UPDATED: Revisiting Manila Through Manila Hotel's Manila Revisited Room Package

It is my belief that no other premier 5 star hotel in the country comes as close as enjoying such a rich and varied history as the Manila Hotel.  Originally built in 1912 by American Architect William Parsons, it has withstood a world war, a number of renovations and reconstructions, and has also housed dignitaries and celebrities, too.  It is considered a Philippine landmark and has seen, and survived, numerous historic events that have shaped our nation.

It's been a while since I've been to the Manila Hotel (5 years ago to be exact). 


Manila Hotel


And although the lobby may still looked the same...

Grand lobby

These definitely weren't, having underdone extensive renovations of late.

Pool area

Manila Hotel's Superior Deluxe room

Oh, how I wish our other public facilities would also enjoy a facelift, too (ehem...NAIA 1.  *cough*  *cough*)

And have you noticed something really sinful above the tub?

The newly renovated commode

Yes, folks!  That black box there is actually a TV!  A first for me since I haven't been to a hotel with one inside the commode.  J

But this wasn't the main reason for my visit to the Grand Dame, as the hotel is more fondly called.  In line with it's 100th year celebration, the Manila Hotel recently unveiled their Manila Revisited room package.

Aside from enjoying a Superior Deluxe room or Sunset/Sunrise Suite with buffet breakfast, free internet access, welcome drinks and complimentary use of health club facilities; the package also comes complete with an Intramuros and Rizal Park tour courtesy of Castillian Carriage and Tour Services.

Walk the cobblestone steps leading to Fort Santiago.

Fort Santiago

 And view their collection of Rizal memorabilia.


Rizal memorabilia


Here's one really eerie item.  Enclosed in this glass case is a part of Jose Rizal's, the country's national hero, vertebrea with the bullet that killed him during his execution still embedded in it.  This item is now considered a secular relic.

A part of Jose Rizal's spine

Learn what luxury living was like during the Spanish era with a tour of Casa Manila.

Casa Manila from the outside

Inside Casa Manila

And step on the actual execution site of Jose Rizal.


The execution of our national hero


All these sightseeing done while onboard the transport of choice of old Manila folk -- the kalesa (horse-drawn carriage.)

Kalesa

The 2-and-a-half hour tour also includes a trip to the Palacio del Gobernador, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, the World War II Headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur, and the Buluarte de San Diego.

Manila Hotel's Manila Revisited room packages start at Php7,500 for Superior Deluxe rooms to Php15,000 for Sunset / Sunrise Suites.

Sightseeing is truly more fun in the Philippines.  J

Our guide

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UPDATE (as of 01/28/12):

Listed below are the updated prices for single and double occupancy rates for Manila Hotel's Manila Revisited room packages.

For Superior Deluxe rooms, rate is Php7,500 NETT for single occupancy and Php8,500 NETT for double.  For the Sunset and Sunrise suites, rate is Php15,500 NETT for single and Php16,500 for double.  Rates for double occupancy includes all the other inclusions (such as buffet breakfast, tours, etc.) applied to 2 pax.

The Manila Hotel's Manila Revisited room packages will run for the whole centennial year of the Grand Dame.

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For inquiries and reservations, please call (63 2) 527 0011 local 1100 or visit their website at www.manila-hotel.com.ph  Manila Hotel is located at One Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines.