[PH; 2025] Grand Hyatt Manila & Uptown

Another work trip and another country / city unlocked! This was my first time to the Philippines and of course my first time to Manila.

First Impressions

Let's be honest - Philippines was never on my travel list. I have a couple of friends living there and they set the expectations really low. If it wasn't for work, I guess I will not check off Philippines in 2025. It was a gloomy city in my impressions, probably the rain, or the infrastructures looked a bit tired.

There was a ride into the old Manila city, and it was quite obvious targeting tourists. Once we stepped out of the Grab ride, dozen of young locals followed and approached us if we need a ride, directions or something else. Summary, BGC / Uptown was a safe zone if you're not a fan of such interactions.

Checking in Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt Manila

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WRGmR7LQ1f1JpnfE8

Grand Hyatt is located in BGC. Always thankful for work that booked such a fancy room for just a solo stay. There was a small walk-in wardrobe, with a huge washroom and a meeting size table. I had so much space to zone out, with plenty windows to stare at the city.

This was the view of the gloomy day.

And this was the view of the sunrise. I was living on the clouds.

I usually don't take breakfast, but the spread was too good to give it a miss. I was reporting to breakfast almost every day during my close to a week stay.

Nearby Malls & Shops

There was a decent amount of malls around the hotel - which you can practically get everything without leaving the area. Uptown is one of the safest area around Manila - security everywhere that was reassuring for tourists.

Gashapon Bandai Official Shop Philippines

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qW3NVKsxN3P1buff9

One of the closest mall was Mitsukoshi BGC - which features a variety of Japanese brands and stores. I was surprised to see a Gashapon store taking up 1/5 of the mall space on one of the levels.

NITORI Mitsukoshi BGC

https://maps.app.goo.gl/25JbvDKB5HzUwrTH6

And a very decently priced Nitori - it was definitely cheaper than the same items in Singapore.

Landers Superstore BGC Uptown

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9msVSJuuD89N91NS7

I came across to this membership only hypermart and I had to produce my passport to be given a one day pass. It was a warehouse concept mart, where buying a bulk you can enjoy a significant discount. I had limited space hence I only grabbed a few tins of this shortbread biscuits, which was delicious snacks for the family.

Final Thoughts

I think choosing the right hotel and location was the most important item to do. BGC vs old Manila city - you just need to make the choice. Price point of course BGC was pricey, but comfortable. Grand Hyatt did a great job to create that safe environment for tourists. Would definitely recommend if you're planning a trip to Manila and not that adventurous.