The Henry Hotel located in Manila in the Philippines was a beautiful and peaceful oasis hidden among the poverty of the city. This hotel isn’t your typical, newly built high rise you’ll find sprinkled throughout the city, instead, it was created in five renovated 1950’s buildings which gives the boutique hotel character that you don’t often find.
What I loved about this hotel is that they didn’t just take an old building and gut it, instead, they kept many original aspects of the building and improved upon them. For example, original tile and hardwood floors still remain throughout the buildings which have been re-stained or refinished. As we pulled into the hotels property, the first thing I noticed was someone waiting to greet us wearing a crisp white shirt with a bow tie and black thick-rimmed glasses. “Look how cute he looks,” I said. I then realized all the staff were dressed like this. A funky and fun uniform which gave the boutique hotel even more character.
Room
The sad part about my stay here was that I actually wasn’t spending the night. I had a flight home to Canada at around 12am. However, I did get my own room to have a place to relax and refresh before an over 19 hour journey home. My room was too cute. Equipped with modern furnishings, combined with the cutest little touches that chain hotels don’t pay attention to anymore. The room had large windows providing lots of natural light, and cute decorations that made the room feel unique and not cookie cutter. I wish I could’ve stayed in this room longer then I did because I know, without a doubt, I would’ve had a fantastic sleep.
The bathroom was bright and clean. Although I didn’t use the shower, it was new and looked like it wouldn’t fall short. Products like shampoo and soap were available as well as fresh clean towels, slippers and a robe (my fav!).
Common Areas & Location
The grounds this hotel falls on are huge, which means that even though this hotel may not be located in the most ideal area for you to stay, you still have a lot to enjoy right at the hotel. There are a few areas to sit outside and enjoy the humid air of Manila, there’s an outdoor pool surrounded by tall trees, open space and several lounge chairs. There is a bar and restaurant located in the main building of the hotel which serves a list of yummy comfort foods.
For those that want to leave the hotel to explore, the hotel offers several recommendations in the area and is located in Pasay City which is about 5km from the main business district Makati (also where most of the other hotels are located). The hotel is also located 10 minutes away (without traffic) to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport which means it can be a great place to stay leading up to your departure from Manila.
Finding a hotel in Manila that is clean, possesses character and makes you feel safe can be difficult, and I was absolutely blown away when we pulled up to this hotel. Although I don’t overly love the city of Manila, and don’t have a burning desire to return, if I did, I would definitely opt to spend a bit more and stay here. Rooms start at around $85 USD a night and despite the less convenient location for those looking to be in Makati, it’s worth staying here and paying a little more on transportation.
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