Metro Manila, Philippines · January 2026
Where I stayed · The Peninsula Manila
The first place I stayed when I got to Manila, and where I came back for my last few nights before leaving the Philippines. Eight nights in all, booked through Chase's The Edit with Points Boost: five at the start (60,000 points plus $583.20) and three at the end (30,000 points plus $257.64). Each booking came with breakfast for two every day, a $100 property credit and a welcome amenity. It's more of an old-world luxury hotel.
Coming next: the Peninsula room walkthrough.
Where I stayed · Grand Hyatt Manila
Four nights in between the two Peninsula stays, on Hyatt points (something like 12,000 a night), with a Suite Upgrade Award for a very nice suite. It was the nicest Grand Hyatt I've stayed at, and it seemed newer and more modern than the others I've been to. I liked it better than the Pen, and I would have stayed here again at the end if there had been availability.
Coming next: the Grand Hyatt walkthrough.
Part one · Around the city
The old walled city
Manila's Chinatown