Lobby Lounge - Manila Hotel

Paolo Luces

4.0

The Manila Hotel's lobby is so iconic and it has remained the same ever since I can remember. The mood was so cheery yesterday as we checked in with Christmas classics being played on the piano. The cheeriness was so infectious that we decided to forego dinner at Cafe Ilang-Ilang and hang out at the Lobby Lounge instead. Christmas was definitely in the air! The beautiful towering tree was flanked by gold nutcrackers on each side. People were all happy and smiling, taking pictures with Santa and his elves. The atmosphere was addictive to be honest. After placing our orders, we listened to the band play classics and munched on some peanuts. Our orders were served swiftly and covered with saran wrap as it was making its way from the kitchen. Much appreciated.👍 My fiance and I ordered the Manila Hotel clubhouse, which made us glad we did not order a Caesar salad because it was so big. It was also the most unique clubhouse we have ever shared. Served in a bread "container", the sandwich was nestled inside the bread housing and you have to reach in to get a piece. It was not bad in terms of taste-- all components were present but I did not enjoy the bread. I just prefer other kinds of bread over rye. We also shared the Pizza Manila Hotel, which was topped cheese, olives, and chorizo. We liked this pizza actually, which had a thin crust that I prefer. We couldn't finish these two dishes.... Well, honestly because we were saving space for the puto bumbong. Told you, the festive atmosphere was infectious!❤️ The puto bumbong was served with muscovado, niyog and cheese. It was interesting but we both felt that it needed more butter. I wouldn't recommend this dish, especially since there are a lot of things on the menu. The meal was on the expensive side, as expected from an upscale hotel. We did enjoy the band as we sipped on cold beer. P.S.Service was excellent!

Eric Oliva

3.0

Manila Hotel's lobby is beautiful. There's a piano playing in the background, and servers wearing traditional Filipino wares. I went with some foreign guests here after a tour of Intramuros for late lunch and some drinks. Although ambiance and atmosphere are bar none, my drink, the Charlemagne (one of their signature cocktails) was so-so. No hint of gin, only of simple syrup and soda, which made it taste a lot like a Shirley Temple. Also got a Caesar salad, which contained more iceberg than romaine. Quite disappointing also. Food and drinks should match the initial impression the hotel gives.