This luxurious hotel's kids’ club is easily the best in Manila, with indoor and outdoor areas, a Gymboree room, and a playground. Tennis, 18-hole mini golf, and a huge freeform pool -- with bridges, slides, waterfalls, and a small kiddy area -- provide further recreation options. Large, bright, and upscale room have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi; most have balconies. The hotel is known in Manila not only for its celebrity clientele but also for its wonderful dining: Spiral is famous for its world-class (but expensive!) buffet and an outdoor bar hosts barbecue and buffet nights.

The crowd at Makati Shangri-La, one of Manila’s grande dames, is mostly business travelers, but free buffet meals for children make it a good pick for well-heeled families as well. The property is known for its impressive lobby, outstanding service, and long list of high-end amenities, including a luxurious spa, a great fitness center, and a large outdoor pool with a kiddy pool. And the 696 rooms come with flat-screen LCD TVs, bathrooms with separate showers and tubs, and free Wi-Fi.

Located in the same complex as the family-friendly Ocean Park theme park, the 147-room H2O is an upscale hotel offering the one-of-a-kind experience of -- literally -- sleeping with the fishes. Most rooms have striking views of Manila Bay, 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 fish and jellyfish. Suites have stand-alone tubs or hot tubs.

Known for its outstanding service and attention to detail, the 280-room Fairmont is one of the most luxurious hotels in central Makati. All the high-end amenities expected of a hotel in this price range and category are present, including a relaxing outdoor lap pool with bar service and a kiddy section. The hotel’s five dining options include an international all-day dining restaurant, a cafe with fresh pastries, a lounge for afternoon snacks, and a pool bar with a short food menu. All of the 280 rooms have large flat-screen TVs, a king or two twin beds, air-conditioning, electric kettles, and upscale bathrooms with separate showers and tubs.

The Ascott offers 362 upscale serviced apartments for business travelers and families, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units with full kitchens and washer/dryers. All are stylish and elegant, and have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, and L’Occitane toiletries. On-site amenities include a pleasant outdoor pool, a small outdoor playground, two tennis courts, a gym with personal trainers, and a cafe. Babysitting services can be arranged. The property is starting to show signs of wear and tear in some areas, but it is nonetheless a convenient option within walking distance of shopping and dining in central Makati.

Families would do well at this luxurious hotel, with spacious studios and apartments (all with full kitchens, dishwashers, and washer/dryers). An elegant restaurant with themed buffet, a large indoor heated pool with underwater music and a whirlpool, a small kids’ club, and free Wi-Fi throughout make the Oakwood Premier one of the most attractive properties in this part of town.

With lush tropical gardens and a resort-like list of amenities, gorgeous Edsa Shangri-La is a quiet, relaxing oasis in corporate Mandaluyong. Its 632 rooms -- featuring elegant, earth-toned decor and top-notch amenities -- are some of the most attractive in town. The freeform pool is surrounded by tropical plants, and features a water park for kids and a playground. This, plus the hotel's four restaurants and world-class spa, make it possible for guests to never have to leave the property. Just note that Mandaluyong may be more convenient for business travelers than for tourists, as most historic sights are a drive away.

The 365-room Hyatt is located inside the City of Dreams, a huge shopping and entertainment center with dozens of shops and restaurants, a casino, three hotels, several famous clubs, and a huge entertainment area for kids. Large, elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with 42-inch flat-screen TVs and iPod docks; all but Standard Rooms have separate soaking tubs. Common spaces are opulent, from the huge buffet restaurant to the rooftop pool, complete with a kids' section and a small whirlpool. The hotel's location near the airport and within walking distance of family-friendly attractions draws all types of travelers, but those looking to explore the historic sights may find this area a little out of the way.

The 584-room New World Makati is a luxurious hotel located right in the heart of the shopping and business district. A pool on the fourth floor features with bar service, padded loungers, and a kiddy section. Room types range from Standard Rooms (known as Superior here) to Specialty Suites, and all feature upscale amenities such as large flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, one king or two twin beds in each, fully stocked minibars, electric kettles, and marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The 24th-floor Residence Club Lounge offers free breakfast, drinks, afternoon tea, and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a family-friendly area for those traveling with kids under six. Guests staying in Residence Club Rooms also get free parking.

The luxurious Pan Pacific is two blocks from Manila Bay, within walking distance of attractions, dining options, and several shopping malls. The hotel is known for its outstanding service (including concierge, evening turndown, and babysitting services) and great amenities, like its several restaurants and small pool with a whirlpool. The hotel’s 236 rooms are spacious and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows offering city or pool views; some room have partial Manila Bay vistas. All come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and free bottled water. High-end bathrooms feature rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs with flat-screen TVs.

Formerly the Hyatt Regency, the New World Manila Bay Hotel caters to business travelers and tourists alike with large rooms, luxurious amenities, and a central location. Rooms are some of the largest around and have upscale amenities such as flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. A large outdoor pool has a whirlpool, a kiddy section, and a pool bar with food. (Other on-site dining options skew upscale, but there are also a large buffet, a bakery, and a casual cafe). Though the location in Malate is convenient for shopping and visiting the main sights, the neighborhood can feel a little seedy to some.

The Antel offers a wide array of amenities for families and for business travelers, including a game room, a spa, two fitness centers, free on-site parking, and two pools. Contemporary apartment-style rooms are equipped with basic cooking facilities (no stovetop, though), flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. However, many units are on the small side, and those overlooking the adjacent mall can get noise. The location on busy Makati Avenue is convenient for those looking to be near dining, nightlife, and shopping -- but there are no tourist attractions within walking distance.

The Y2 Residence Hotel is a solid pick for young tourists and families, with striking decor inspired by anime as well as yin and yang. The spacious studios and apartments are equipped with kitchenettes and up to two bedrooms, and notable features include a rooftop pool with panoramic city views and a hip restaurant serving South Asian cuisine. The location in Makati is convenient for business travelers and for those looking to experience the area’s shopping and nightlife scenes -- but historic attractions are a long drive away. Light sleepers may want to note that exterior rooms on lower floors get some traffic noise.

The Oasis is a pleasant mid-range hotel with spacious rooms -- including family-friendly units with one queen and two twins -- at affordable rates. There is a big pool (no loungers, though) and a wine bar, but the highlight here is My Kitchen by Chef Chris, a renowned Italian restaurant popular among Manila foodies. The location is convenient for tourists and business travelers alike, as Makati and Intramuros are a short drive away. Just note that only a handful of rooms feature Wi-Fi, and that there have been complaints of poor room soundproofing.