Aside from its stunning landscapes, the Philippines is abundant in remarkable historic hotels offering a blend of timeless charm, architectural grandeur, and cultural significance. In other words, a historical hotel in the Philippines isn’t just an accommodation. It’s a glimpse into the country’s history, culture, and hospitality. If one wants to experience the journey through time and luxury, below is a list of the top ten historic hotels in the Philippines.
Top 10 Oldest Hotels in the Philippines
Watch how The Philippines’ rich history comes alive in the walls of the country’s historic establishments. Below is a list of the country’s oldest and most renowned hotels that visitors will love to stay in:
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Bataan)
The Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar takes the first spot on the list of historical hotels in the Philippines. It’s a unique heritage resort in Bagac, Bataan, with a sprawling property that serves as a living museum.
Las Casas offers 128 guest rooms and 63 carefully relocated and restored heritage houses. These houses represent different architectural styles prevalent during the Spanish colonial period, ranging from bahay na bato (stone houses), bahay kubo (traditional Filipino houses), and grand colonial mansions. Guests can also join cultural tours and workshops to learn more about the ancestral history of the property.
Hotel Luna (Vigan)
Located in the middle of Vigan’s heritage district, Hotel Luna reflects the glory of the Philippines’ colonial past. That’s why it ranks high on the top 10 oldest hotel in the Philippines. In 1882, Don Jose Florentino ordered to build a 2-story building as a wedding present for his doctor. Now, the establishment is a 4-star hotel that doubles as a museum.
One main feature that drives guests to Hotel Luna is its impressive collection of rare masterpieces of renowned Filipino artists, like Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Rene Robles. This hotel is certainly the place for history buffs who enjoy a comfortable vacation.
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The Manila Hotel (Manila)
Built in 1909, The Manila Hotel is the oldest hotel in the Philippines. It opened its doors on July 4, 1912, to celebrate the country’s independence from American rule. The Manila Hotel was a top accommodation choice for famous figures, including General Douglas MacArthur, President Bill Clinton, The Beatles, and Ernest Hemingway.
The Manila Hotel currently has 550 rooms and suites that are tastefully furnished with modern amenities and traditional Filipino touches. The hotel also offers seven dining areas, three lounges and bars, and an Executive Lounge. If that’s not enough, The Manila Hotel also has guided heritage tours and a contemporary art gallery to give the guests a glimpse of Filipino culture.
Rizal Park Hotel (Manila)
Rizal Park Hotel used to be the Manila Army and Navy Club. Established in 1911, the establishment was a social club for the U.S. Military and soon became a popular spot for important Philippine-American events. By the 70s, the club’s membership declined, and the city government took over. In 1991, the building was declared a National Landmark and soon became abandoned.
However, in 2017, the building was renamed the Rizal Park Hotel, and its doors were opened as a boutique historic hotel. Despite renovations, the establishment kept some of its original features but added modern facilities and amenities, like a coffee shop, gym, casino, and sky bar. Its original features add to its historical charm, making it a good accommodation for history fans.
Luneta Hotel (Manila)
The Luneta Hotel is an iconic historical hotel in the Philippines due to its rich history. It was built in 1919 by Spanish architect-engineer Salvador Farre, with an elegant Belle Epoque style that made it stand out from other establishments. In later years, it witnessed World War II and became one of the buildings that survived the Battle of Manila in 1945.
Today, the Luneta Hotel maintains 27 luxury rooms that provide an old-world charm. It’s also strategically located in the heart of Manila, with Rizal Park (Luneta) a short distance away, making it the ideal base for exploring the city’s historical landmarks. If you’re staying in Luneta and want to maximize your visit to Rizal Park, try booking a room in this hotel.
The Henry Hotel (Manila)
One of the standout features of The Henry Hotel that drives guests to stay is its artistic and eclectic design. The establishment is a post-war mansion with adjoining cottages that were renovated in 2014. The hotel currently offers boutique-style accommodations with 34 rooms and suites. Each room consists of modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and WiFi access. Moreover, if guests want a peaceful retreat, they can also stroll through the property’s impeccable garden, designed by Ildefonso P. Santos, a National Artist for Landscape Architecture.
Ciudad Fernandina Hotel (Vigan)
The Ciudad Fernandina Hotel was originally a house built by spouses Don Francisco de la Encarnacion and Dona Rosa Anastacia in 1758. In 2007, Dr. Benito Purugganan, Jr. and his wife, Yolanda Guerrero, bought the building and restored it into a modern hotel while maintaining its classic characteristics to preserve its authenticity as a Vigan heritage house.
Ciudad Fernandina currently offers standard rooms, suites, and dormitory spaces with a Spanish colonial ambiance and furnishings. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant, cafe, spa, and courtyard where guests can unwind. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and want to take a weekend getaway, this hotel is perfect for you.
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Casa Vallejo (Bagiuo)
Casa Vallejo is a notable historical hotel in the Philippines that guests would love to stay in. Established in 1909, it was originally a dormitory for construction workers working for the Americans. It wasn’t until 1923 that Salvador Vallejo turned it into a hotel.
Now, Casa Vallejo is considered Baguio’s oldest hotel and offers 24 rooms with a blend of modern touches and a charming colonial architectural style that features wooden beams and intricate latticework. Despite its rich history, the owners made accommodations affordable so everyone would have the chance to stay there. If you ever take a trip to Baguio, stop by this site if you enjoy history topics.
La Casita Mercedes (Makati)
If guests want to stay in a cozy bed and breakfast with a vintage vibe, they must stay in La Casita Mercedes. It was originally a house built in 1939 before the Japanese occupation and World War II, making it one of the oldest buildings in Makati. Guests find themselves transported to the past when visiting. If you enjoy classic architecture, visit this hotel.
It wasn’t until 2015 that La Casita was renovated into a bed and breakfast with contemporary amenities while maintaining its old-world charm and elegance. The building features an immaculately white facade, wrought-iron balconies, wooden shutters, and tiled roofs that draw guests in. It is located in Poblacion, Makati, making it an accessible accommodation for various establishments.
Miramar Hotel (Manila)
Built in the late 1930s, the Miramar Hotel is famous for its Art Deco style. Despite its renovation in 2009, the hotel still managed to maintain its iconic design. The five-story establishment is considered an architectural gem since it reminds guests of the glitz and glam of Old Manila.
The Miramar Hotel currently has 40 rooms and suites with modern amenities, such as cable TV, Wi-Fi access, and a minibar. It also has an onsite restaurant/lounge bar where guests can dine and listen to live music. Additional services include sauna, airport pickup, shuttle service, and more.
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Final Thoughts
Exploring the Philippines’ rich history and cultural heritage can be an enriching experience for visitors. If guests want to add a unique dimension to their visit, staying in a historical hotel in the Philippines is a must-do. The stay provides a brief glimpse into the country’s past, where guests can immerse themselves in the stories and traditions that shaped the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you want to know more about the historic hotels in the Philippines, here are a few frequently asked questions that might spark your interest:
What is the oldest hotel in the Philippines?
The oldest hotel in the Philippines is The Manila Hotel. It opened on July 4, 1912, to celebrate the country’s independence from American rule. It currently runs as a five-star hotel that offers world-class service.
Is Manila Hotel a historical place?
Yes, the Manila Hotel is a historical place due to its long history. It opened on the day the Philippines’ became independent from American rule. It also served as a military headquarters for Japanese forces and later became the temporary headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur.
What is the first deluxe hotel in the city of Manila that was opened in 1889?
The Hotel de Oriente was the first deluxe hotel that opened in 1889 in Manila. Don Manuel Perez Marqueti ordered the original structure to be built, and it was considered the only first-class hotel in the archipelago at the time.