By Shaina Amienyi
Manila
Philippines
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Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is an exciting city with much to do for vacationers. Founded in 1571 by three Spanish conquistadors, the city has a long history. Nowhere else can visitors get a feel for the culture and energy of the Philippines than in this lively, diverse city.

EscapeWizard.com invites you to book your flight to Manila. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the country and city’s main gateway. Please book your flight using the following link (www.escapewizard.com/flight.php). For assistance finding a hotel in Manila, please see the hotel portion of our website below for our selection of recommended hotels. Then you can book through EscapeWizard.com by using the following link (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).

EscapeWizard.com recommends that visitors experience Manila’s historical attractions. For example, visit Malacañang Palace, which has been the seat of the head of the Government of the Philippines since the days of Spanish colonization. Malacañang Palace, which derives its name from a vernacular phrase meaning “there lives a noble man,” is located on the north bank of the beautiful Pasig River. The Pasig River is considered the “Cradle of Civilization” in Manila. If you love visiting water, also discover Manila Bay where the famous Manila Bay Battle was fought between the Americans and the Spaniards in 1893.

In the center of Manila stands Intramuros, the old, walled city built by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Located along the southern bank of the Pasig River, Intramuros is the oldest district in Manila. It houses European buildings and churches, such as the Grand Manila Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, and San Augustin Church, a Baroque-style church that is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another exciting attraction that we at EscapeWizard.com believe you should visit is the Manila Ocean Park, one of the largest ocean parks on the continent of Asia and the first marine park in the Philippines. The ocean park features over 20,000 marine inhabitants from Manila’s own waters. The park’s main attraction is the Oceanarium, with its underwater tunnel that lets visitors see how reef fish interact. Other exhibits include dancing jellyfish and a Musical Fountain show with stunning fire, music, lights, and animation. The park also includes dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities that we at EscapeWizard.com urge you to visit.

Shopping enthusiasts in Manila will enjoy the various shopping areas the city has to offer, including what EscapeWizard.com views as a must-see destination: the Mall of Asia. The establishment is the third largest mall in the world and has its own attractions. It offers shopping, dining, ice skating, entertainment, and more. Other shopping areas in Manila are Robinson Place, Balikbayan Handicrafts, and the Tutuban Center Mall.

Manila provides a diverse nightlife that EscapeWizard.com suggests taking advantage of during your vacation. The city offers everything from culture shows to clubs, lounges, and cafes. Many of the casinos have bars and put on live shows. Malate and Ermita are popular entertainment districts where you can find a variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art, and antique shops. EscapeWizard also recommends the Fort Bonifacio area for additional nightlife in the city.

Manila’s varied attractions draw all types of visitors. History and culture buffs will take interest in Manila’s churches, theaters, and museums, whereas shoppers will delight in the city’s malls, boutiques, and flea markets. EscapeWizard.com guarantees no matter what your interests, you will enjoy your vacation to this vibrant city with its golden sunsets and breathtaking view of the world-famous Manila Bay. You can book your next vacation to Manila, Philippines using the above link.
Hotels in Manila
By Tekisha Slack
InterContinental Manila
No. 1 Ayala Ave, P.O. Box 731-D-3117 • Manila, Philippines
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The InterContinental Manila is a Landmark hotel and symbol of pride in the Philippines. The hotel boasts 332 guestrooms and suites. Each Guest room is designed to offer every comfort that will ensure an enjoyable and unforgettable visit. The latest technology including in-room high speed Internet access and Wi-Fi in public spaces is sure to please business or leisure travelers. For guests looking for extra space and added comfort, the Club InterContinental rooms are available and offer special privileges such as a Club Lounge for private check-in and check-out, butler service, sumptuous breakfast, afternoon tea service, evening cocktails and a selection of international newspapers and magazines.

Modern day amenities adhering to InterContinental Hotel standards are also in place. Health aficionados will love the Fitness Center with its fully-equipped gym with saunas. The Suriya Spa offers a sanctuary of relaxation, a wide menu of spa services such as massage therapy, traditional body spas, back & body treatments -all administered by highly skilled therapists. The spa also includes a Sauna and Whirlpool. Many hotel shops are also onsite including: Beauty Salon, Convenience Store, Florist, Gift Shop and a Newsstand. This hotel also offer many entertainment and recreation activities like an outdoor pool and live entertainment. A Business Center that is staffed between the hours of 1:00 AM and 12:00 AM and convenient travel services such as: Airline Desk(s): Baron Travel and Tours, Rental Car Desk(s), and Foreign Currency Exchange.

For dining options, the InterContinental Manila offers Prince Albert Rotisserie- one of Manila's oldest and most favored restaurants.  With its new show kitchen, watch as first rate chefs prepare culinary delights right before your eyes. Café Jeepney serves a spread of Filipino and International favorites a la carte and buffet-style with live cooking and carving stations. Walk off those scrumptious meals as you explore the area. The hotel is located directly across from the Greenbelt and Glorietta shopping and entertainment districts.

When you are a guest at the InterContinental Manila, your stay in Manila is sure to be a unique and enriching experience. Use EscapeWizard.com to book your accommodations today. Just click on the link to get started (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).
Hotels in Manila
By Tekisha Slack
Holiday Inn
1 Asia Development Bank Avenue Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Manila, Philippines
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Centrally located at the Ortigas district, Holiday Inn Galleria Manila is 40 minutes away from the international airport, a 15-minute ride to Makati and a short walk to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Formerly known as the Manila Galleria Suites, this hotel has a total of 284 guest rooms with coffee and tea making facilities. In addition to the standard amenities, each of the Holiday Inn Galleria Manila’s Guest rooms is equipped with cable TV, NDD/IDD access, mini refrigerator, WIFI internet access and a full work desk. Check-in times are at 2:00 PM and Check-out times are at 12:00 PM.

This hotel is the ideal base for both business and leisure travelers. Business travelers will appreciate the Business Center, copying, courier service, Executive floors and Suites, fax machines, and a front office team that will be there to provide any assistance you need. Leisure travelers will love the onsite health and fitness, spa facilities, and housekeeping and laundry services.

The hotel offers a variety of dining options both within the hotel and at the adjacent Shopping Mall. FAB features breakfast ala carte dining in a warm and casual setting. The restaurant offers quick fixes of international and local menu options to satisfy your cravings. The Holiday Inn Galleria Manila’s Bar One is a great place to unwind and enjoy your favorite drink. Guests can enjoy a game of billiards, live nightly entertainment or catch the latest events from the bar's TV monitors.

Located in the Ortigas Central Business District, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria is directly connected to Crowne Plaza and also offers convenient access to major areas of shopping and entertainment. A few blocks away are prestigious business establishments such as Asian Development Bank and Philippine Stock Exchange.

Use EscapeWizard.com to book your accommodations at the conveniently located Holiday Inn Galleria Manila today! Just click on the link to get started (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).
Hotels in Manila
By Sandy O'Neal
Mandarin Oriental Manila
Makati Avenue, Makati City 1226, Metro Manila, Philippines
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When your travels take you to Manila in the Philippines, a fantastic place to stay is the Mandarin Oriental. The hotel is located in Makati city, just east of Manila. The hotel is in a location known as the financial capital of the Philippines, and it’s nearby one of the most cosmopolitan districts in metro Manila. If you look you, you will see that you are surrounded by skyscrapers. 

The hotel has 442 magnificent rooms, 89 Club rooms, and 16 suites on the upper most levels of the hotel. Room amenities may vary depending on your room selection. All rooms and suites feature cable TV and high speed internet access. 

If you are looking for a location to host a business meeting, conference, or social occasion, the hotel offers 17 meeting rooms that can function as simply as a boardroom, or an extravagant grand ballroom. The event space can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. Catering is available for your event.

The hotel is well equipped to meet the needs of the business traveler. The hotel business rooms include spacious work desk, and multi function business equipment that will allow you to send a fax, make a copy, or scan and print. There is also a media card reader available as well. Working from your hotel room has never been more pleasing. 

Pamper and rejuvenate yourself with a visit to the world class spa located right on-site at the Mandarin. Keeping up with your conditioning routine while away from home will be a breeze at the hotel’s first class fitness center. After your workout, spend some time relaxing by the outdoor pool.

There are a number of restaurants and lounges right on-site at the hotel. You can enjoy classical continental cuisine at The Tivoli, or more casual modern dining at Paseo Uno. Oriental delicacies are the specialty of Tin Hau. The Mandarin Deli is a great place to enjoy breads, pastries and light fare. Cigar lovers will enjoy a visit to Kipling’s Cigar Bar. The MO Lobby Lounge is a great place to meet with business associates while you enjoy your favorite cocktail. If you enjoy Jazz, a visit to Martini’s is in order. You can enjoy a wide variety of beverages and live music every night.

All in all, the Mandarin Oriental in Manila is an excellent place to stay and comes highly recommended by EscapeWizard.com. Book your next stay by following this link (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).