The majority of visitors to Manila find it most convenient to stay in area known as the 'Tourist Belt', located south of the Pasig River on the scenic eastern shore of Manila Bay. This area consists of the Malate and Ermita districts, both of which are home to a full range of options for accomodation. Malate, a neighborhood particularly known for its dining and nightlife scene, features everything from a multitude of budget hotels and pensions to several mid-range to top-end options (including the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila).

Ermita, the main government sector of Manila, is home to many of the city's most popular tourist attractions, including Rizal Park, the National Museum of the Philippines, the Museum of the Filipino People, Manila Ocean Park and the family-friendly Museo Pambata. This neighborhood also proudly hosts some of the city's best restaurants, bars and nightclubs. A full spectrum of hotel options is available here as well, starting from cheap hotels popular with backpackers to deluxe, cosmopolitan hotels rivaling upscale those found in other Asian capitals. Visitors will be pleased to see such familiar names as Best Western, Holiday Inn, Hyatt and Mandarin Oriental amongst the list of Manila hotels to choose from in this part of the city. Both Malate and Ermita are served by Manila's Light Rail Transit system and are convenient bases for traveling to other parts of Metro Manila by taxi (including Manila International Airport).

Visitors interested in learning about the country's Spanish heritage may wish to consider staying in the historic district of Intramuros, just to the north of Ermita. The iconic Manila Hotel, one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Manila, is one of the many top-end properties found here; other hotels covering the full spectrum of price categories are also tucked in and around the district's many churches, forts and other attractions.

If you are interested in exploring another part of Metro Manila, you might consider staying in the City of Makati, located southeast of the City of Manila. This cosmopolitan business and finance hub offers exciting shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities in a sleek, modern setting. While hotels are again available in all categories, the area is particularly known for its upscale options (including InterContinental Hotel Manila and The Peninsula Manila).