There are a multitude of ways to get around Metro Manila. The MRT3, LRT1, and LRT2 lines can get you to a lot of places at an affordable price. Jeepneys and Cabs are also great ways to get around. As with most flight fares, you can always get it cheaper if you book it ahead of time. If you’re a last minute booker, the tickets could cost you anywhere from P5,000+ to P8000+, depending on the airline. If you’re looking to save, why not book through Traveloka? We offer discounts on flights as well as hotel rooms.

A staycation in Manila is perfect for anyone regardless of budget as it has its share of high-end and budget hotels. Each promising guests with a comfortable stay, use of great amenities and oftentimes, a lip-smacking breakfast to help kickstart the day. With that being said, here are some of our recommendations:

Right in the heart of Ortigas Center, The Exchange Regency Residence Hotel is a 4-star hotel at an affordable price. It’s near SM Megamall and Metrowalk, so you have shopping options whatever budget you’re working with. Room rates start at PHP 2,025, but if you pay PHP 2,925 you can have breakfast included.

This 3-star hotel Oasis Paco Park Hotel is perfect if you’re planning to visit many of Manila’s historical sites. It’s less than a kilometer away from Paco Park, and is just a jeepney ride away from Rizal Park and the National Museum. Room rates start at PHP 1,625.

If you’re spending the long weekend in Quezon City, consider staying at the H Hotels – Metro North Uno. It’s also less than a kilometer away from both SM City North EDSA and Trinoma. The hotel also has a roof deck that gives guests a full view of the Northern Metro. Room rates start at PHP 1,892, but can change depending on availability.

This 4-star hotel claims to be the first one to open at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), it’s a great choice if you’re looking to explore BGC. It’s less than a kilometer away from three shopping areas, and is eight minutes away from The Mind Museum. Room rates start at PHP 6,970 inclusive of breakfast.

This 3-star hotel is near foodie haven Maginhawa Street, so you have dozens and dozens of food options nearby. The hotel’s Aqua Lounge is a great place to take a dip in, while you can wine and dine at the Divino Lounge. Room rates start at PHP 3,525 inclusive of breakfast, but may change depending on availability.

This 5-star institution is called the Grand Dame of Manila Hotels, and has housed such personalities like General Douglas MacArthur and former US president John F. Kennedy. It’s also just a walk away from such attractions like the Manila Ocean Park and Rizal Park. Room rates start at PHP 6,086.

Less than a kilometer away from the Alabang Town Center is the 5-star Acacia Hotel Manila. Its proximity to the Alabang Town Center and Festival Supermall is perfect for ardent shoppers. For those looking to just stay in, its 261 rooms all feature a “Dream Bed”, customized orthopedic beds with memory foam tops. The hotel is also running a couple of early bird promos. If you book seven days before check-in, you get a 10% discount and can get a room at PHP 4,856, inclusive of breakfast. If you book two days before check-in, you get a 20% discount and can get a room at PHP 4,316, inclusive of breakfast.

Pick the BSA Towers Serviced Residences if you’re looking for accommodation that feel more like a home rather than a hotel. There are several spacious and fully-furnished rooms – each with a fully-equipped kitchen, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal. Greenbelt is just across the street from it as well, so that’s your shopping covered. The hotel is also running a “Run of the House” promo, where you can get a room worth PHP 4,000 for as low as PHP 2,999. That’s with breakfast included!

The 4-star A. Venue Hotel is located in Poblacion, Makati. This location gives youaccess to the many hip restaurants that dot the place. It’s also less than a kilometer away from the Power Plant Mall, so there’s no need to worry if you’re looking to do some shopping. The A. Venue Hotel also has a “Run of the House” promo where you can get a room worth PHP 3,600 for as low as PHP 2,999.

At just a stone’s throw away from the Greenhills Shopping Center, the 3-star Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern is perfect is you want to spend the long weekend doing some bargain hunting. It’s also just a 20 to 30 minute drive from Makati, so if you’re looking for more high-end deals you can change locations easily. The hotel is also part of Traveloka’s #TreatYourselfThursdays deal, so you can book a room at PHP 4,050, inclusive of breakfast.

A place as large as Metro Manila is never short of new food places to try. Just like the hotels, price points for restaurants go from fine dining to street-side comfort food. Here are some suggestions on where you can feastduring your staycation in Manila:

This growing food district is home to several exciting restaurants and is a required stop for any foodie. You can check out spots like Alamat, which serve artisanal longganisa, or Señor Pollo, famous for its Latin style roast chicken.

Located inside SM Megamall, Makansutra Hawkers houses 11 stalls that feature street food from all over Asia. Chicken fan? Try out Hong Kong Street Old Chun Kee’s Prawn Past Chicken. Want to try out Indian food? Take a bite out of Curry Flurry’s Roti Prata.

Maginhawa Street in Quezon City gained a reputation as a foodie haven over the years. With dozens of restaurants to choose from, it’s hard not to find something you’re into. You can visit Cat Café Manila, a cat-themed restaurant that also houses cats that are up for adoption. Harry Potter fans can check out The Nook, a Harry Potter-themed restaurant that serves Butterbeer.

Another Quezon City food hub is the U.P. Town Center, which first opened in 2013. U.P. Town Center houses The Lucky Chick, famous for its sourdough fried chicken and homemade doughnuts. Dessert aficionados can also check out Manila Creamery, which puts a Filipino spin on gelato.

Already an institution among foodies, Kapitolyo is a palce you should visit if you haven’t done so yet. LGBTQ-friendly Anu’man Kitchen has cheekily named dishes like Hot na Hipon and Pusit Pusit Some More. Mama Rosa is also the go-to place if you’re looking for Filipino food that tastes just like home.

There are dozens and dozens of malls in the Metro Manila area, so there’s no shortage of places to spend your money on. There are 16 supermalls that have more than a hundred stores and other facilities, as well as bargain malls like Tutuban Center.

Located in Malugay St. in Makati, The Collective is where you go for unique boutiques. It also doubles as an art space and venue for alternative rock performances, so there’s more to do there aside from shop.

Once the largest mall in the country before it was usurped by SM City North EDSA, it’s worth a visit not just for its size, but for the attached attractions like amusement park rides and museums. The mall also has a “true” IMAX screen if you’re itching to catch a blockbuster.

As the name implies, the LegazpiSunday Market is only around on the weekend. What’ makes it worth waiting around for this market is the fact that it sells vegan-friendly food, artisanal creations, and other homemade knick-knacks. Definitely things you won’t see at a big mall!

Whether you’re looking for vinyl to add to your collection or in the mood for some unique threads, Cubao X will probably have it for you. It’s a favorite hangout of the city’s young creative crowd, and often has items you won’t find anywhere else.

A lot of people don’t often get to see the beauty of Metro Manila as they’re often scurrying all over it to either get to work or go home from it. But Metro Manila is more than just offices and traffic. There are sights to see in the city and going there this long weekend is as good a time as any.

A lot of foreign tourists have made their way to Intramuros over the years, and it’s about time more Filipinos did the same. It’s a great place to take a walk, and a great place to see our history. You can even retrace the steps national hero Jose Rizal took from Fort Santiago all the way to Rizal Park.

Once you’ve toured Intramuros and the nearby Rizal Park, you can head on over to the nearby Paco Park. A municipal cemetery during the Spanish era, Paco Park once housed the remains of national hero Jose Rizal. Padres Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora are also buried there. More recently, it’s become a venue for weddings and receptions.

Not only has the National Museum recently been renovated, it’s also waived its entrance fees. Now you can visit it even if you’re working with a budget, and its several floors are definitely worth exploring.

It’s a little pricier, especially compared to the National Museum’s free entrance, but the P425 entrance fee is worth it if just for the Gold of Ancestors exhibit on the museum’s fourth floor. There are more than a thousand gold pieces on display from the country’s pre-colonial past.

The recently re-opened National Planetarium is located within Rizal Park, and is offering free entrance until the end of April. It runs five shows on Saturday and two on Sunday, so better check it out this long weekend while it’s still free! Plan your Manila staycation. Check 10 Instagram-worthy Staycation Hotels in Metro Manila Under P5,000 ]]>