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Makati's Central Business District

Makati City or just simple Makati lies in the heart of big Metropolis of Manila. The city is known for its upscale shopping malls, and is also home to high fashion brands, restaurants and hotels and is home to many to many affluent Filipinos. Makati is considered to be the center of financial, commercial and economic hubs and home to the Philippines' "Philippine Stock Exchange" (PSE).

Understand

Map
14°33′17″N 121°1′27″E
Map of Makati

Cost of Living

Makati City's cost of living is significantly higher compared to neighboring Filipino cities, owing primarily to its skyrocketing real estate value and relatively upscale commercial and residential selections. However, compared to other major cities of the world, Makati City offers service, accommodations, and value that are not that expensive. Furthermore, bargains comparable to other Philippine cities may be found in certain areas in Makati, such as Makati Cinema Square, The Landmark, Cash & Carry, and Guadalupe Mall, that even for the most jaded backpacker will make a stay in Makati more than economical.

History

Originally founded in 1670 as a visita of Sta. Ana de Sapa under the jurisdiction of the Franciscans, Makati City was first dismissed as "worthless" swamp land by the Spanish conquistador Juan Miguel de Legazpi in 1571. Yet over the centuries, this small community would leave large imprints in social, economic and cultural history. The friars established two of the earliest churches in the Philippines, the Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Guadalupe and the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Makati, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. At the turn of the century, the Americans established Fort McKinley in Makati, and in 1901, San Pedro de Makati, with a population of 2,500, was incorporated into the province of Rizal. On February 28, 1914, the Philippine Legislature passed Act 2390, shortening the name San Pedro Makati to Makati in the 1930s, the first airport, Nielson Airport, opened in what is now the Ayala Triangle. The first centrally planned community was established in the 1950s, and since the 1970s, Makati has been the undisputed financial and commercial capital, the once worthless swampland becoming prime real property. Makati has also figured prominently in the political history of the Filipino. The community was one of the cradles of the revolt against Spanish colonial rule, and following the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983, the epicenter of the protest movement against the dictatorial rule of Ferdinand Marcos. On January 2, 1995, Makati became an independent city by virtue of Republic Act 7854.

Talk

The main language choice for communication in this affluent Philippine city is English, making the stays here of international travelers and businessmen a relatively enjoyable experience. A knowledge of Filipino, the local language, will benefit any traveler.

Get in

Makati City has some of the strictest traffic rules in Metro Manila. Traffic marshalls actively enforce rules. This means that you can't tell your bus to let you on or off anywhere within its route except at designated stops. Moreover, the colour coding scheme is active all day unlike in other neighbouring cities when they are only enforced during rush hour.

By train

The MRT Line 3 elevated train has four stations along EDSA. These are the Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala and Magallanes stations. Getting off at the Ayala Station will set you in the middle of the Ayala Centre, a complex of shopping malls and restaurants.

The MRT-3 is a quick and inexpensive way to get into the city. The cost of an MRT-3 ticket ranges from 11 to 14 pesos.

By car

Two of Metro Manila's main arteries pass through Makati. The Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA) pass along the southeast part of Makati and connects the city with Mandaluyong City and Pasay City. The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) runs through the western part of Makati and connects the city with Manila to the north and with southern Metro Manila. The Skyway, an elevated highway built on top of SLEX, provides residents coming from southern Metro Manila a fast way to reach Makati. SLEX and EDSA intersect at the Magallanes Interchange, which is the most complex system of elevated roadways in Metro Manila.

Other major roads in Makati include Buendia Avenue (Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue), which connects EDSA and SLEX in the north; Ayala Avenue, an important street that runs through the Central Business District; and Makati Avenue, which connects Ayala Avenue with Buendia Avenue and also extends north to cross the Pasig River to Mandaluyong City.

By bus

Buses plying the Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA) route from Baclaran in Paranaque to Quezon City and Caloocan City pass through the Central Business District daily. As mentioned above, you can't load or unload just anywhere, you have to wait or go to the designated stops. There are separate loading and unloading zones which you must observe.

By river ferry

Pasig River Ferry service has been suspended since January 2011. No word on when it will be back.

The Pasig River Ferry stops at two stations in Makati: Valenzuela (near the city government complex) and Guadalupe (near Guadalupe Bridge). Although neither station is in a convenient spot for tourists, which makes this option far less convenient than hailing a taxi. It may be worth keeping the ferry service in mind as another means of getting into Makati from other riverside districts such as Intramuros in Manila.

Get around

If you need to use public transportation try sakay.ph, it will show you the right type to your destination.

One can easily walk around the Central Business District by way of the sidewalks or the new pedestrian underpasses. Driving around the city is also possible. Some areas in the Central Business District are connected with overpasses where pedestrians can walk above the streets.

Taxis are also abundant. The flat rate is 40 pesos and a ride across town ranges from 100 to 150 pesos; to Ermita, 200 to about 250 pesos; to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 200 to about 300 pesos.

Airport taxis fall in two categories: Metered and Flat-Fee.

See

Ayala Museum

Landmarks

  • Greenbelt Chapel (Santo Niño de la Paz Chapel), Bernardino St., Guadalupe Viejo (In Greenbelt Park). Located in the Greenbelt Park, the church is popular for church goers, most people find it relaxing though because of the park around it. The church is surrounded by trees and a fish and lily pond is on the side of the chapel. The Greenbelt Chapel might be the most relaxing chapel in the Philippines. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also found here. 
  • Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery of the Heroes). The final resting place of many Filipino soldiers, heroes and martyrs, it is also the final resting place of two Filipino presidents; Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal. 
  • Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church. Built by the Augustinian friars and is a UNESCO world heritage site, it's architecture is of European-Baroque inspired. It is named Nuestra Señora de Gracia in honor of the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary that can also be found inside 
  • Philippine Stock Exchange. One of the two stock exchanges in the Philippines, it is known to have Asia's shortest trading times which lasts only for two hours. Nearby the PSE is the Ninoy Aquino Monument. 
  • Ninoy Aquino Monument. Erected in honor of the late Filipino senator and national hero, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, who was the husband of late Philippines president. Corazon Aquino. Together, they both fought for democracy during the martial law which was under the Marcos' administration in the 1980s. 

Museums

  • Ayala Museum. The Ayala Museum showcases the rich and vivid history of the Philippines from the earliest times of the Mactan battle to the struggle of democracy in EDSA. Also present are some famous paintings by Filipino painters such as Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna and Fernando Zobel. 
  • Yuchengco Museum. The museum was created to house the art collection of Secretary Alfonso T. Yuchengco, and highlight his distinguished career as a businessman, diplomat, collector, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and advocate for education in the Philippines. The museum’s primary goal is to foster a greater public appreciation of the finest in Filipino and Filipino-Chinese visual arts and creativity. The Yuchengco Museum houses paintings by Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. 
  • Filipinas Heritage Library. Located inside the old Nielson Airport tower, the Filipinas Heritage Library has an astounding collection of books that date back to the Spanish period. Serious scholars of the time period will love it, but anyone with even a remote interest in old books and history should give it a visit. 

Parks

  • Greenbelt Park. Greenbelt Park is a small park designed to be a complement to the surrounding Greenbelt Malls. An artificial duck pond and stream can be seen here, as well as the Greenbelt Chapel for Catholic services. Greenbelt Park is also a good place to sit, people watch and see the more multicultural side of Metro Manila. 
  • Ayala Triangle Park. Located behind the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Ayala Triangle Park is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. 
  • Legaspi Park. A small, well kept park along Legaspi Street. On Sunday mornings the Legaspi Market opens, where you can get fresh organic foods, delicacies, sweets and other assorted souvenirs. 
  • Salcedo Park. Another small park along Legaspi Street. Similar to the Legaspi Market, on Saturday mornings the Salcedo Market opens. 

Work

The Makati Central Business District is the home to some of the biggest companies in the Philippines. It is also where the top BPO's and contact centers are headquartered.

Buy

File:Greenbelt Park.jpg
Greenbelt

Ayala Center is the Philippines' Orchard Rd, it has a number of upscale malls. High class brands and restaurants usually have branches here. The cost of buying in Makati is far more expensive than its neighboring cities or in any other city in the Philippines because of the upscale brands they have in Makati.

  • Glorietta. It was renovated on the 1990s, owned and operated by the Ayala company, it is one of the biggest malls in Metro Manila. Aside from shopping and dining, indoor facilities such as a kids' playground and an activity center for concerts and shows. By the 2000s other buildings too were constructed making it bigger. Its tenants include Adidas, Aldo, Cole Haan, Debenhams, Lacoste, Mango, Marks and Spencer, Nike, Puma, Zara, etc. 
  • Greenbelt. The one stop for high class shopping from brand like Adidas, Aldo, Anne Klein, Audemars Piguet, Balenciaga, Bally, Banana Republic, The Body Shop, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Burberry, Celio, Charriol, Chopard, Diesel, DKNY, Emporio Armani, Escada, Fred Perry, Gucci, Hèrmes, Hugo Boss, IWC, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Levi's, Louis Vuitton, Lucky Brand, Kate Spade, Mango, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jabos, Massimo Dutti, Michael Kors, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Paul Smith, Prada, Rimowa, Rolex, Salvatore Ferragamo, Springfield, St. John, Tod's, Tony Burch, Topman, Topshop, Zara, etc. Dining options include sit down restaurants and fast food chains, fast food chains are found in Greenbelt 1, while restaurants are located in Greenbelt 2, 3 and 5. 
  • Power Plant Mall. A four level complex mall that has shops and restaurants which may be either international or local, cinemas too are also found. Shops at Power Plant Mall include Adidas, Aldo, Anne Klein, Armani Exchange, Bally, Billabong, The Body Shop, Celio, Cole Haan, Diesel, DKNY, Dorothy Perkins, Esprit, Fred Perry, Kate Spade, Kennth Cole, Levi's, Mango, Marks and Spencer, Massimo Dutti, Michael Kors, Muji, Nine West, Rimowa, Rolex, Salvatore Ferragamo, Shu Uemura, Springfield, Thomas Sabo, Topman, Topshop, Trucco, Zara, etc. 
  • Salcedo Weekend Market. 7AM to 2PM. Right in the heart of the Business Center District is the Salcedo Park. Every Saturday, vendors take over part of the park to sell their specialty items. There are ornamental plants, organically grown vegetables, bakery products, lechon from Cebu, etc. Be sure to come early for the full experience. 

Eat

Makati is packed with dining choices:

Budget

  • Inengs BBQ, Ayala Central Bus Terminal at Makati Avenue beside The Landmark. This establishment is all about pork barbecue. Their skewers have much more meat than other barbecue outlets.
  • Max's Fried Chicken. There are dozens of locations around Makati. Good Filipino food, affordable, reliable and clean. 
  • Earl's Sandwiches, Ground Floor, Greenbelt 1, facing Legaspi Street. Excellent submarine sandwiches.
  • Mang Inasal Filipino-style chicken.
  • Kenny Rogers' Roasters Kenny Roger's Roaster is reliable and the sides are good.
  • Jolibee's. A growing fast-food chain in the country serving fried chicken, burgers, fries, sundaes, etc. 

Pizza

The pizza debate will rage in eternity but thankfully, you're never far from a slice in Manila. No matter your personal definition of pizza, Makati has you covered with a mind-boggling array of choices. Of course, they have Pizza Hut, Papa John's, and Domino's, which if that's your thing, you won't have to look far. The following are proven winners.

Local Franchises

  • Yellow Cab Pizza Multiple locations, one of the Philippines most successful pizza franchises that has gained it's market share with good value for money, lots of toppings and imported cheese.
  • Greenwich A favourite of locals. Very affordable yet tasty pizza, often located in mall food courts.

American Franchises:

  • Sbarro Multiple locations throughout Metro Manila. Yes, it's a chain store but where else are you going to find Chicago-style deep dish? Nowhere. Sbarro's is it. Their pastas are also filling and tasty.
  • California Pizza Kitchen Multiple locations including Third Floor, Greenbelt 5. It is what it is. If thin crust is your taste, head here. Dine in, Take Away or Delivery.
  • Shakey's Great traditional thin crust pizzas and a family restaurant.

Mid-range

  • Apartment 1B, One Lafayette Square, 132 L.P. Leviste Corner Sedeno St., Salcedo Village, ☏ +63 2-843-4075. Comfort foods with a twist, served in a bistro-style setting. The kind of place that winds up being your favorite joint in town. Highlights include: French onion soup, cream cheese samosas, Reuben sandwich, three-cheese veggie lasanga. Though the prices (300 php average starter; 450 php average sandwich; mains from 340 php for the Mac n' cheese, to 2,100 php for the steak frites) come out on the high side of mid-range dining options, Apt. 1B is well worth it. 
  • Persia Grill, ☏ +63 2-403-9999. Five locations in Metro Manila, for Makati visit Valero Street or Legaspi Street branches, For Middle Eastern and/or Mediterranean, Persia Grill is the best value in town. The Legaspi location is directly across from the entrance to Greenbelt 5, at the corner of Dela Rosa. Highly recommended. 
  • Kashmir, Festejo Bldg., 816 Arnaiz Ave. (formerly Pasay Road), Makati. Also have a location in Ermita on Padre Faura. Pricy Indian and Middle Eastern fare in a sophisticated (by local standards) atmosphere. The staples (samosas, palak paneer) are delicious but come in small portions. Wine list has some gems but of course it depends if they have it in stock. The Ermita branch is much better than Makati in service and value. Meanwhile, they operate a takeaway booth at the Salcedo and Legazpi weekend markets, where you can pick up your favorites at reduced prices. 
  • Cyma Greek Taverna, Greenbelt 2, Ground Floor, Ayala Center, ☏ +63 2-729-4837. Moderately authentic Greek food. The best you’re going to find in Makati. Menu includes loads of favorites such as taramosalata, paidakia, dolmades, kefthedes, octapodi, sagahnaki (and yes, unfortunately they set in on fire and “Opa!”). If you like Greek cuisine, this is the place to go. See menu link for prices. 
  • Chimara, Cinema Level, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City, ☏ +63 2-757-5652, . This healthy café has a range of delicious vegetarian and vegan friendly options from soups, salads and wraps. They also have a range of soy ice cream and offer home delivery as well. They will even deliver meals into the cinema while you enjoy a movie. 
  • Circles Event Café, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., +63 2-840-0884. Casual dining at its best. Offers an array of continental, oriental, à la carte and buffet delights in a relaxing ambiance.
  • Magic Bread Vegetarian Store, 25 Bautista St, Cor. Buendia, Palanan, Makati City, ☏ +63 2 887 7921. Great store selling a range of healthy vegetarian friendly baked goods and products. 
  • Cibo, Italian restaurant with several branches, most notable at Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong and Glorietta 4. Their pasta dishes as well as panini sandwiches are great. Don't miss the very refreshing fresh red grape shake.
  • Hossein's Persian Kebab 7857 LKV Building, Makati Avenue, ☎ +63 2-890-59-28 or +63 2-890-61-37 (fax: +63 2-890-58-03) Located right along Makati Avenue and opposite of Burgos Street, the restaurant was founded in 1985. Serves authentic Indian, Arabian and Persian cuisine. Halal certified. Very overpriced. Go to Persia Grill or Al Basra on Makati Avenue.
  • Sentro 1771, Greenbelt 3 2nd Level, Ayala Center, +63 2-757-3940 to 41. Casual dining restaurant serving Filipino cuisine. Popular dishes include the tomato and kesong puti (native white cheese) salad, sizzling tofu and corned beef sinigang (corned beef in tamarind broth). Dessert to die for is their coffee pie.
  • Via Mare, Ground Floor, Greenbelt 1, ☏ +63 2-893-2306. For the best oysters in Manila. 
  • Bizu Patisserie and Cafe, Ground Floor Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center. The best French patisserie and cafe in Manila. Try the 10 Hour Roast Beef! They make the best Macarons de Paris similar to those of the best patisseries in Paris. Their French gateaux and Lavazza coffee are perfect for a night cap. Open for Breakfast at 7AM and the Eggs Benedict and Filipino Breakfast are must-tries. 

Splurge

  • Basix, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, +63 2-867-3333. Fine dining at the Dusit Thani.
  • Old Manila, The Peninsula Manila, cor. Ayala Ave. & Makati Ave., +63 2-887-2888 / +63 2-812-3456. Fine French dining at the legendary, The Peninsula Manila.
  • Shang Palace, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., ☏ +63 2-840-0884. Chinese/Cantonese cuisine. Excellent Dim Sum. 
  • Sala, Locsin Building, 6752 Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., +63 2-750-1555 / +63 2-893-0242, [1]. Fine European cuisine.
  • UMU Japanese Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, +63 2-867-3333. One of Manila’s best restaurants which offers authentic Japanese dishes such as all-time favorite Sushi and Sashimi Bar, Teppanyaki, Bento Box and many more.
  • Peoples' Palace, G/F Garden side, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City, ☏ +63 27292888, . They serve Thai and other Asian dishes. US$ 30 and up per meal. 

Drink

The epicenter of Manila's famous nightlife is Greenbelt where some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, bars and karaoke joints cluster around a park in the middle of the main business district. Meanwhile, there are a series of bars stretched out along Makati Avenue, northeast of Ayala Triangle, including the infamous P Burgos Street go-go bar area.

  • Cafe Havana, Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Makati, ☏ +63 2-7574370. While the Spanish-Cubano cuisine is quite good, and the weekend samba bands are generally top-notch, Havana’s true draw is the outdoor umbrella tables packed with expats, travelers, and local women offering companionship, on a nightly basis. Therefore, Havana is undoubtedly the number one venue in Makati to meet and greet. Though rich by Metro Manila standards, Havana’s prices are reasonable. A bottle of San Miguel beer is 100 php. Main dishes range from 300-900 php. Cocktails in the 180 php range. Otherwise, there are a couple of better places in Greenbelt 3 to have a drink (Cerveseria, National) with none of the riff-raff. The club’s Greenbelt 3 branch is open from 11AM to 2AM or 3PM daily, while the one in Malate opens at noon and closes at 12 midnight or until 3AM daily. International credit cards are accepted. 
  • Cerveseria, Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3, Makati, ☏ +63 2-757-4791. Almost next door to Café Havana is this cool and relaxed bar, popular with locals, Havana-wary (and weary) expats, and not surprisingly, ladyboys. Cerveseria is a great place to post up and watch the free-for-all of vice going on across the plaza. The extensive tapas menu is a bit steep but excellent and their buy-one take-one San Miguel policy (100 php) is a ridiculous bargain in the area. Cerveseria is affiliated with the excellent Kitchen, which is adjacent to the patio. 
  • Also in Greenbelt: Museum Cafe Ground Floor, Ayala Museum, Makati Ave corner Dela Rosa Street (adjacent Greenbelt 3 and 5) Tel +63 2-757-3000. Kind of a swanky joint. Usually featuring live music. It's common to see well-heeled expats sipping mimosas at noon. Ice Vodka Bar 3rd Floor, Greenbelt 3. Generic nightclub.

Northeast of Ayala Triangle

  • WG Diner Corner of Makati Ave. and Gen. Luna St., Makati, This unassuming outdoor establishment was the best kept secret in town. Located near the A. Venue Mall, across the street from the Wendy’s and 7-Eleven. Friendly staff, decent Filipino food, and insanely cheap beer (33 php per bottle of San Mig!!!), combined with a ringside seat on the parade of God-knows-what on Makati Ave., makes WG a solid choice for a laid-back night with friends.
  • Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar, 7838 Makati Ave, ☏ +63 2-897-0087. Kiddie-corner to A. Venue. The latest newcomer on this stretch of road. 
  • Kwagos Grill Makati Ave. corner B. Valdez. This is where the locals go, and by locals, I mean call center employees. Open 24 hours. Bucket of 6 San Miguel for 130 php. Filipino menu. The place gets unbearably loud on weekends.
  • iO Family KTV, 136 Jupiter St, ☏ +63 2-8895-5938. KTV (Karaoke TV) bar where you can sing to your heart's content in private rooms while having the usual drinks and eats. Best enjoyed with a group of friends. 
  • Grilla, corner of Kalayaan Avenue and Rockwell Dr. A great place to have grilled foods, both Filipino and International. Try their platters (starting at 400-500 pesos) for a group of 3-4 and down them with some San Miguel beers. 

Sleep

Budget

  • Our Melting Pot, Unit 18-N&O, A.Venue Suites, #7829 Makati Avenue cor. General Luna St., 1200, ☏ +63 2 393-9189, +63 917 832-8539 (c/o Lani), +63 917 803-9428 (c/o Kidz). Currently, the top-billed backpackers' destination in Manila in Hostelworld site, OMP is a new, comfortable and friendly hostel in the cozy central district. For only US$17 or P800.00 per person per night, modest breakfast included, you can book a bed in its 6-bed or 4-bed mixed dorms. There are also private accommodations that range from US$23-27. The place is literally at the center of many things, less than 30 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes to the Ayala Center where you find the Glorietta and the Greenbelt Malls, close to the Metro trains, US$2-taxi-ride away from major tourist attractions, etc. It is a strategic take-off point to the prime tourist destinations of this country’s 7,107 islands. The backpackers joint is essentially an apartment unit converted into a hostel so it has a very homey atmosphere. Walk-in guests may only gain access to the building upon presenting oneself to the receptionist at the lobby of the hotel as friend of the owners. Security protocol of A.Venue suites is very strict so online booking facilitates everything. The accommodation comes with free internet access and common area for guests, including use of the hotel swimming pool facilities, gym and game room. The hostel exudes a modern atmosphere, friendly and peaceful vibe. 
  • Lorenzzo Suites (Budget), 1803 Evangelista Street, Bangkal (the hotel is also located within a 10-minute drive of the domestic and international airports.), ☏ 8222723. All rooms are equipped with set breakfast, free morning coffee or tea daily, Wi-Fi Internet access, Air-conditioning and flat-screen TV. Some of its services are 24-hour standby generator, 24-hour security, sprinkler system, CCTV surveillance and airport transfer (upon request). Rates start at 2,800.00 PHP. 
  • Makati Apartelle (Budget), 4411 Montojo Street Makati City, ☏ +63 2 8974219. Check-in: 12 noon, check-out: 12 noon. Offers 1-bedroom fully-furnished units at Php1,085/day for single or double occupancy, 12 noon check-in/check-out time. Each unit has an air conditioner, one double-bed with towels and linen (one bed, sleeps 2 people), a refrigerator, a 24" LCD TV with cable, a living room set, dining room set, an electric kettle, a private bath with hot and cold shower, kitchen utensils, an electronic vault/safety deposit box, fans and a telephone/intercom (free calls within Metro-Manila). Wi-Fi is free. Utilities included. Daily housekeeping provided. All-female, friendly staff. Very clean, safe and inexpensive. Php1,085/day. 
  • Citadel Inn Makati, 5007 P. Burgos St., Bel-Air Makati City, ☏ +63 2 897-2370. Located in the middle of the business, shopping and entertainment districts of Makati City. The 33-storey condominium hotel now boasts of 120 rooms equipped with complete dining and kitchen facilities. Best rates on official website start at PHP 1,800.00. 
  • Creekside Amorsolo Hotel, Mezzanine Floor Creekside Mall, Amorsolo St. cor VA Rufino St., Legazpi Village, ☏ +63 2 8934123, +63 2 8178726 to 28. Best rates on official website start at PHP 1,968.00. 
  • El Cielito Inn, 804 Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) (Close to Ayala Malls), ☏ +63 2-815-8951, fax: +63 2-817-9610. Offers standard, deluxe, and superior rooms. Best rates on official website start at US$33. 
  • Franchise One Hotel, 7430 Santillan St, Brgy Pio del Pilar (corner Fernando Street), ☏ +63 2-3947012, fax: +63 2-8864667, . Each accommodation is air-conditioned, and boasts an LCD television with cable, DVD player with movies, and comfortable beds. Rates start at PHP 1,770. 
  • LPL Suites, 112 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City (Across from the Greenbelt Mall). Offers fully furnished apartments. Best rates on official website start at Php 3,000+. 
  • Saint Illian's Inn, 7461 Santillan Street, Pio del Pilar, ☏ +63 2 893-0754, fax: +63 2 812-1998. Situated in the business district of Makati City, a budget Makati hotel that is clean and efficient. Best rates on official website start at US$27. 
  • Clipper Hotel, 5766 Ebro Street, P. Burgos Poblacion, ☏ +63 2 890-8577, +63 2 756-0939. Relatively new hotel housed in an old art deco building in Makati, near the red light district and the Powerplant Mall. It's a budget hotel, but annoyingly they do not show their rate on the website. 

Mid-range

  • LPL Suites Greenbelt, 9th Floor LPL Towers, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, ☏ +63 2 818-3628. Studio and bedroom suites, all equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and Wi-Fi Internet access. Facilities and services are safe deposit box, travel and tour assistance. From PHP 2,500.00. 
  • Guijo Suites, 7644 Guijo St., San Antonio Village, ☏ +63 2 5538998. Deluxe room, junior suite and premier suite, all equipped with flat screen LED TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi Internet access and safe. Facilities and services are Lobby Restobar, daily housekeeping services and 24-hour CCTV security. From PHP 2,400.00. 
  • Amorsolo Mansion, 130 Amorsolo cor. Herrera St., Legaspi Village, ☏ +63 2 818-6811. Offers rooms equipped with kitchen, refrigerator, remote control colored television, air-conditioner, telephone with IDD/NDD access and voice mail. Amorsolo Mansion also offers the following services: a restaurant, airport transfer to and from the hotel, daily maid service, business service and room service. Rates start at 3,574.19 PHP. 
  • Hotel Celeste, 02 San Lorenzo Drive corner Arnaiz Avenue, ☏ +63 2 887 8080. It offers rooms equipped with air conditioning, a telephone with NDD/IDD service, wireless Internet access, Internet connectivity and a mini-bar. Some of its facilities and services are a business center, conference room and outdoor jacuzzi. PHP.5,423.56. 
  • Millennium Plaza Serviced Residences, Eduque St. corner Makati Ave, ☏ +63 2 899-4718 to 22. Fully air-conditioned accommodations, all equipped with cable television, coffee/ tea maker and daily newspaper. Also has a business center complete with Internet connectivity and fax. From USD 50.00. 
  • Antel Spa Hotel Suites, Antel Lifestyle City, 7829 Makati Ave, ☏ +63 2 403 0808. Offers 80 rooms, all of which have LCD TV, minibar, and bath tub. Some of its amenities include a gym and fitness center, free Wi-Fi and a coffee shop. Best rates on official website start at PHP 4,680. 
  • BSA Suites, 108 Benavidez Street, Legaspi Village, ☏ +63 2 8841463, fax: +63 2 887-0513. Units at BSA Suites Serviced Apartments have living, dining and kitchen facilities meeting the needs of guests on short or extended stays. Best rates on official website start at US$40. 
  • BSA Tower, 108 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, ☏ +63 2 887-0147, fax: +63 2 8841463. BSA Tower professes to be elegantly designed. Best rates on official website start at US$56. 
  • City Garden Hotel, 7870 Makati Avenue cor Kalayaan Avenue, ☏ +63 2-899-1111, fax: +63 2-899-1415. This three-star hotel along Makati Avenue is one of the more popular mid-range hotels. They are known to nickel and dime guests, however, charging service fees for seemingly everything (i.e. a 100% "corkage fee" for bringing food (not only alcohol) to the pool side, so if you paid 350 pesos for that Pizza Hut pizza from across the street then they will charge you 350 pesos to eat it at their hotel. The fact that you're a guest is irrelevant. Best rates on official website start at US$67. 

Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, ☏ +63 2-750-3010, fax: +63 2-750-2982. A 110-room property located along bustling Kalayaan Avenue (Makati Avenue), close to the Power Plant Mall. Fully air-conditioned executive studios, one and two bedroom suites, and luxury penthouses available. Best rates on official website start at US$38. 

  • Crown Regency Hotel Makati, 1026 A. Arnaiz Avenue San Lorenzo Village, ☏ +63 2 845-0211 to 15. A/C suites equipped with satellite/cable television and broadband internet access. Also has a business center, fitness center, and Wi-Fi zone. From USD 86.67. 
  • Herald Suites Solana, 2914 Finlandia corner Einstein Street, San Isidro MCPO (A few meters from the South Expressway), ☏ 60018888. Offers 40 big air-conditioned guest rooms. It has a pool and gym on the top floor, and a coffee shop on the second floor. Best rates on official website start at Php 4,000.00. 
  • Oxford Suites, Durban corner P. Burgos Street, ☏ +63 2-899-7888, fax: +63 2-897-7900. A 27-storey property located at the heart of the city’s business and entertainment district. Best rates on official website start at US$50. 
  • Perla Mansion Serviced Apartment, 117 Carlos Palanca Street, Legaspi Village Makati City, Philippines, ☏ +63 2 840-1826, fax: +63 2 840-1826. 24-storey, full-service condominium hotel with a three-star rating. Best rates on official website start at US$56. 
  • Prince Plaza II, 101 Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, ☏ +63 2-840-3215, fax: +63 2-894-2992. Tasteful accommodations and standard facilities. Best rates on official website start at US$45. 
  • Q Residences, HV Dela Costa, corner LP Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, ☏ +63 2 659-2412. A/C service apartments equipped with satellite/cable television, private toilet and bath, Internet connection, coffee/tea maker, phone, iron and ironing board, and safe. Some of its facilities and services are a business center, swimming pool and fitness room/gym. From PHP 3,696.00. 
  • HousingInteractive, Valero Street, Corner Sedeño Street, Salcedo Village, ☏ +63 2 890-8342. Stylish serviced apartments: Clean, professional studio, 1 bdrm and 2 bdrm apartments good for stays of one week or longer. All apartments are equipped with cable television, DVD Player, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, phone, iron and ironing board, and maid services. Building features include: 24-hour security and bellboy, swimming pool, sauna, fitness room/gym, in-house laundromat and meeting room rentals. From PHP 2,500.00. 
  • Salcedo Suites, LPL Manor Building, 116 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, ☏ +63 2-893-2654, fax: +63 2-892-5322. A/C rooms equipped cable TV and kitchen facilities. Some of its facilities and services are housekeeping, round-the-clock security and safe deposit boxes. From USD 48.00. 
  • Sunette Tower, Durban St. corner Makati Ave., ☏ +63 2-897-1808, fax: +63 2-896-6407. The Sunette Tower stands on a quiet side street by Makati City’s main thoroughfare, Makati Avenue. Best rates on official website start at US$35. 

Fersal Neptune, #107 Neptune St., Bel-Air II, ☏ +63 2 911-2161, +63 2 912-2691. Has 33 rooms categorized as Deluxe Double and Twin. From USD 42.00. 

Splurge

Thanks to its reputation as the country's premier financial district, Makati City is home to some of the country's pricier hotels. Many major international hotel chains have their local affiliates in Makati City.

  • Ascott Makati, Glorietta 4, Ayala Centre, ☏ +63 2 729 8888, fax: +63 2 728 0000, . From the elegant penthouses to three-bedroom residences, each of the 306 apartments offers spacious living and dining areas, fully-equipped modern kitchens, home entertainment systems and wireless (Wi-Fi) internet connection. Daily rates from php7500. 
  • The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, 119 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, ☏ +63 2 828-4774. Offers air-cnditioned rooms with 32-inch flat-screen LCD TV with cable channels, kitchenette with electric stove and microwave oven, and Internet connection. Some of its amenities include Qi Wellness Spa, salon 119, and gym. 
  • CEO Flats, 27 Canopus corner Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, ☏ +63 2 519 1999. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, LCD TV, refrigerator, electric stove, microwave oven, private toilet and bath with hot and cold water. Some of its facilities and services are food outlets at the ground floor, mini-mart at basement 1, a roof deck which serves as a function area, 24-hour security, free internet access and housekeeping upon request (charges apply). Rates start at 6,000.00 PHP. 
  • The E-Hotel Makati, 906 Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Village, ☏ +63 2 478-3280. Offers Superior, Deluxe and Deluxe Suite rooms with air-conditioning, LCD TV with cable channels and private toilet and bath. Its facilities and services include high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access, concierge, massage service and 24-hour room service. 
  • The Makati Shangri-La, Ayala cor. Makati Ave. (Across from The Landmark in Ayala Center), ☏ +63 2-813-8888, fax: +63 2-813-5499. The Makati Shangri-La is one of the most respected hotels in Makati. Located in the heart of the Ayala Center, the Makati Shang has sister hotels in Mandaluyong City and Mactan in the Visayas' main island of Cebu. 
  • The Mandarin Oriental Manila, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, T: +63 (2) 750 8888, [2]. The Mandarin Oriental's reputation for its quality business accommodations and the cuisine of its in-house restaurants make it one of Makati's most revered hotels.
  • The Peninsula Manila, Ayala cor. Makati Ave (Across the road from the Ayala Center), ☏ +63 2-887-2888, fax: +63 2-815-4825. The Manila Peninsula is one of the city's most famous hotels. Its fountain, on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, was broadcast to the world during the international New Year's Day broadcast in 2000. Rates start at 120 US$. 
  • The Raffles Hotel Manila, Makati Avenue corner Arnaiz Avenue, Ayala Center

Stay safe

Makati City is generally peaceful. Perhaps the more peaceful place than Makati is the Bonifacio Global City (Fort Bonifacio) area of Taguig. Choosing between Manila and Makati? Makati is much better security-wise.

Be mindful of people coming from outside of Makati though. They tend to be tagged as 'less civilized' by Makati City residents because most offenses in the city are made by them.

Be wary of strangers and take extra precaution when being approached. Avoid crowded places.

Metro Manila Police are generally foreigner-friendly. As usual, the recommended approach is to be on high alert at all times, as incidents may take place anywhere.

Connect

The international telephone country code for the Philippines is 63. The area code for Metro Manila (including Makati) is 2.

Cope

English is spoken everywhere. All traffic signs and business establishments are in English. In formal business engagements, English is the language of choice.

Expect heavy daytime traffic in Makati. Avoid traveling during peak hours. While jeepneys are banned from certain areas (namely Ayala Center), they are in full force everywhere else. Just like any urban area, Makati is noisy. In addition to the general traffic noise, the city is in the midst of a construction boom, and construction is ongoing 24/7. So when choosing a hotel, it's a good idea to find out in advance what is happening in the nearby vicinity. If there's a 40-story tower going up across from the Manadrin Oriental, which there is, ask for a room facing the other direction. It's highly recommended to use tap water for washing your hands and nothing more.

Be wary of taxi drivers. Every other driver will tell you he doesn't know where Greenbelt 3 is, thereby forcing you to give directions or allow him to circle the area, unmercifully driving up your fare. On Friday and Saturday nights, never light a taxi if the driver refuses to use the meter and insist on an extortionate fare to your destination, for instance, a normal cab ride from P Burgos Street to Greenbelt should be no more than 70 php. On weekends, it's usually 100 php just to get in the cab. Some drivers will outright refuse to take you based upon what they perceive to be their odds of getting a return fare.

Also, if you're that reckless, beware of citizens stealing your information and making charges to your accounts.

Generally speaking, Makati is the most civilized and comfortable metropolis in the Philippines and definitely the most Americanized outpost west of Hawaii. Travelers of all nations will feel comfortable. While the majority of travel guides will tell you that in contestible situations, the best advice is to smile and say Yes. Don't be a pushover. You'll never get up off the floor. Use common sense and if you have to get angry, do it with authority.

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