We've stayed at EDSA Shangri-La Manila more than once over the years, and
every visit has reminded us why it remains one of our favorite family
staycation destinations in Metro Manila. While many luxury hotels promise
comfort and relaxation, this five-star property consistently delivers an
experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming for families.
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The grand lobby |
Whether it's spending the afternoon at the tropical-inspired swimming pool,
indulging in the famous HEAT buffet, or simply enjoying a quiet weekend away
from the city's daily hustle, every stay has allowed us to slow down and
create memories together as a family.
If you're wondering whether EDSA Shangri-La Manila is worth booking for your
next staycation, here's our honest experience.
About EDSA Shangri-La Manila
Located along EDSA in Mandaluyong City, EDSA Shangri-La Manila opened its
doors in 1992 as the first Shangri-La hotel in the Philippines. Over the
years, it has established itself as one of Metro Manila's premier luxury
hotels, welcoming business travelers, couples, and families alike.
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| The hotel's milestones |
One of its biggest advantages is its location. The hotel sits beside
Shangri-La Plaza and is just a short walk from SM Megamall, making it
convenient for shopping, dining, and entertainment even if you decide to
spend part of your stay outside the hotel.
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Old employee handbooks |
Yet despite being surrounded by busy roads and commercial establishments,
stepping inside the hotel feels like entering a quiet urban oasis.
A Grand Lobby That Never Gets Old
One thing that has impressed us during every visit is the hotel's magnificent
lobby. Its soaring ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling glass
windows create a bright yet relaxing atmosphere. Natural light pours into the
expansive space, while lush greenery softens the luxurious interiors.
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| The old signage |
Despite being more than three decades old, EDSA Shangri-La Manila has aged
gracefully. Instead of feeling dated, it continues to maintain an elegant,
timeless charm that welcomes both first-time guests and returning visitors.
During one of our earlier stays, the hotel was celebrating its 25th
anniversary, and we enjoyed browsing a photo exhibit showcasing its
history—from groundbreaking ceremonies to vintage employee handbooks and the
hotel's original signage. It was a thoughtful reminder of how deeply rooted
the hotel has become in Metro Manila's hospitality industry.
It was chilly even if it was just early afternoon, but Rafa still insisted on
taking a dip. As soon as our feet touched the water, we knew that it was going
to be a struggle. Thankfully, we soon got accustomed to the cold water. I
think it was also in our favor that Rafa was scared of the deep pool because,
after about an hour, he said that it was okay for us to go back to our room.
Comfortable Rooms for Families
We've stayed in the Garden Wing Deluxe Room during our visits, and it's a room
that works well for small families.
The beds are exceptionally comfortable, making it tempting to spend a lazy
afternoon simply watching television or catching up on sleep.
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The beds |
Large windows provide pleasant views of either the tropical gardens or the
Mandaluyong skyline, while complimentary Wi-Fi keeps everyone connected
throughout the stay.
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The view outside our room |
The bathroom is equally spacious, featuring a bathtub, quality toiletries, and
Shangri-La's signature bath amenities. After a long day of swimming and
eating, soaking in the tub became one of the most relaxing parts of our stay.
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The bathroom |
Although newer luxury hotels have opened around Metro Manila over the years,
we appreciate how well EDSA Shangri-La has maintained both its rooms and
common areas.
Swimming Pool: Our Son's Favorite Part
If you ask Rafa what he remembers most about our stay, the answer would
undoubtedly be the swimming pool.
The outdoor pool is surrounded by mature tropical gardens, making it feel more
like a resort than a city hotel.
There are separate areas for children and adults, while attentive lifeguards
remain on duty throughout the day.
During our most recent visit, the weather was surprisingly cool. The water
initially felt chilly, and we wondered whether we would stay long.
Fortunately, we adjusted after a few minutes, although Rafa stayed mostly in
the shallower sections because the deeper pool was a little intimidating for
him.
It eventually became one of those afternoons where time simply slowed down—a
welcome change from our usual busy schedule.
Dining at the Pool Bar
One thing we did differently during our latest stay was dinner. Instead of
ordering room service like we had done in previous years, we decided to eat at
the hotel's pool bar. The atmosphere alone made the experience worthwhile.
Dining beside the illuminated pool while enjoying the cool evening breeze
created a relaxed vacation vibe without ever leaving Metro Manila.
We ordered fried chicken for the kids, together with appetizers, pizza, pasta,
and a fish sandwich. As expected, the children focused almost entirely on the
fried chicken, while the adults happily finished the appetizers of shrimp,
squid rings, and potato wedges. The four-cheese pizza turned out to be another
family favorite.
Sometimes it's not only the food that makes a meal memorable, but the relaxed
conversations that happen when nobody is rushing anywhere.
HEAT Restaurant: Still One of Metro Manila's Best Hotel Buffets
No stay at EDSA Shangri-La Manila feels complete without dining at HEAT
Restaurant.
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The carving station |
We've tried both its breakfast and lunch buffets over the years, and each
visit has consistently delivered quality food and excellent service.
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| My first plate at Heat Restaurant |
The restaurant's open kitchens allow guests to watch chefs prepare dishes
fresh throughout the service, while the spacious dining area never feels
overcrowded despite its large seating capacity.
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The seafood station |
Among our favorite stations are:
- The carving station featuring premium roasted meats
- Fresh seafood including shrimp, crabs, and mussels
- Japanese sushi and sashimi
- Filipino specialties
- Fresh salads and cold cuts
- Bread and cheese selections
- An impressive dessert station
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Bread, cheese, and cold cuts |
During our latest lunch, I particularly enjoyed the beef belly, seafood, fresh
salads, and my longtime favorite: Shangri-La's vanilla bread pudding. Whenever
it's available, I never skip it.
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| Shangri-La's vanilla pudding |
The kids also had plenty of choices, including barbecue, fried chicken,
soup, bacon, and other familiar comfort food.
HEAT continues to be one of the hotel's strongest reasons to visit, even if
you're not staying overnight.
What We Love About EDSA Shangri-La Manila
After staying here multiple times, these are the things that consistently
stand out:
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Beautiful tropical landscaping
- Family-friendly swimming pool
- Excellent dining at HEAT Restaurant
- Convenient location beside Shangri-La Plaza
- Warm and professional service
- Quiet atmosphere despite being located along busy EDSA
Things to Consider
No hotel is perfect, and there are a few things worth keeping in mind. Room
rates are on the premium side, although they are generally comparable with
other luxury hotels in Metro Manila.
The swimming pool can feel quite cold during the cooler months, especially
in the morning. HEAT Restaurant is also extremely popular, so making advance
reservations is highly recommended during weekends and holidays.
Is EDSA Shangri-La Manila Worth It?
Of course! We've stayed at EDSA Shangri-La Manila years apart, and what
impressed us most is how consistent the overall experience has remained.
The hotel continues to provide comfortable accommodations, excellent dining,
beautiful facilities, and warm Filipino hospitality that keeps guests coming
back.
For families looking for a relaxing staycation, couples celebrating special
occasions, or even business travelers wanting a more peaceful hotel
experience, EDSA Shangri-La Manila remains one of the best luxury hotels in
Metro Manila.
More importantly, it has become one of those places where our family has
created lasting memories—from watching Rafa eagerly jump into the pool to
enjoying leisurely buffet lunches and simply taking a break from everyday
life.
Sometimes, that's exactly what a great staycation should be.
Know Before You Go
Before booking your stay at EDSA Shangri-La Manila, here are a few helpful
things to keep in mind:
📍 Location: 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila,
Philippines
⭐ Hotel Rating: 5-Star Luxury Hotel
🕒 Check-in / Check-out:
Check-in: 2:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 NN. Times may vary depending on your
booking or special promotions.
🚗 Parking:
Complimentary parking is available for registered hotel guests.
🛍️ Nearby Attractions:
- Shangri-La Plaza (directly connected)
- SM Megamall (walking distance)
- Ortigas Center
- Capitol Commons
- Greenfield District
🏊 Hotel Amenities:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Children's pool
- Health Club and gym
- Chi, The Spa
- Free Wi-Fi
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Function rooms and event venues
🍽️ Dining Highlights:
Don't miss HEAT Restaurant, one of Metro Manila's most popular hotel
buffets, offering international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
👨👩👧👦 Best For:
- Family staycations
- Couples
- Business travelers
- Weekend getaways
- Celebrations and special occasions
💡 Our Tip:
Book your room and reserve a table at HEAT Restaurant well in advance,
especially if you're visiting on weekends, holidays, or during long
weekends, as both the hotel and buffet are often fully booked.
❤️ Our Take:
After staying at EDSA Shangri-La Manila multiple times over the years, we
appreciate how consistently it delivers a relaxing and family-friendly
experience. If you're looking for a luxury staycation that combines
excellent dining, comfortable accommodations, and a convenient location,
it's still one of our top recommendations in Metro Manila.
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Swimming pool |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is EDSA Shangri-La Manila good for families?
Yes. EDSA Shangri-La Manila is one of the best family-friendly luxury
hotels in Metro Manila. It offers spacious rooms, a large outdoor
swimming pool with a children's area, kid-friendly dining options, and
convenient access to nearby shopping malls like Shangri-La Plaza and SM
Megamall.
2. What are the dining options at EDSA Shangri-La Manila?
The hotel has several restaurants and bars, with HEAT Restaurant being
its most popular dining venue. It serves international buffet spreads
for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring seafood, Japanese cuisine,
Filipino dishes, carving stations, salads, and a wide selection of
desserts.
3. Does EDSA Shangri-La Manila have a swimming pool?
Yes. EDSA Shangri-La Manila features a beautifully landscaped outdoor
swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens. There are separate areas
for adults and children, making it an excellent place for families to
relax during their staycation.
4. What attractions are near EDSA Shangri-La Manila?
The hotel is directly connected to Shangri-La Plaza and is within
walking distance of SM Megamall. Its central location in Mandaluyong
also provides easy access to Ortigas Center, Makati, Bonifacio Global
City (BGC), and other popular destinations in Metro Manila.
5. Is EDSA Shangri-La Manila worth it for a staycation?
If you're looking for a relaxing luxury staycation in Metro Manila, EDSA
Shangri-La Manila is well worth considering. Its comfortable
accommodations, excellent service, outstanding dining experiences, and
family-friendly amenities make it a favorite choice for couples,
families, and business travelers alike.
Such a wonderful experience to have a staycation at Shangri La Hotel. The foods are awesome. They have lots of choices. The pool is fantastic. Hoping to visit it also.
Ganda din po pala dyan sa Shangri-la.. Sarap din mamasyal dyan.. Samanahan mo narin ng bakasyon para mas lalong mag enjoy bang boong pamilya. Mapa swimming pool napaka ganda .. Must visit po dito..
Maganda po mag spend ng weekend jan Shangri-la relaxing yung room and high speed wifi is the best 😅.kitang kita mo din yung ganda ng view sa labas and kahit yung food nila ang dami choices kaya hindi ka magsasawa.
a nice place to relax and rest from the tired week you have been through. but as good as the place, the food is always what we look for and Shangri-la Hotel's Heat restaurant will not dissappoint. You will enjoy to many different dishes that they have. Edsa Shangri-La Hotel is a really good place
Thanks for sharing this Dad On The Move truly must visit this Hotel, Sobrang Relaxinf ng Ambiance kaya Marami din Tumatangkilik at nagVivisit Dito.. super Worth it dahil sa ganda rin ng mga Room at Malakas na Wifi Connection .. Even The Kind of Room Sobrang ganda at sasarap din ng mga Foods.. hindi ka po talaga MaDidisAppoit to Stay There.. Shangrila Hotel is Highly Accomodating 💯👌❤❤