Holiday Inn Manila Galleria is Your Respite in the Middle of Ortigas

Towering structures and ubiquitous construction sites, that’s Ortigas. Still, in the middle of the hustle and bustle is an iconic hotel that’s been around for three decades: Holiday Inn Manila Galleria. Right next to Robinsons Galleria Mall and its sister hotel, Crowne Plaza, this triple-combo has been a safe space from the noise for families and business travelers.

But don’t get them wrong. They’re old, but not outdated. Icons, but not timeworn. In fact, as of March 2024, the two IHG hotels – Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Ortigas – underwent a full facelift. All 500+ rooms were freshly renovated and take it from us (as patrons who’ve experienced the previous hotel aesthetic), the rooms are certifiably stunning. Holiday Inn Ortigas and Crowne Plaza have become the ultimate, no-fuss staycation and workcation destinations in the middle of the business district.

Brand New Rooms
From the moment you step out into the hallway, you are met with refreshing robin blue walls. An interesting color, for sure, but it complemented the vibrant carpet. This immediately piqued our curiosity – after all, if the hallway was vastly different, what would the rooms look like?


Sure enough: we were met with a refreshing sight, a complete 180-degree change. From the carpet to the furniture, bedding, and more, it was all new. Modern, chic, and youthful – the difference was like night and day. From the old brown and orange palette, Holiday Inn Ortigas now sports new colors: beige, sand brown, and stark white, accented with different shades of blue.
Boasting contemporary furniture and modern fixtures, the new rooms were brought even further to life by the abstract carpets, providing just enough energy to the room while not throwing the aesthetic off balance. Our one-bedroom suite had plenty of space (it was 75 sqm, to be precise) and even more areas for lounging – and we’re not even counting the bedroom yet. For starters, the living room boasted an L-shaped sofa and an accent chair paired with an ottoman. The open living area included the dining area – featuring a four-seater dining set – and a kitchenette.


Moving further inside, we found a small hallway with a full-body mirror leading to the bathroom. Before getting there, however, the cabinets drew our attention and inside, we found hotel slippers, a hair dryer, and an iron (complete with an ironing board). Plus, of course, the laundry service menu and bag. We then explored the jewel of the room: the bathroom. Fitted with high-quality stone and ceramic fixtures, the bathroom sparkled – quite literally – and the first thing we noticed was the bathtub. We were almost fully convinced that this suite couldn’t be any better but oh, we were wrong.


After all that, how could we forget the suite’s coup de grâce: the bedroom? Tearing ourselves away from the tempting bathtub, we made our way to the bedroom where we found a King-sized bed (with two pairs of soft & firm pillows – and you’ll know which because they’re embroidered with labels!), a lounge seat, and a business chair and table. Both the living area and bedroom were fitted with flat-screen televisions, but the tech was easily beat by the stunning views of the Manila skyline. Can you imagine lounging with a cup of coffee while gazing at the sunrise sweeping over the city?
Relax, Get Fit, and Enjoy!
While we couldn’t help ourselves from raving and soaking in the beauty of the new rooms, we knew Holiday Inn could offer a lot more, so it was time to explore!

First on our list was the pool; as we could see it clearly from our suite, it was a must to head there straight away. From our view, the sparkling blue pools stood out like turquoise gems surrounded by greenery – like treasure guarded by tall rainforest trees against the concrete jungle beyond. And yes, we’re waxing poetic, but fellow corporate troopers in Ortigas would understand that these relaxation pockets in the business district are oases.


As long as you’re lounging by the pool with an ice-cold drink in hand or enjoying the water, you can ignore the corporate siren call and maintain your work-life balance instead. Plus, there’s a children’s pool and a lifeguard on duty at all times, so you can rest assured that your kids will be safe. Open from 6 AM until 8 PM, the pool is not to be missed.
After taking a dip, we checked out the other amenities you can find on the same floor – a gym and spa. Open 24 hours, the fitness center offers a variety of equipment for guests to use: elliptical machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, free weights, rowing machines, stair steppers, and more. We wish we could tell you more, but unfortunately, we’re not the type to exercise while on vacation. From what we could tell, however, the patrons seemed more than pleased with the amenities.

Just down the hallway is the in-house spa. Offering several massage services, the spa gives you the option to have your massage inside one of their Zen, private rooms or in your hotel room. In all honesty, we prefer the latter, nothing beats going straight to sleep after a relaxing, two-hour massage. And with the new bed set-up? We were guaranteed an express ticket to Dreamland.

But if you’re looking for a nightcap to complete your stay, head over to The Gallery Bar. They even sometimes have a DJ or a live band, perfect for partying with your friends. And for those quiet weekday nights, what beats sipping scotch on the rocks while gazing out at the cityscape? Fuel those main character vibes, ruminate about your life, and call the garçon for another refreshing drink.
If you don’t prefer an expertly crafted cocktail, you can also check out the attached Robinson’s Galleria Mall! Open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM, the mall has everything you need from numerous shopping and dining options to self-care and wellness establishments. They also have a cinema and even government services (although the latter is only open from Monday to Friday).
Make sure to wake up early the next day and head over to the Fab Restaurant for the buffet breakfast. Everything you would expect with an international breakfast can be found in Holiday Inn's morning spread: various breads, cereals, soup, salad toppings, and viands. They also have interesting made-as-you-order counters: pancake and eggs (omelet, scrambled, or poached). Some unique offerings include various types of dried fish and boiled vegetables (okra and eggplant), taho (in the cutest mini taho container!), and a vegan section with interesting viands, not just your usual potatoes and salad bar – IYKYK. Plus, your little kids can have fun in the Play Zone located within the restaurant while you savor every bit of your meal.


Those with suite access can also have their breakfast at the Summit Lounge. Located on Holiday Inn's 29th floor, the newly-renovated lounge offers breathtaking views of Manila's cityscape, perfect for some morning contemplation while sipping some Twinings tea. If you avail of any one of their suites, you can have access to this exclusive lounge where you can also grab some afternoon tea with all-day refreshments. Oh, and before the day ends, you can also grab evening cocktails at the lounge – all of which are complimentary!


Final Thoughts
Everything you need for a relaxing and well-spent staycation can be found in the triple-threat combo of Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Robinson’s Galleria Mall. Conveniently connected to one another, you hardly need to leave the vicinity which is a huge plus for those who just want to relax in one location. Even though they’re smack in the midst of one of Metro Manila’s frenzied corporate districts, guests are guaranteed to feel completely at ease – just make sure to put your phone on silent. You deserve this vacation, after all.
Want to see Holiday Inn’s renovated rooms firsthand? Book your stay at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria here. For more information, follow Holiday Inn Ortigas on Instagram and Facebook or Crowne Plaza Ortigas on Instagram and Facebook.
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