I'm coming back home from LA, one night layover (going to try for two) in Manila. Never been. Although I'm fairly over the NaNa/Cowboy thing in BKK ( I live Sukh Soi 1, for Christ sake), I'm not averse to contrast/comparison vis-a-vis Manila. Any ideas, tips are welcomed.

David

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What exactly are you asking here...? idea's and tips for what..?

Nice restaurants, hotels or places of interest like historical monuments...? please specify.

totster

I would stick to one night only. Not really much there to see. I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel which was really nice. Not far from some nice bars and restaurants

I think one night would be enough for you, especially if you know Nana etc., and live in Suk Soi 1.

The drive from the Airport to Makati is a heavily polluted nightmare journey through some abject poverty and filth. Some good hotels when you get there such as Intercon, Shangri La, Peninsula etc., but pricey. The shopping centre can be quite good for talent spotting but P. Burgos Street 5 minutes away down Makati Avenue is where all the action is but it is much more expensive than LOS.

As an alternative stay down Roxas Boulevard area Heritage Hotel, Hyatt, Manila Diamond as there is another action area there opposite the Heritage hotel - fun but again expensive. Further down there are cheapo's like the -3 star Swagman Inn with some very bottom of the barrel bars close by.

For a peaceful stay try the Westin on Manila Bay, great rooms, great views over the bay, especially sunset, away from the madding crowd, and with some good quality in-house entertainment.

The drive back to the airport from either of the last twwo suggestions above is also a lot less painful than Makati.

How to solve the problems in the Philippines? Terminate everybody over the age of 8 and start again - true quote from a Filipino

Thanks Bear-man and dddreams,

I do think I will make the first time a one-nighter, get back to LOS and get my bearings. One month in the states in various motels (trade show stuff) and I'm ready to go home and sleep in the same room for at least a week.

You can also try to stay in Ermita. Top end hotels there are the Pan Pacific and the new Hyatt. A fun place to go is the LA Cafe which is open 24 hours a day.