1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas

The hotel offers a beautiful blend of colonial charm and modern comfort, making it a memorable boutique stay. Its signature feature is its central location in Poblacion, Makati, placing guests at the heart of the city's vibrant nightlife and dining scene. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers, couples seeking a lively atmosphere, and solo travelers looking for easy access to entertainment. Many guests appreciate the hotel's excellent value for money, spacious and clean rooms, and the consistently warm and attentive staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a second key card upon check-in to ensure continuous electricity in your room, and be mindful of billing details when dining at the hotel's restaurants. For light sleepers, it's worth noting that the lively area can sometimes lead to street noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel’s facilities to be well-maintained and convenient. The swimming pool on the tenth floor is a popular spot for relaxation, offering a nice ambiance, though some guests noted the water can be cold or that the pool is occasionally closed for private events, which can lead to loud music. The fitness center is described as small but perfectly usable and well-equipped, providing a good option for guests to stay active. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is generally reported as reliable and excellent, though some guests on higher floors experienced spotty connections. The elevators are typically fast and clean, but some reviews mentioned that one elevator has been out of order for an extended period, causing occasional delays. The hotel also features a relaxing spa offering various treatments.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, often describing them as modern and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and soft linens contribute to a restful night's sleep. Many rooms offer nice views of the city, and blackout curtains are effective in blocking out light. However, a recurring concern is noise from the street, particularly traffic and nightlife, which can be heard due to uninsulated windows, affecting light sleepers. The air conditioning units, often older window-type models, are frequently described as noisy and sometimes difficult to control, with some guests reporting they blow directly onto the bed. While bathrooms are generally clean and spacious with good hot water pressure, some guests noted issues with water getting outside the shower or hot water lasting only a short time. Some rooms include cooking facilities, and the presence of a coffee maker is appreciated. Housekeeping service, while generally good, was occasionally reported as slow or inconsistent with towel changes and water refills.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel’s dining options receive mixed but generally positive feedback. The breakfast buffet is often described as delicious with a good variety of choices, including traditional Filipino dishes, and good coffee. However, some guests found the selection limited, average, or noted that hot food items were sometimes lukewarm. The Spanish restaurant located on the ground floor is a significant highlight, consistently praised for its fantastic food, delicious dishes, and reasonable prices, making it a highly recommended spot for dinner. The restaurant’s ambiance is also frequently complimented. While overall restaurant service is good, some guests reported slow service or issues with billing, such as unexpected additional charges. In-room dining is also available for guest convenience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Poblacion, Makati, is a major draw for guests, placing them within walking distance of numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is described as being in the heart of the city's vibrant nightlife and entertainment area, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. A shopping mall is also conveniently located a short walk away. The hotel is relatively close to the airport, typically a 30-minute drive, and offers good connectivity to major roads. While the lively surroundings are a positive for many, some guests noted that the area can be noisy, especially at night, and that sidewalks might be challenging to navigate. Parking is available, with specific entry points to consider due to one-way streets in Makati.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight their professional and welcoming demeanor, noting that they go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and efficient. While housekeeping is largely effective, some guests experienced occasional delays in room cleaning or inconsistencies with towel replacements. The bell service is appreciated for its assistance with luggage, though a few guests noted instances where bellmen were less proactive. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel often requires a key card to maintain electricity in the room; requesting a second card is advisable if staying with a partner or group. Some guests reported issues with security deposit refunds, suggesting caution when paying deposits via credit card. The hotel features a unique Filipino-Spanish theme, with staff occasionally wearing era-appropriate attire, adding to its distinct charm. The spa and in-house massage services are highly recommended for their quality and value. It's important to note that the pool may occasionally be closed for private events, which can lead to loud music disturbing guests. The presence of older window-type air conditioning units can result in noticeable noise. Some guests also mentioned minor extra charges for cleaning dirty towels or issues with towel scent. Additionally, one of the hotel’s elevators has been out of order for several months, potentially causing occasional delays.