Manila is packed with chaos, commuting around is a constant headache, a nightmare in fact, and it isn't exactly a place where it is as beautiful as the other thousands islands that dots the whole country. The diversity and vibrant action of Manila can be overwhelming, so it makes sense to stay in a base where ultimate relaxation is at its finest. Let me introduce to you, Ritz Astor Hotel.

I was lucky enough to a enjoy a night at Ritz Astor in the middle of my Philippines coverage that went trough, Davao, Manila, and Camarines Norte. Here's my experience of the Ritz Astor Hotel in Makati.

First Impressions

After checking out from Royal Bellagio, we transferred to Ritz Astor, which was just a few steps away from Royal Bellagio. The Royal Bellagio's hotel attendant helped us with our luggage to Ritz Astor, and as we are about to enter the building, the attentive doorman of Ritz Astor were ready to greet us and offered to take our luggage. They swung open the super-size doors, and that's when I knew we're ofg to a good start. Despite the dreary August weather, the whole lobby looked inviting and sumptuously posh.

Deluxe Dreams

My spacious deluxe room was located on the top floor of the hotel, which meant it came with incredible views overlooking the Makati skyline. The deluxe room had an extensive mini-bar, toilet and shower room, and a heavenly cloud-like bed. However, I was surprised to find there were no tea and coffee making facilities in the room. Only later did I found out that tea and coffee making facilities were only available upon request. The bathroom was immaculately clean and the fresh fluffy white towels were as if it was made up of cotton-candy.

The Ultimate Breakfast

On the final morning of our stay in Ritz Astor, I got to enjoy a late leisurely breakfast with my friend and fellow travel writer, Rona. We strolled down to Ritz Cafe lobby at about 10am and found our perfect spot. Ritz Cafe had an extensive breakfast set menu from Eggs Benedict, Mushroom and Cheese Fritatta, American Breakfast, Tartines, to Pancake and Waffles, but there was only one clear winner: the American Breafkast. The dish was perfectly cooked, the eggs were done to perfection, but the best part was the impeccable crispy bacon, and butter and jam. The added fruit slices made it a truly hearty meal.

The Jose Cuervo Tequileria

The flashing neon lights and gritty streets in Poblacion, Makati, might give the wrong impression. It isn't exactly the first place you'd think to bring a foreign tourist in the Philippines, where sandy beaches and azure waters call to mind the flashes of Elysian fields.

Whilst Poblacion in Makati is decidedly grittier than glitzier, it is so easy to love. It is a home to an abundance of night clubs and bars, cool hostels and homey hotels, great food finds, and beautiful art, where character and eclectic charm perfectly mix that reflects our country's melting pot of cultures. But how many hotels in Makati can say they sit upon refuge, recreation, and rejuvenation at the same time, were the best establishments in the city is just a stone's throw away? The answer is only one. Welcome to the Royal Bellagio Hotel.

Getting There

After checking out from another hotel, my friend and I walked through the streets of Poblacion to find Royal Bellagio which was just a few meters away from where we came from. We could tell we were getting close to our destination as we could see the Royal Bellagio hotel sign from the distance. Upon entering Cafe Cubana we went straight to the lift to the second floor where Royal Bellagio's lobby is located.

First Impressions

Royal Bellagio is somewhat enigmatic when you drive through P. Burgos street, towards the unassuming entrance. The entrance to the hotel can be both through the Cafe Cubana or through the Filling Station which was a part of the whole hotel.


The first thing I noticed is the vast lobby which came really a surprise to me. Unexpectedly, it was huge! It was clean and neat, which is a sure-fire sign of things to come. Upon arrival we received a warm welcome from Ms. Celeste, the hotel's Sales and Marketing Manager which gave a personal touch that immediately made me feel at home.

Location, Location, Location

When looking for a hotel in a city like Makati, I believe that location is everything, so being centrally located in the metro's hippest hotspot is a one big check. I loved how the Royal Bellagio was located in the non-pretentious neighborhood of Makati. It's strategic location close to eclectic restaurants and bars is unraveled for foodies alike. The hotels hidden entrance gave a private and exclusive feel away from the masses.

Quirky Rooms and Luxurious Extras

We stayed in a Deluxe Room complete with a refrigerator, microwave, cable TV, built-in closet, and a mini bar. The added workstation near the door, and two-person lounge area next to the bed reminds me of my room at the Shangri-la Mactan Cebu. The homely extras such as the kitchenette made all the difference.


Our bed was a queen-size and the bedding was of the highest quality from the silky egyptian cotton bedsheets to the down-stuffed pillows and the embroidered blood red headboard. It was all very retro-esque which only added to the luxurious feel.


The toilet and bath is as clean as the whole room. It is equipped with a bath tub, luxurious toiletries, and fluffy white towels to boot.


Price: Deluxes Rooms starts at $50 (approximately PhP 2,500) per night, including breakfast based on two people sharing. Wifi is also free of charge. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.

Filling Station Bar and Restaurant

A huge benefit of staying at the Royal Bellagio hotel is also that you’re on the doorstep of one of Makati’s best restaurants; the Filling Station Bar and Restaurant - which was a part of the whole hotel. The hotel and restaurant share interconnecting doors so you don’t even have so step foot outside the hotel for a delicious meal. It's stunning interior design and furnishing looks like it's ready for a Vogue-interiors 50's photo shoot at every angle. It has a huge dose of wow!


Guests and outsiders alike can play, drain, and refill -- time travel back to the wonders and magic of the 50s and 60s era at the cozy retro atmosphere of Filling Station. Stacked in every corner, wall to wall are vinyl records, vending machines, rotary phones, and other past collectibles. Life-sized copies of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, The Mask, Wonder Women -- all of the furnishing, fixtures, textures and the tiny details work in perfect harmony to create a fantastic and stimulating interiors which I absolutely loved. The lovely waitresses clad in classic 50s diner uniform makes the whole restaurant truly retro-tastic!


The owner had done an exceptional job of transforming everything into intricate pieces into a beautiful touch of the past. His eye for detail consistently transcends throughout the whole property and it's clear that it remains a project very close to his heart. There is no doubt that the design concept has been imagined by a talented perfectionist.

The Breakfast

I absolutely love taking my time over a leisurely breakfast so when it comes to hotels, a good breakfast is always high on the priority list. At Royal Bellagio breakfast options at the Filling Station are inclusive in the price of your stay,

As I perused through the menu, I opted for the American Breakfast which consisted of toasts, eggs, bacon, butter and jam, coffee and juice. I prefer my eggs sunny side up, and the cook made my eggs exactly how I like it. The whole breakfast was rich, flavoursome, and a melt-in-the-mouth. Royal Bellagio had it spot on.

The Pizza and The Pasta

During our stay at Ritz Astor, which was also a sister hotel of Royal Bellagio, we were treated to a wonderful lunch meeting with the hotel's Sales and Marketing Manager, at the Filling Station Bar & Restaurant. My expectations on food, service and setting were all totally exceeded.

We ordered the Filling Station Pizza and the Chorizo Pasta. Pizza is life for me and I could tell that The Filling Station Pizza didn't disappoint. I would know if a pizza is made with a fresh dough or not but the Fillin Station Pizza was baked to perfection - an indulgent crunch alongside. Topped and scattered with chorizo, salami, mushroom, tuna flakes, onions, olives, bell peppers, and tomatoes. I think I enjoyed the chorizo pasta too so much because it's a dish I wouldn't normally go for. Both the pizza and the pasta was surprisingly and incredibly rich, tasty, and fresh. It was truly a comfort food.

The Verdict

The Royal Bellagio Hotel is laced with unique rooms to stay and unwind, modernised with timeless decor, luxurious extras, and friendly service. So many elements of the stay gave it a real personal touch, from the personal welcome of the hotel's Sales and Marketing Manager herself, to the bespoke meals. If you're looking for a relaxing refuge in Makati with a brilliant location and a festive charm, the Royal Bellagio is for you.



What did you think of Royal Bellagio Hotel? Have you been to Makati's Poblacion before? If you enjoyed reading this post or need any more advice about this hotel, please comment on the box below and let me know!

Visiting Makati? Check out:

• The Ultimate City Guide to Makati
• Manila Food Guide: 7 Unique Restaurants To Try In Makati

Disclaimer: My stay at Royal Bellagio Hotel was provided complimentary in exchange for coverage on my blog. All views are my own.

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