Oh, I agree re Manila. I have a few friends to see there, plus my wife will be teaching a one-day class there, plus I'd like to show her around a bit. And I think Filipinos are great. But I wouldn't consider it a great city by a long shot.

Having said that, we'll need to spend a few days there on the front and tail ends of our trip for the above reasons. Hence my questions about the Marriott.

FWIW, I'm also considering the newly opened Hyatt. If anyone's in a position to compare the Marriott and the Hyatt, I'd welcome it.