The Historic Manila Hotel and its Buffet Offerings

This article was inspired from my recent readings on the most expensive Place in Manila for All You Can Eat Buffet for P4,000-5000 per Person.  

Dining with Relatives in The Manila Hotel, 1970 ( Macrine and I with the 4D's)

The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. William Howard Taft created an urban plan for the city of Manila. He hired Architect Daniel Hudson Burnham who drafted a wide and long tree-lined boulevard that would begin at the park where the end of the bay would be dominated by a magnificent hotel. To execute Burnham’s plans, Taft hired William E. Parsons, a New York city architect, who envisioned an impressive, comfortable hotel which he patterned along the lines of Californian mission style architecture. ( From the Hotel website)

The historic Manila Hotel has seen the Filipino through the best and the most challenging times. Its rich heritage is intertwined with the country’s history, and the identity of the city it lives in.

On July 4, 1912, The Manila Hotel first opened its doors to the public, as announced on the pages of what was then known as Manila Daily Bulletin. A sprawling property located in the heart of Manila, the country’s first ever five-star hotel became the address of prominence visited by the most illustrious of guests.

The hotel has served as witness to how the city has suffered so much damage during the outbreak of World War II under the Japanese invasion. It also served as the official residence of General Douglas MacArthur and his family. It is also known as the “Address of Prestige” in the Far East to prominent people–presidents, royalties, public figures, and celebrities–as well as other discerning guests. 

As the “true heart of the Philippines,”  the hotel also helped the city in its effort to rebuild itself and establish the city as a major economic center in the Pacific region. More than a century later, Manila Hotel’s stories continue to evoke nostalgia from people of all ages who remember the hotel as its different stages.

Today, the hotel takes pride in having its own character, which is uniquely Filipino. We have remained to be one of the most recognizable and celebrated hotels. We began welcoming guests in 1912. Our distinctive blend of history, luxury and genuine Filipino hospitality has made us a word-of-mouth across the globe. We continue that legacy with an unmatched selection of accommodations, activities and experiences that invite guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and traditions of the Filipino people. Come celebrate with us and discover the most historical hotel in Manila.

AI Overview:

THEN: 

1930s: Manila Hotel -built in 1912, the most luxurious hotel in Asia! This is where General Douglas MacArthur (Penthouse suite!) lived, Ernest Hemingway, and the Beatles stayed! White Mission-style, palm trees at Luneta, vintage sedans, everyone dressed in suits- the golden age of Manila!

NOW 2026:

STILL GRAND! Same iconic white facade, green roof restored, PH flags waving, vintage car exhibit in front! Sunset orange at Manila Bay, tourists all taking pictures in the lobby where history happened! 1912 → 1945 MacArthur left “I shall return” → 1945 burned in war → 1970s Marcos restored → 2026 113 years old, still 5-star!

The Manila Hotel opened on July 4, 1912, as the Philippines' oldest premier five-star luxury hotel. 

Origins and Early Years (1898–1935)

Urban Planning: Judge William Howard Taft and architect Daniel Hudson Burnham designed a master city plan for Manila that called for a grand hotel overlooking Manila Bay.
California Mission Style: Architect William E. Parsons designed the original H-shaped, five-story white building with green-tile roofs.
Grand Opening: It officially opened on American Independence Day in 1912 with a gala dinner for 400 guests. 

World War II and the MacArthur Era (1935–1945)

General MacArthur's Home: From 1935 to 1941, General Douglas MacArthur lived in a custom penthouse suite at the hotel while serving as Military Advisor to the Philippine Commonwealth.
Japanese Occupation: Japanese forces occupied the hotel and used it as a military headquarters for over three years.
Destruction: The building suffered severe damage and caught fire during the 1945 Battle of Manila as Allied forces liberated the city. 

Reconstruction and Modern Expansion (1945–Present)

Post-War Rebuilding: The hotel underwent extensive post-war reconstruction to restore its historic stature. 
The 1970s Tower: A major renovation and high-rise tower addition in the late 1970s—designed by Leandro Locsin—expanded its capacity and added modern rooms. 
Centennial & Landmark Status: The hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012 following a comprehensive multi-year refurbishment, cementing its legacy as a national historic landmark. 


My Photo of the Day:Miag-ao Church, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines

Miagao Church in Iloilo took ten years to build, from 1787 to 1797, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 11, 1993. Made of adobe, limestone, and coral in a Baroque-Romanesque style, it is dedicated to Saint Thomas of Villanova. Its two belfries doubled as watchtowers against Moro raids, and the facade shows Saint Christopher in local dress beside a coconut tree of life.