Shangri-La The Fort, Manila

Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its luxurious offerings and exceptional service, positioning it as a standout in Manila's hospitality scene.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Shangri-La The Fort, Manila is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional" and "flawless." Review scores on various platforms consistently rank it highly, often above 9 out of 10. Guests are particularly impressed by the hotel's luxurious atmosphere, comprehensive facilities, and the professionalism of its staff. Many consider it the best hotel in Metro Manila and a benchmark for luxury hotels.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make Shangri-La The Fort exceptional:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff's friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency are frequently lauded. Many guests report feeling welcomed and well-cared for, with staff going above and beyond to assist.
• Amenities: The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities. Kerry Sports Manila, an 8,000-square-meter, two-story fitness club, is a major draw, featuring an NBA-grade basketball court, tennis and squash courts, an outdoor lap pool, and studios for various activities. The Adventure Zone for kids is also a popular amenity. The hotel also offers multiple outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a 24-hour health club.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design is described as beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated, with attention to detail evident throughout. The lobby's signature gold and crystal chandelier often makes a striking first impression.
• Location: Its prime location in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is a significant advantage, offering easy access to High Street, shopping centers, restaurants, and other attractions.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Shangri-La The Fort are consistently described as spacious, clean, neat, and comfortable. They feature contemporary and sophisticated designs with neutral-hued decor. Guests appreciate amenities such as minibars, safes, pillow menus, complimentary bottled water, and coffee/tea makers. The large marble bathrooms, often with separate bathtubs and showers, along with complimentary toiletries, are also frequently mentioned positively. Many rooms offer impressive city views, particularly overlooking Bonifacio High Street. Some travelers have noted a preference for the previous L'Occitane showering products.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse and high-quality dining experience with 15 on-site restaurants and bars.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet, particularly at High Street Cafe, receives widespread acclaim for its comprehensiveness, variety, and freshness. It features multiple live kitchens offering a wide range of Asian and Western options, including favorites like soft golden ensaymadas and charred bacon.
• Specialty Restaurants: Other notable dining venues include Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar (known for prime cuts), Samba (serving breakfast with indoor and outdoor seating next to the main pool), and Canton Road (modern Cantonese cuisine). The Back Room, an award-winning speakeasy, is also a highlight for its craft cocktails.
• Catering: The hotel's catering services are also well-regarded, providing ample food and drinks for events.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Shangri-La The Fort are consistently rated as excellent and a major strength of the hotel. Guests often describe the staff as incredibly friendly, helpful, accommodating, and efficient. From the moment of arrival, guests are greeted warmly and assisted promptly. Reviewers mention that staff are readily available throughout the hotel to assist with any needs, providing "absolutely flawless" service. Instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with technical setups or being mindful of dietary allergies, are frequently cited.

6. Location & Accessibility

Shangri-La The Fort boasts an "incredible" and "strategically located" position within Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a modern and vibrant part of Metro Manila. It is praised for being safe and highly walkable. The hotel is within walking distance to Bonifacio High Street, offering numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Mind Museum and Venice Grand Canal Mall are also nearby. While the location is excellent, airport transfer is not always included and typically requires a taxi. The hotel provides free private parking (reservation needed).

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury hotel, many guests feel that the Shangri-La The Fort offers good value for money, especially given the exceptional quality of service, facilities, and overall experience. Prices for a deluxe room can start from around $188, with executive rooms ranging higher. Buffet breakfast is often available for an extra charge, approximately PHP 1700 for adults. Some guests have noted that despite being on the "exy side" (expensive), the experience justifies the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring minor complaints have been noted:

• Check-in/Check-out Wait Times: Some guests have experienced lengthy wait times at the check-in and check-out counters, particularly during peak periods, suggesting a need for more front desk staff during busy times.
• Room Service Delays: There have been isolated instances of slow room service, such as delayed utensil delivery.
• Breakfast Variety/Options (Minor): A few guests, particularly during the pandemic, suggested that while breakfast was good, they wished for a "make-your-own breakfast set" option or noted limited options for certain dietary preferences (e.g., pork-heavy meat options, limited bread types).
• Construction Noise: In the past, some reviews mentioned noise from nearby construction, particularly affecting outdoor pool areas, although many guests did not find it bothersome.
• Room Lighting: One guest found the room lights to be "too complicated."
• Coffee Shop Hours: A review mentioned the coffee shop closing too early and a preference for breakfast to be available until 11 AM.

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