Hotel H2O

Located inside the Ocean Park marine theme park, H2O is a unique property in the Philippines. It has an aquarium and water theme throughout, with blue accents here and there, fish and jellyfish tanks, and panoramic views of either Ocean Park or Manila Bay. The most striking option here is a stay in one of its Aqua Rooms, which have huge aquariums running the length of one of the walls. Watching the dozens of fish swim back and forth can be soothing and fascinating at the same time, especially for kids. The hotel is housed in a cylindrical structure, and some of the common spaces -- including the lobby and fitness center -- overlook a round central area topped with an impressive glass lamp hanging down from the fifth floor. Black-and-white floors, velvet couches in different grey hues, and crystal ceiling lamps make the lobby stylish and contemporary. This decor style continues in rooms, all of which have a few accents in bold colors and clean lines. However, some combinations of patterns and colors are a little too fuzzy.

The hotel is located inside the Ocean Park theme park complex, directly overlooking Manila Bay. There are few restaurants and shops within the immediate neighborhood, but a couple of large shopping malls can be found a short drive away. Major attractions, such as Intramuros and Rizal Park, are within easy walking distance, as is the Baywalk, a lively promenade along the Bay lined with small, casual cafes. Most other major attractions can be found within a 15- to 20-minute drive, and Makati can be reached by car in about half an hour in normal traffic conditions. 

The hotel has 147 rooms, all featuring flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Bay Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows offering wonderful panoramic views of Manila Bay and the sunset. But the big hit (particularly with kids) here is the option of booking one of the Aqua Rooms, which have lit wall-to-wall fish tanks with dozens of fishes and water plants. Room decor is contemporary and stylish throughout, with bed runners in bold colors, gray or beige carpets with geometric patterns, black accents walls, and brown wooden furniture. Platform beds are particularly comfortable and have several pillows matching the bed runners. Open bathrooms have separate toilet and shower cabins with rain showerheads, modern rectangular or triangular sinks, and an array of hotel-brand toiletries. Most rooms are small, but each Aqua Classic unit is large enough to fit a sofa bed for an extra guest. Suites and Club Rooms have standalone tubs or hot tubs. Light sleepers may want to note that walls are paper-thin, and rooms overlooking the theme park can be loud, as music is played throughout the day.

Zenyu Eco is a small spa offering a nice array of massages, body scrubs, facials and salon services. Simple zen decor and dim lighting make the space relaxing and appealing. The fitness center has a number of up-to-date cardio and strength-training machines in a skinny room with laminate floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Pilates balls, mats and free weights are also available. Although not particularly business-oriented, the hotel offers several meeting rooms, including one with a jellyfish tank for casual corporate gatherings. Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi throughout and a stylish lounge with comfy seating and huge windows overlooking Manila Bay. Live bands play here on weekends. The restaurant, located on the ground floor, serves Filipino and international menus, but the food doesn’t get good reviews.