My Two Most Favorite Hotels in the World (A)

Makati Shangri La, Manila, Philippines & The Trafalgar Hotel, London

Makati Shangri La, Manila, The Philippines

At the financial center of this bustling Pacific metropolis lies the Makati Shangri La. Befitting its size, 699 elegant rooms, this property of the Asian luxury Shangri La hotel chain, is the leading deluxe hotel in Manila. It serves as both refuge from and acts as hub of Philippine commerce.

During the course of any given day you are likely to see Filipina doyens taking a tea break from shopping at Glorietta mall across the plaza, businessmen wearing the Barong tagalog (the elaborate natural fiber shirts) in heated conversation, or security details lounging while a government or high placed executive is dining (or otherwise engaged) in the hotel.  You immediately sense efficient luxury upon entering the lobby atrium, three stories tall with massive marble columns ( a consistent architectural detail in Shangri Las ) climbing to the rafter level where the live string and piano quartet play from noon to 10 pm every day.  The atrium holds a lounge with which beautifully frames the space and a three story glass wall looking out into tropical garden. 

The exquisite service starts straight away by two beautiful twin (really) "greeters" who offer an immediate welcome and service to every guest and visitor. Twinly radiant, cheerful, and professional Filipina beauties--Cherry & Cheeky--spend their days extending elegant efficiency to travelers from the four corners of the world, including the Sultan of Brunei, keiretsu shoguns from Japan, 'merican businessmen, and European merchants.  If you're a "golden circle" guest, or frequent resident of the hotel known to C&C, you'll be swept up to your room for check in directly, with the help of "Ace" one of the day bellmen ( who has 4 children and commutes over an hour a day by public transportation ). The hotel is run by a German GM who is a former Marriott GM with a world of experience gained from operating hotels around the globe.

The rooms are decorated in the modern minimalism trending with high hotel chains. But each room has rounded edges in their elliptical design with two tier ceilings for softening halo-like lighting, and birch paneling to provide a cooling, and "kewl" oasis from the tropical heat of the Philippines. The rooms feature every modern convenience, plus a personalised 5-in-1 fax, printer, high speed broadband, and the nice touch of electrical sources representing every variety of currents and plugs. Worthy of a trendy party, an afternoon of focused report production for the global masters at HQ, holding a small meeting, or even just sleeping the night away, your stay reflects the highest standards of Asia's largest hotel chain meeting the demands of elite consumer and business travelers. Don't miss the 24 hour masseuse service.

Location: Convenient in the center of Makati, the business, shopping and entertainment district of the country.  30 minutes away from the international airports.

Ayala Corner, Makati Avenue, Makati City, 1200 Philippines

Tel:  +63 2 813 8888

Fax; +63 2 813 5499

Costs:  Superior Room: US$ 160+

           Horizon Executive Floor: US$ 200+

           Suite: US$ 270+

           plus taxes

Food & Entertainment: Hotel cuisine traces to all corners of the globe. Cantonese cuisine at the Shang Palace, high Japanese gastronomy at the Inagiku, the trendy hot spot lounge RED, culinary buffet at the five theater kitchens of Circles Cafe, casual gatherings and wine flights in the atrium Lobby Lounge, or cocktails and live music (Thursday's are the best) at Conway's.

Recreation Facilities: Two outdoor floodlit tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, full and spacious gym and health spa with 24 therapeutic massage available.

Other services: Glorietta and Greenpark shopping arcades within 5 minute walk, pastry shop, florist, hair salon, business center, executive floor.

Next time you're in Manila, check into the Makati Shangri La. Ideally suited to visit Smart or Globe.