Pearl Garden Hotel

For a mid-range stay in Malate, this is the best hotel I've found after several visits. The elevators weren't crowded, which I appreciated, and the rooms are cozy and clean. The air conditioning works really well too, much better than what I've usually encountered in the Philippines.

I wouldn't recommend this hotel, especially to women who may be menstruating. They kept my $40 deposit and charged another 90USD over a thin blood mark on the sheets. I explained that detergent should remove it, but they wouldn't listen and showed me a vendor's bill instead. I think there may be something behind it. The cleaning charge was unbelievable, more than the sheets and the room rate. This really happened.

Women, especially anyone in the middle of their period, should avoid staying here. They took our $15 deposit and charged 90$ for a little blood on the sheets. Detergent would wash it out, so I felt this was a false accusation. They said a linen cleaning company had charged them for a large amount of linen, but the fee was nearly as much as the room itself. We felt completely ripped off.

The dining room was spacious and not too crowded or noisy, so we could enjoy lunch and chat comfortably. We had reserved the buffet, and there was a waiting lounge for guests who arrived early. Everyone was welcoming from the entrance checkpoint onward. The food was good, and the waiters and managers paid close attention. I asked about a particular dish that wasn't on display, and a manager brought it right to our table.