Manila is the most populous city in the Philippines. When you walk through the busy streets, you’ll experience the intense, tropical heat. However, since the exchange rate is advantageous and the economy is mostly service-oriented, you can easily afford to stay in a fancy hotel.
It’s important to choose a Manila hotel that includes a pool, which will provide a refreshing escape from the scorching streets. Being able to cool off and find peace away from the noise can greatly enhance or ruin your adventure in the Philippines.
8. Acacia Hotel Manila
The Acacia Hotel Manila is located in Festival Alabang, surrounded by a big circle of roads. Its rooms have vibrant carpets, white ceilings, and calm beige walls. The hotel also has a rooftop pool that stretches along the semicircular shape of the building, providing a relaxing oasis with panoramic views of the city.
From there, you can see the beautiful Laguna de Bay or explore the upscale Alabang neighborhood nearby. Enjoy a refreshing drink by the poolside and take in the sights of Manila.
7. I’M Hotel
Located in the center of Makati, south of Manila, lies the I’M hotel. It takes pride in having the largest spa in the country and is conveniently situated just a few steps away from the fashionable Makati Central Business District. Additionally, a pleasant stroll will lead you to the Pasig River, which runs through the bustling city.
The hotel’s aesthetic reflects its trendy ambiance, featuring stylish rooms, contemporary art, and an unconventional pool area. The rooftop pool is adorned with vibrant, life-sized bird cages for guests to relax in, incorporating a graffiti-covered wall that truly captures the essence of the city instead of isolating itself from it.
6. New World Manila Bay Hotel
The New World Manila Bay Hotel is conveniently located near Manila Bay, the United States Embassy, and Ocean Park. This tall hotel provides guests with beautiful views of both the bay and the busy city of Manila. If you want a break from the cityscape, you can go down to the pool.
The pool stands out not because of its size or water features, but because of the lush vegetation that covers its giant walls, creating a peaceful oasis in the midst of a polluted and bustling city. It’s the ideal place to relax and cool down after a day of exploring the largest city in the Philippines.
5. Hyatt City of Dreams Manila
The Hyatt City of Dreams Manila is located near Manila Bay, Alphaland Bay City Park, and the Solaire Casino. It is a tall building with golden columns at the bottom, giving the impression that it is being supported by them. Inside, the architecture is modern with curvy walls and golden sphere light fixtures.
On the rooftop, there is a pool that resembles the extravagant pools found in luxury casino resorts in Las Vegas. The pool’s edge extends over the water, creating a cascading overflow effect that appears to fall off the side of the building.
4. Diamond Hotel Philippines
The Diamond Hotel Philippines is located next to the New World Manila Bay, both of which are modern buildings on Route 1 highway in Manila. The hotel is fancy and appealing to a sophisticated crowd, but the prices are still reasonable due to a good exchange rate.
The pool area, though not very big, is nicely secluded by palm trees, giving a serene atmosphere. The pool area also includes an underground cave behind a waterfall, a separate hot tub for intimate evenings, and a complete outdoor bar.
3. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila is a luxury hotel located on the waterfront of Manila Bay and is close to the Manila Trade Center and the Philippines International Convention Center. The hotel has a vibrant interior design with bright yellows, oranges, dark woods, and purple accents.
Additionally, there is a beautiful beach nearby, and the hotel offers delicious food. One of the highlights is the stunning pool, which can be seen from some of the rooms. The pool features a unique lazy river-style design with an artificial beach, three bridges, and a swim-up bar. It offers a serene and relaxing environment away from the bustling city, with picturesque views of Manila Bay.
2. Azumi Boutique Hotel
You can find a very affordable 4-star hotel in the southern area of Manila called Muntinlupa, near Laguna de Bay. The hotel has a dark color scheme and the rooms are simple and not very spacious. The hotel keeps the lighting low, possibly to hide the fact that it is budget-friendly, but this doesn’t seem to bother the guests at all.
The Azumi Boutique Hotel is highly rated for its cool atmosphere, quick service, cleanliness, and an amazing pool. The pool is long and narrow, resembling a lap pool. It is accompanied by a spa that extends along the entire length of the pool, offering a great view through large bay windows.
There is only a small area of artificial turf and wooden benches separating the pool and spa. Interestingly, the water seems to flow over the edge of the roof into the city below.
1. Discovery Primea
Located in the Makita area of Manila, the Discovery Primea is a highly regarded hotel known for its outstanding service, pleasant atmosphere, fast internet, attractive rooms, and tasty breakfast. The rooms on the outer side offer breathtaking views in every direction, while the hotel also boasts a top-notch spa.
However, what truly sets the Discovery Primea apart is its incredible rooftop infinity pool. Guests are invited to take a dip and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the city’s stunning skyline from the pool’s edge. Particularly at sundown, when the day transitions into a sparkling spectacle of city lights, the pool becomes even more captivating.