by a host of courteous and elegantly-dressed staff into the hotel’s stately lobby. But since we were staying in one of their suites, we were escorted at once to Club InterContinental at the top floor for an exclusive and expedient check-in.
Because of the hotel’s age, we were expecting a room with an older look, but we were pleasantly surprised at how new our Executive Suite felt, at par with or even exceeding the other luxury hotels we’ve stayed at. We later found out that our suite, located on a high floor beside the Presidential Suite, underwent a renovation a few years back.
Filipino aesthetics were combined with earth tones and ambient lighting to provide a classic luxury feel and an ideal resting environment. And the complementing view couldn’t be any more wonderful—the imposing skyline of Makati’s business district and the hotel’s courtyard can be viewed from the suite’s large windows.
Spacious at 52 square meters, our well-appointed suite had only the best features and amenities, starting with its ultra comfortable king bed and fluffy pillows that we loved sinking into.
In addition, the room is furnished with a large couch with center table, a handsome executive desk, a deluxe minibar with coffee and tea making facility, an LED TV, and a closet with safe. The spotless bathroom has a tub, and it came supplied with a set of fragrant toiletries by Agraria.
Again, as we were staying in an Executive Suite, we were extended extra privileges that included access to Club InterContinental, a vibrant, refreshing space with a full view of the city. It serves breakfasts, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails that are truly far superior than some other hotels. And until now, I cannot move on from the club’s Belgian waffles—they are to die for.
Although we were spoiled by Club InterContinental’s phenomenal breakfast spread, we went down one morning to try The Jeepney, the hotel’s famous all-day restaurant that serves a buffet of tasty Western, Asian, and Filipino fare.
Rounding up the restaurants and bars are the renowned Prince Albert Rotisserie, Gambrinus Bar, and Sol y Sombra. In terms of facilities, meanwhile, the hotel boasts of a business center, a swimming pool, a Gold’s Gym Express, and of course, state-of-the-art MICE facilities.
With its top-class rooms, facilities, and dining, InterContinental Manila is still one of the Philippines’ best. We surely aren’t looking forward to the day the grand dame closes its doors, though we trust that it will rise elsewhere again. Until then, we are certain that the hotel, together with all the hospitable staff who’ve delivered the best service possible through all the years, have made a lasting imprint on all of us fortunate enough to have gone within its illustrious walls.
INTERCONTINENTAL MANILA
Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 793 7000
Website: www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/manila/mnlha/hoteldetail
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