The Henry Hotel Manila

Perfect combo of retreat and proximity to city life

Pros: From the moment you enter, you are transported to another time. There's an unhurried air around the place. Lovely garden, historic home as the centerpiece. Staff is exceptionally well trained and will do their absolute best to accommodate your request. Popcorn at 9pm to munch while watching a movie? You bet. If you want to get out for shows, shopping or sight seeing, you are very near Mall of Asia and Intramuros. Highly recommended.

Cons: The website is very clear on the square footage of each class of room and because it is a historic home that has been converted, I expected the room to be on the small side. However, when I stay again, I'll ask to have a look at the available rooms before I take my key. My room was quite small and that was fine since I was alone. If I had been with a companion, it would have been too small.

Very nice and unique

Pros: Great hotel! Located in a compound so you feel very safe and you don't hear the traffic from the street. Nicely renovated with a modern look. Apparently, this was owned by a wealthy chinese family back in the day and they renovated for hotel use. Very nice architecture. Also very close to Mall of Asia and surrounding casinos and restaurants in the Pasay neighborhood.

Cons: Only one entrance to all the rooms from the main area. 4 houses situated in tandem and our room was located in the 3rd house. Since there was only one entrance, the walk to the main gate of the compound made it twice as far. I only stayed a night, so it wasn't terribly inconvenient, but if I was staying a few days or weeks, it would probably get old quick.