The Bayleaf Intramuros Hotel

The location is excellent, and the rooftop bar is great. I arrived at 2 AM, and the staff were still open, friendly, and helpful. They assisted me and checked my room. The hotel still has a long way to go before it feels premium. Only one TV channel worked. I chose a room with windows, but it was small and strong with humidity, and the fan was positioned over your head, making it a bit difficult to sleep. The rooms all need maintenance before the place can call itself a high-end hotel.

The view is fantastic, and the hotel’s location in the heart of the old town is very convenient. The lobby is luxurious, with a great café near the entrance. The rooms, though, are a bit dated. The restaurant has good vegetarian choices, and the breakfast buffet is decent, with pretty much everything you could want. There was a live band every evening, and it was extremely loud. It made conversation impossible and ordering food quite difficult. Complaints about the noise were ignored.

The staff made us feel very welcome. They were lovely, attentive, friendly, and always ready to help. The hotel was comfortable and very conveniently located for sightseeing. Breakfast was fresh and delicious, with plenty of good choices at the buffet. We had a lovely stay and would recommend it. Just be aware that the walls are thin, so you can hear other guests’ doors opening and closing through the night. That could bother light sleepers.

For what we paid, this stay just wasn’t worth it. The room felt neglected, with hair on the sink and several light switches that didn’t work. The shower never got warm, either. The property looks outdated and badly in need of renovation, despite the promise of its star rating. We were choosing between this place and the Manila Hotel, and I wish we’d picked Manila instead. I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless they make major updates. It falls well short of the luxury experience it claims to offer.