Housed in a tall white tower directly on busy Roxas Boulevard, the Diamond Hotel Philippines doesn’t blend in among the neighboring buildings. The main entrance is located on a side street, and there's a huge covered driveway full of security guards with sniffer dogs. Guests are requested to go through a metal detector before entering the property (a standard procedure in luxury hotels in Manila), and porters are on hand to help with luggage. The lobby is grand both in size and in style. Gleaming black floors and walls make the space elegant, while yellow LED lights on ceiling moldings and small table lamps add some warmth to the space. Neatly uniformed staff stand behind white marble counters, and an outline of the city’s skyline as seen from the Manila Bay decorates the back wall in the front desk area. The overall feel is opulent, but golden finishes, huge black pillars, and brown granite accents make the space look dated. A few steps above the main lobby is the lounge, decorated with stylish armchairs and gray rugs with black plant designs. This mix of aging and contemporary elements continues in the rest of the property, including the rooms. 

The hotel is located on Roxas Boulevard, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. Across this road, the lively Baywalk stretches along Manila Bay, offering stunning sunset views, and tons of entertainment and casual dining options. Although a little away from the bustling center, its proximity to several major thoroughfares allows for easy driving access to the business and entertainment districts of Makati and Ortigas. Intramuros, home to some of Manila’s top historic attractions, is a 10- to 15-minute drive away, depending on traffic. Robinsons Place, a large mall with dozens of shops, restaurants, and bars, can be reached on foot in about five minutes, and Ocean Park in about 20 minutes. The Mall of Asia, the Philippine International Convention Center, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the zoo are all a 10- to 20-minute drive away. The airport can take up to 90 minutes to reach, depending on driving conditions.

The Diamond Hotel Philippines offers 500 spacious rooms and suites, all with large bay windows, most offering expansive bay and sunset views, and at least a small seating area with a couple of chairs and a table. Many rooms have been renovated and feature stylish contemporary decor in a muted palette with large padded headboards, raspberry-colored carpets with a beige flower design, and abstract artwork on walls. Non-renovated rooms, however, appear past their prime, with a bland beige palette, a few pops of orange, and classic wooden furniture. Amenities are average for a luxury hotel, and include flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, and individually controlled air-conditioning. In-room Wi-Fi in standard Deluxe Rooms is only free for the first 10 hours of the guest’s stay. Bathrooms in non-renovated units also show some age, with ochre marble tile, old-fashioned taps, and basic shower/tub combos. 

The hotel offers two concierge levels, each with its own perks. Premier Floor guests get a free breakfast buffet daily, butler service on request, upgraded TVs, and free unlimited in-room Wi-Fi. The Diamond Club has its own lounge -- offering breakfast, drinks, snacks and concierges -- and guests get free one-way airport transfers, along with a number of other business-oriented extras.

The hotel’s freeform pool is shallow but big enough for a few laps and has a spacious deck with several loungers, a small bar serving drinks and snacks, and a large whirlpool. A lifeguard is on duty throughout the day, and free towel service is available. The fitness center is equipped with cardio and strength-training machines, and there are personal trainers available on request. Those looking to work out outdoors can book the tennis court, and rental tennis gear is available for a fee. The small spa has a sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool, and massages are available either in the spa or in-room. 

The hotel has a variety of dining options including an international buffet and a Japanese restaurant complete with teppanyaki tables. Additionally, the lobby lounge offers a selection of snacks, wines, teas and coffees, but it is mostly known for its quality pastries. The Sky Lounge Music Bar is located on the 27th floor and features expansive city and bay views. The daily happy hour is popular among business travelers, and live music is available several times a week. The Diamond also has 10 meeting rooms -- including a large ballroom for corporate events or weddings -- and catering services. Free Wi-Fi is available in common areas, but non-concierge level guests only get 10 hours of free in-room Wi-Fi per stay. There are a few parking spots where guests can park free of charge; valet parking is also available for a fee.