I'm flying to Saipan in January (from Bangkok) and on the return I seem to have a choice of an overnight layover in either Manila or Hong Kong. Arrival in both places is about 10 PM and departure mid-morning the following day.

I've never been to Manila and it's been years since I was in Hong Kong. I'm not really looking to do any touring, I just want a reasonably inexpensive place to sleep and maybe a spot for a few beers before I hit the sack. I suspect Manila has cheaper rooms but that Hong Kong is better organized from a weary traveler's point of view.

Anything to recommend one place over the other?

No recommendation for the place to RON but would suggest you check carefully on the applicable rules for your airline and CHECKED baggage.

Since Saipan is U.S. territory, it might, just might, be under the 50 pounds per bag and two-bag rule. Maybe not, don't know.

But if it is, and you break your trip, you might revert to the 20 kg total for checked baggage.

Mac

Too bad such a short time. As you may know, the new int'l airport in HK is quite a ways out of the city. But there is a really nice train that takes you there and back fairly quickly. In the PI, well...IMHO...Manila is a mess. No comparison to HK. So much to do and see in HK. Can't wait to go back!!!

Sight-Seeing & Food Hong Kong

or

Cheaper & Companionship in Manila

There ia a new Marriott hotel near the airport in Manila, and a great casino just a few minutes away also.

Good for a short layover

Manila airport is a mess and a major hassle, real 3rd world mobs, hustlers, pests. Hong Kong is worth seeing if only for the airport train link to Kowloon and the airport itself. Vibrant city, very orderly, great food and shopping if you have the time.

I'd pick HK hands down over Manila. Safe, clean, fun, interesting etc ...Plus it is DIFFERENT. Flying into Manila and dealing with the issues there is like the worst of flying into the old DM without any of the benefits. Yes you can likely get a cheaper room in Manila but going out on the street after dark in some areas puts you more at risk than most other major cities in Asia.

When it comes to COST, Manila wins for sure (not that I find it a particularly nice place).

Don't let you scare away by some of the posts, regarding hassles at the airport. there are not more hassles than at Suvarnabhumi nowadays.

take a YELLOW AIRPORT CAB (Metered, though 50% more expensive than regular cabs) and you should be on the safe side. they are easy to locate just outside the terminal buildings (I assume you arrive at the old international terminal). there are many decent moderately priced hotels in a radius of not more than 10-12 km from the airport (Best Western La Corona for example, not too expensive and a decent BF-buffet, at least by Philippine-standards, though it is located in sleazy Malate, where indeed one should not roam around a lot late at night - particularly not when intoxicated).

I think the new MICROTEL at MALL OF ASIA is already open, that's less than 5 km from the airport (the taxidriver will not be overly happy about that, so tip him generously). MALL OF ASIA is 100% safe and there is a plethory of non-sleazy entertainment outlets (Pubs, restos, Bars) attached or at the seafront. quite nice. easy to get back to the airport next morning.

NEWPORT RESORT WORLD is adjacent to the new Terminal 3 (which is primarily being used by Cebu Pacific and Pal Express), that's where the MARRIOTT is located.

staying there, you would not even have an encounter with Manila's morbid downtown (except for Makati business area)

more information about Newport Resort World and the Marriott here:

http://www.rwmanila.com/hotels-at-resorts-world-manila/marriott

if money is not a major concern, of course Hong Kong is safer, nicer and better organized. but it comes with a price-tag......

Thanks to all for the suggestions. A lot to ponder….