I think you need to set your expectations right. It's a fine hotel in that the grounds are beautiful and it's by the Manila Bay. I enjoy having a drink at the lobby bar watching the sun sets on Manila Bay's horizon. The rooms need some updates and for me the highlight is the club lounge. The location might be out of way from tourist sights, some might say a 2-3km walk is ok, probably for avid walkers whilst I took taxis most of the time, the taxi drivers might be a bit cheeky and will ask for a top up on top of the fare shown on the meter.

The charge for a breakfast at the main restaurant is ridiculous (it's something around US$40).

I always find this property a bit special, as would most Filipinos I assume, as it somehow shows the vestiges of the excesses of the Marcos era when his whole family put up at the whole upper floor of the hotel when it was still called the Manila Plaza. A piece of history you might say.

Otherwise, Conrad Manila is opening up next to Mall of Asia which I think I might try next time.