Conrad Manila {PHL} (Philippines)
Jun 16, 2016, 4:13 pm
#61
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 469
Has anyone from FT stayed here yet? First reports on tripadvisor seem very positive. Sadly I didn't think that the Conrad was going to be open when I'm in Manila in August so I'd already booked a prepaid rate at the Sofitel. I don't think that I'll be able to try it out until Nov. 
Jun 18, 2016, 8:09 pm
#62
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
Has anyone from FT stayed here yet? First reports on tripadvisor seem very positive. Sadly I didn't think that the Conrad was going to be open when I'm in Manila in August so I'd already booked a prepaid rate at the Sofitel. I don't think that I'll be able to try it out until Nov.
If you search to book best 3 room cat Ambassador, Presidential rooms (city v bay view is sub-cat), you'll see not bookable yet.
As I only need 1night risking a stay on 27th June, hoping lounge/lobby/pool etc general areas fully open and that it is just whole other floors of rooms that are left to be interior decoated and fitted out, with no semi-noisy work like plumbing in the bathrooms.
Jun 18, 2016, 10:15 pm
#63
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MNL
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, MR Gold, Avis First
Posts: 664
I stayed the first two nights, 6/15 and 6/16.
I booked a prepaid rate of 6000/night and was upgraded to a suite with a view of the pool and the bay. The hotel is U shape and I was in the middle part of the U which are the rooms furthest from the bay on the 4th floor.
The lobby is on the 3rd floor (which I could also see from my room) and the executive lounge is on the 7th.
The rooms were nice and the service was top-notch. I also stayed at the Shangri-La at the Fort on their opening nights and the Conrad was much more prepared to open.
There are a few ways to enter but the main entrance is on Seaside Blvd.
You enter and take an elevator to the third floor lobby and the front desk is just to the right when exiting the elevators and there is a great view of the bay right as you exit the elevators. It makes the bay look much nicer than it really is.
The restaurant only serves a la carte at dinner and the breakfast is decent. Service for brekafast the first day was great but the service the second day was not as good. The hostess asked me if I wanted coffee and then forgot and there were no cups for the juices. Both were quickly taken care of upon asking.
At turndown, a large stuffed caribao (local bull) was left instead of the bear and a clown fish was left in the tub.
The lounge was nice but the food selections during tea time and cocktail hour are not quite as diverse as the lounges in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul. The service was very good and the staff is excellent. There are nice views of the bay.
The director of operations gave me a tour of the hotel and I saw the spa which was very nice and very reasonably priced and the pool and pool bar. It was too hot for me to go to the pool bar but it looked nice.
I did have a small bite at the lounge next to the front desk and prices were reasonable and service was also excellent. There was also patio seating but again too hot for me. I didn't try China Blue which is a high-end chinese restaurant but it did look very nice and apparently is done by a well-known chef in China.
There are escalators on the side that lead to a level with a bridge to the SMX convention center and to Mall of Asia and if you go down another escalator it leads to the street level. The first day they were open and at about 7pm I was directed there by the staff only to get to the ground floor and find the doors locked. The next 2 days they were still closed and locked and no one seemed to know the status of the entrance.
The first 2 floors of the building is S Maison mall which is a little higher end but many shops still aren't open. There are restaurants on the 2nd floor but I didn't try any.
The only problem I had during the stay was the constant pounding that started right at 8am and went on past 4pm. I had some calls in the middle of the night and was unable to sleep during the day time any of the 3 days that I was there. I had a late checkout of 4pm but after trying to sleep without success, I checked out in the late morning and went home to sleep.
Ria, the guest relations manager was very apologetic and informed me that it was the mall construction. She offered some compensation and escorted me all the way to my car.
I'd be happy to answer any specific questions if anyone has any.
I booked a prepaid rate of 6000/night and was upgraded to a suite with a view of the pool and the bay. The hotel is U shape and I was in the middle part of the U which are the rooms furthest from the bay on the 4th floor.
The lobby is on the 3rd floor (which I could also see from my room) and the executive lounge is on the 7th.
The rooms were nice and the service was top-notch. I also stayed at the Shangri-La at the Fort on their opening nights and the Conrad was much more prepared to open.
There are a few ways to enter but the main entrance is on Seaside Blvd.
You enter and take an elevator to the third floor lobby and the front desk is just to the right when exiting the elevators and there is a great view of the bay right as you exit the elevators. It makes the bay look much nicer than it really is.
The restaurant only serves a la carte at dinner and the breakfast is decent. Service for brekafast the first day was great but the service the second day was not as good. The hostess asked me if I wanted coffee and then forgot and there were no cups for the juices. Both were quickly taken care of upon asking.
At turndown, a large stuffed caribao (local bull) was left instead of the bear and a clown fish was left in the tub.
The lounge was nice but the food selections during tea time and cocktail hour are not quite as diverse as the lounges in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul. The service was very good and the staff is excellent. There are nice views of the bay.
The director of operations gave me a tour of the hotel and I saw the spa which was very nice and very reasonably priced and the pool and pool bar. It was too hot for me to go to the pool bar but it looked nice.
I did have a small bite at the lounge next to the front desk and prices were reasonable and service was also excellent. There was also patio seating but again too hot for me. I didn't try China Blue which is a high-end chinese restaurant but it did look very nice and apparently is done by a well-known chef in China.
There are escalators on the side that lead to a level with a bridge to the SMX convention center and to Mall of Asia and if you go down another escalator it leads to the street level. The first day they were open and at about 7pm I was directed there by the staff only to get to the ground floor and find the doors locked. The next 2 days they were still closed and locked and no one seemed to know the status of the entrance.
The first 2 floors of the building is S Maison mall which is a little higher end but many shops still aren't open. There are restaurants on the 2nd floor but I didn't try any.
The only problem I had during the stay was the constant pounding that started right at 8am and went on past 4pm. I had some calls in the middle of the night and was unable to sleep during the day time any of the 3 days that I was there. I had a late checkout of 4pm but after trying to sleep without success, I checked out in the late morning and went home to sleep.
Ria, the guest relations manager was very apologetic and informed me that it was the mall construction. She offered some compensation and escorted me all the way to my car.
I'd be happy to answer any specific questions if anyone has any.
Jun 21, 2016, 8:28 pm
#64
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Makati City, Philippines
Programs: Delta Skymiles DM, CX GO, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,361
Wife and I stayed there one night 18 June. The stay overall was just OK for us. We booked a King Executive for 11,000, hotel was fully booked so no opportunity for an upgrade. When asked was told there were only a limited number of suites that were completed and ready to be used. Only the 4th and 7th floors are currently opened. Staff said the rest of the suites and others floors are projected to be finished end of July beginning of August.
Arrived at 3:30pm, no valet available, no bell hop, no luggage cart. Took our own luggage up to the 3rd floor lobby, 10 minute wait in the Honors line to check in, once we got to the agent they took us up to the executive lounge for checki in. No recognition of status. Took our own luggage the rest of the way up to the executive lounge. Our escort up was a pregnant woman in a full length gown who did offer to take our luggage herself, but it wasn't right to expect a pregnant woman to move our luggage.
Executive lounge food was adequate, but nothing special, selection was limited and ran out often. Hot food was often cold, as in out of the refrigerator cold. Filthy windows in both the executive lounge and the 3rd floor lounge ruined the view of Manila Bay.
Room was nothing special, bathroom fixtures felt cheap. Staff was helpful and friendly, though we consistently received conflicting information on check out hours and of operation of the on site restaurants.
Upon check out, no offer of assistance with our baggage or to arrange transportation.
Like I said overall for us it was just OK, leaving us to discuss if we will return again, which is disappointing as we are in Manila at least once a month and we had been waiting with much anticipation for a Hilton property to open in Manila. May be the new Hilton expected to open in 2017 near RWM will be better. At the least we will have another Hilton option to chose from.
Arrived at 3:30pm, no valet available, no bell hop, no luggage cart. Took our own luggage up to the 3rd floor lobby, 10 minute wait in the Honors line to check in, once we got to the agent they took us up to the executive lounge for checki in. No recognition of status. Took our own luggage the rest of the way up to the executive lounge. Our escort up was a pregnant woman in a full length gown who did offer to take our luggage herself, but it wasn't right to expect a pregnant woman to move our luggage.
Executive lounge food was adequate, but nothing special, selection was limited and ran out often. Hot food was often cold, as in out of the refrigerator cold. Filthy windows in both the executive lounge and the 3rd floor lounge ruined the view of Manila Bay.
Room was nothing special, bathroom fixtures felt cheap. Staff was helpful and friendly, though we consistently received conflicting information on check out hours and of operation of the on site restaurants.
Upon check out, no offer of assistance with our baggage or to arrange transportation.
Like I said overall for us it was just OK, leaving us to discuss if we will return again, which is disappointing as we are in Manila at least once a month and we had been waiting with much anticipation for a Hilton property to open in Manila. May be the new Hilton expected to open in 2017 near RWM will be better. At the least we will have another Hilton option to chose from.
Jun 27, 2016, 5:39 pm
#68
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Metal tube with wings
Programs: KF Gold|VA Gold|HH Diamond|Kimpton IC|Hyatt Gold
Posts: 445
Was told to go and change from my shorts to pants at Millennium Hilton in BKK, where 1/2 the lounge is outdoors in similar climate.
Pretty stupid.
Pretty stupid.
Jun 28, 2016, 8:40 am
#69
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
Whole Conrad Manila experience was totally underwhelming, I don't expect a lack of a bath in an Executive room at a supposedly 5* hotel. In fact for me all the rooms should include a bath.
As HHD booking entry level basic room (6000++ peso in Hilton sale) my 1-cat upgrade is to Deluxe Bay View (800++ (£12) peso more) and is update I sawmodded online initially
Quite some time later saw 8am I think checkin day, I was modded to Exec Bayview with Lounge. Essentially exactly same as Deluxe Bayview room, same view, same furnishings, just has Lounge Access and usually on floor 7 where lounge is located
You need 1-room-suite for a bath here, difference in rate Exec Bayview -> 1-Room-suite (non bayview) 2000peso and NOR1 asked for 5000 so I ignored that offer.
I will be switching back to Marriott on a b/f included rate, despite zero Marriott status and thus no lounge access, the Marriott has a bath and from memory far better restaurant b/f.
In fact the Conrad made to order fried egg was not at all fresh, as the whole of both the white and yolk part was very flat and thin and uniform. If eggs are fresh then eggs white center is thicker than suround and yolk is domed.
Plus of course if Conrad rooms are not in an HH sale, Conrad would cost 1200++ peso per night more, and stays at Marriott in Casino area with foreign (non-Filipino) passport means no 10% service tax , plus free shuttle from/to NAIA versus 325peso and longer xfer time from Mall of Asia area
As HHD booking entry level basic room (6000++ peso in Hilton sale) my 1-cat upgrade is to Deluxe Bay View (800++ (£12) peso more) and is update I sawmodded online initially
Quite some time later saw 8am I think checkin day, I was modded to Exec Bayview with Lounge. Essentially exactly same as Deluxe Bayview room, same view, same furnishings, just has Lounge Access and usually on floor 7 where lounge is located
You need 1-room-suite for a bath here, difference in rate Exec Bayview -> 1-Room-suite (non bayview) 2000peso and NOR1 asked for 5000 so I ignored that offer.
I will be switching back to Marriott on a b/f included rate, despite zero Marriott status and thus no lounge access, the Marriott has a bath and from memory far better restaurant b/f.
In fact the Conrad made to order fried egg was not at all fresh, as the whole of both the white and yolk part was very flat and thin and uniform. If eggs are fresh then eggs white center is thicker than suround and yolk is domed.
Plus of course if Conrad rooms are not in an HH sale, Conrad would cost 1200++ peso per night more, and stays at Marriott in Casino area with foreign (non-Filipino) passport means no 10% service tax , plus free shuttle from/to NAIA versus 325peso and longer xfer time from Mall of Asia area
Last edited by scubaccr; Jun 28, 2016 at 8:45 am
Jul 16, 2016, 12:35 am
#71
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Taiwan
Posts: 6
Book "KING ONE BEDROOM SUITE - LOUNGE ACCESS" one night for transfer.
Arrived Hotel around 10:30PM 14, July.
Request for any upgrade but the manger said only can add 2 beds for my kids.
As a diamond I got this room.
I got this view when i open the drapes in the morning from my bedroom.
Microtel and a Dump.
The other view from the living room.
The view from Executive Lounge.
They may have many sea view suit, but you need book by yourself.
The price difference between dump view suit and sea view suit is only around 600 peso, so don't forget book sea view suit by yourself.
As a diamond, I got a dump view suit. It's really a joke.
Arrived Hotel around 10:30PM 14, July.
Request for any upgrade but the manger said only can add 2 beds for my kids.
As a diamond I got this room.
I got this view when i open the drapes in the morning from my bedroom.
Microtel and a Dump.
The other view from the living room.
The view from Executive Lounge.
They may have many sea view suit, but you need book by yourself.
The price difference between dump view suit and sea view suit is only around 600 peso, so don't forget book sea view suit by yourself.
As a diamond, I got a dump view suit. It's really a joke.
Last edited by Charles Liu; Jul 18, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Jul 30, 2016, 2:00 am
#72
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Accor Gold, OW Emerald, SIXT Diamond
Posts: 833
Whole Conrad Manila experience was totally underwhelming, I don't expect a lack of a bath in an Executive room at a supposedly 5* hotel. In fact for me all the rooms should include a bath.
As HHD booking entry level basic room (6000++ peso in Hilton sale) my 1-cat upgrade is to Deluxe Bay View (800++ (£12) peso more) and is update I sawmodded online initially
Quite some time later saw 8am I think checkin day, I was modded to Exec Bayview with Lounge. Essentially exactly same as Deluxe Bayview room, same view, same furnishings, just has Lounge Access and usually on floor 7 where lounge is located
You need 1-room-suite for a bath here, difference in rate Exec Bayview -> 1-Room-suite (non bayview) 2000peso and NOR1 asked for 5000 so I ignored that offer.
I will be switching back to Marriott on a b/f included rate, despite zero Marriott status and thus no lounge access, the Marriott has a bath and from memory far better restaurant b/f.
In fact the Conrad made to order fried egg was not at all fresh, as the whole of both the white and yolk part was very flat and thin and uniform. If eggs are fresh then eggs white center is thicker than suround and yolk is domed.
Plus of course if Conrad rooms are not in an HH sale, Conrad would cost 1200++ peso per night more, and stays at Marriott in Casino area with foreign (non-Filipino) passport means no 10% service tax , plus free shuttle from/to NAIA versus 325peso and longer xfer time from Mall of Asia area
As HHD booking entry level basic room (6000++ peso in Hilton sale) my 1-cat upgrade is to Deluxe Bay View (800++ (£12) peso more) and is update I sawmodded online initially
Quite some time later saw 8am I think checkin day, I was modded to Exec Bayview with Lounge. Essentially exactly same as Deluxe Bayview room, same view, same furnishings, just has Lounge Access and usually on floor 7 where lounge is located
You need 1-room-suite for a bath here, difference in rate Exec Bayview -> 1-Room-suite (non bayview) 2000peso and NOR1 asked for 5000 so I ignored that offer.
I will be switching back to Marriott on a b/f included rate, despite zero Marriott status and thus no lounge access, the Marriott has a bath and from memory far better restaurant b/f.
In fact the Conrad made to order fried egg was not at all fresh, as the whole of both the white and yolk part was very flat and thin and uniform. If eggs are fresh then eggs white center is thicker than suround and yolk is domed.
Plus of course if Conrad rooms are not in an HH sale, Conrad would cost 1200++ peso per night more, and stays at Marriott in Casino area with foreign (non-Filipino) passport means no 10% service tax , plus free shuttle from/to NAIA versus 325peso and longer xfer time from Mall of Asia area
Jul 30, 2016, 8:37 pm
#73
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Kendal, Cumbria and Luzon
Programs: BA Silver, PR Elite, Avis Preferred Plus, PC Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 1,131
Useful but negative reviews
The Sofitel is in a pleasant but out of the way location. It is badly showing its age. That said it does run shuttles in to locations like Makati. But Metro Manila traffic is terrible.
Unless for a fairly surefire troublefree access to the airport the Conrad does not have a lot going for it either. Location is coastal as part of a newish mall complex. The Mall is middle market - and Philippines middle market. These malls tend to attract a big crowd offering free wifi and plenty of air conditioning. Let's say you need to be streetwise in the area.
I will give the Conrad a try shortly and report back. But I suspect I will be returning to The New World. Rooms are a bit small but for price, location and a very good Club lounge it is my current preference in a city that often disappoints on everything except service. I can't comment on The Newport/Gaming area hotels. I wouldn't stay in such a location by choice.
Aug 31, 2016, 12:42 pm
#74
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Programs: United, Hilton
Posts: 691
Stayed at the Conrad last week and was very impressed. Very nice room, well furnished and clean. I think all the opening weeks issues are resolved as I experienced no problems with service or noise.
Oct 24, 2016, 12:05 pm
#75
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Programs: TK Elite, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver
Posts: 967
Thanks guys for the reviews. I will be in Manila early next year and planning to stay at the Conrad for a night. I've only stayed at the Sofitel before and enjoyed it but since I have Hilton Diamond status, I think I will stick with Conrad.