Enroute via road near harbor, lots of homeless. Horrible traffic. Didn’t realize it’s attached to their version of sea world, as waiting for service at lower baggage area. Nobody there, but used phone to call.
Very tiny room and dated. Bathroom had bad caulking. Single electrical outlet stopped working on 2nd day. Same with phone. They do not provide electrical converters either, and when I asked the front desk didn’t seem to know what it is.
Outdoor section was closed due to recent rain. They have some small shops and food concessions similar to street food (eat at your own risk). 2nd floor is real restaurant but didn’t discover it until getaway day. Used room service instead, which was of average quality for 3-star restaurant.
Ventured out to waterfront seafood market where you can select shellfish and have restaurants cook it. This is market rate at level of U.S. Lobster is USD $50/pound plus cooking charge. There are crab, mussels, large shrimp too. Pricey but good. $450 for four people including drinks.
Manila is a busy, crowded, expensive place, not for everyone. We stayed at a casino hotel earlier and prefer that much more. But had to at least experience Manila for good or bad.