Asia - Suggestions for North side of Manila metro

I would like to stay on the north side of Manila if it is feasible. I don't know about the safety of that area compared with Quezon City or Makati for foreign tourists, so that is something I would like someone's advise on that is familiar with Manila. My preference is 4 star hotel, but some 3 stars would probably be fine. All recommendations are welcome.

Not sure what you mean by North side of Manila. Are you looking at Caloocan City which is way up North or to places like Pasig?? Public transportation is such a bear in the Philippines, and probably that is why majority of tourists concentrate in the Makati area for easy access. What are you planning to visit in or around in Manila? as it will be helpful if your hotel will be situated close to the sights that you are planning to visit. Check out the Linden Suites which offers reasonable rates located in the Ortigas Center in Pasig which is in a safe area.

Let me know your travel plans and I'll see if I can provide you with more information. Usually, friends who come and visit would usually stay only for a night or 2 in Manila before heading out to the many beautiful beaches that Philippines has to offer such as the beaches in Boracay, Palawan or even nearby Batangas for some scuba diving. Happy travels!

Yes, Caloocan City or somewhere near that is in Manila proper is what I had in mind if its possible. I don't think I really plan to do much in manila itself, so getting into Manila from there isn't a hugh issue. I have an acquaintance in Valenzuela that I'll be meeting up with daily, so convenience to there is what I'm really looking for. I plan to have a rental car and drive to places like Subic or other areas north of Manila. If I stay in Pasig or Makati then I have to deal with Manila traffic every day to get to Valenzuela.

Am not familiar with any hotels in the Valenzuela area as it is really not a tourist town. When r u planning to go there? If there's time, I can try checking w/ a local travel agent there and see what they can find near that area....If u are looking for at least 3 * or at minimum, be like a Best Western/Hampton Inn standard, you may need to get nearer to Makati or Roxas Blvd area. Or probably rent an apartment/condo for the week as well as rent a car with a driver as roadmaps aren't that reliable and driving in Manila can be a nightmare.

I'll be there Sunday. I wasn't able to find anything online from Caloocan or north until you get to Angeles. I finally settled on the Imperial Palace Suites in Quezon City.

I'm used to having in-room internet access in most places I travel, but found it amazingly difficult to find in Manila... it seems most hotels had it in the loby or business center only rather than each room. That was the final driving factor for this hotel as the only thing I could find in QC with in-room internet was this hotel and the Crowne Plaza (which was quite a bit more expensive)

I hope the drive from QC up to the north part of the metro won't be too terrible. I keep reading about the nightmare driving experience you reference... I guess I'll see how bad it really is. I've driven in some other countries where that was also said and really didn't think much of it, so I'm not too terribly worried.

My hotel has parking, but in general how difficult its it to find public parking around the metro? Will I find a lot of garages or is street parking the norm?

Thanks for the offer to call a travel agent btw...

In fact coming in from Angeles down the North Luzon Expressway might not take much longer than from, say, Makati, although it's a lot further and involves tolls.

You are hitting the Christmas holidays so traffic can get worse. Parking can also be a drag but there are more garages built there so hopefully that will make it easier for you. But don't expect garages built next to the LRT or MRT.

Visiting Philippines during the Xmas season is a good time as it is so festive. I am headed there myself next week so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that traffic will not be as bad when there are less cars during the school holidays.

Enjoy your visit there! ;)