Plane Spotting Manila

 

Holiday Inn Express (Formally Remington Hotel)                             Updated May 2020

Is situated by the Air Force Museum on the perimeter, and has a regular free shuttle bus to the terminals. All levels have vending machines containing drinks and snacks at reasonable European prices (37p for a can of soft drink). The hotel does a fine buffet breakfast and a McDonalds is situated in the same block (£2.60 for big mac meal). This hotel is reported to have the best views out of our selection of hotels in the vicinity of Manila.

The Resort World Mall is situated across the road with a good variety of shops, restaurants and casino. A McDonalds can be found next to the hotel. The hotel is also only a short walk from the Phillipine Air Force Museum which is located accross the road.

The taxi to the hotel costs around £1, or you can walk it from the Cebu terminal in around 10 minutes. Check in opens at 1400 although you can pay an additional supplement on arrival (around £10) to get the room early. The hotel offers free wifi in all areas.

The hotel is situated further up the road than The Belmont Hotel below and is situated closer to the runway. The hotel has less obstructions in the way than the Belmont so has a better views of the taxiways.

Note 1 : A recent report states that the hotel staff were not accommodating to our hobby. Despite calling to request a particular room the day prior to arrival and been told that the room would be reserved, the client arrived to be given a rear facing room with virtually no views. There was no flexibility shown by the staff to try to find another suitable room. Future guests should therefore bear in mind that although views are good from selective rooms here, that particular room may not be guaranteed, especially when arriving late in the evening.

Note 2: The above non flexible approach to offering airport view rooms was reported under the previous owners, Remington Hotels. The new Holiday Inn management may be more receptive to requests for airport facing rooms. We await further reports to confirm this.

Location: *** Excellent location for viewing with the added bonus of free shuttle bus to the terminal.
Spotting: ***

Ask for a high level room overlooking the airport in the range of 073-068 or 009-017 (the floor number precedes the numbers above eg 10th floor = room 10073-10068 etc. Any floor from the 5th upwards should provide a view, however the higher the better. Room 10009 has the views shown below and is a twin room. Depending on the chosen room, some (but not al) of the many stored aircraft can be seen. From the room the majority of movements can be seen and read off, a flight tracker may be of use for distant movements and at night.

Aircraft parked on the nearest stands can be read off without the use of optics and movements can be seen landing on both runways. Most movements using the other terminals can be read off using binoculars.

Take note of the comments regarding room availability in the introduction above. 

Other rooms reported with a views are 10069/10070/1/2/3/5 & 10009/10/11/12/15 which all face the airport, as do the same rooms on the lower floors ending in the same numbers.

Photos: ** Reasonable shots can be taken through the glass. A 400 lens will just about fill the lens with A330 sized aircraft when operating from the PAL Terminal 2.
Value: *** Excellent at around £50 per night
Book:  

 

If you are looking to make your own travel arrangements please click on AGODA or Booking.com to be taken directly to the hotel information page. Please help support our site. We are constantly checking the links for hotels to find the best price offered for our readers. If the price on this site is the best quote you receive, please help us by booking your hotel from the link provided as we receive a small commission payment from the hotel. This helps contribute to the running costs of this site enabling us to continue to offer a great service 

 

Plane Spotting Hotels are also pleased to have entered a partnership with an ATOL approved travel agency which specialises in packages for plane spotters (your travel consultant is a fellow aviation enthusiast who understands your needs). An independent travel agency can often find you better deals for your hotels as they can access travel agents exclusive deals, especially when packaged in with flights or car hire as many suppliers offer further discounts. 

 

Quote The Plane Spotting Hotels website when contacting the NOT JUST TRAVEL WEBSITE and you will be dealt with by the Plane Spotting Travel Expert who can assist you with all aspects of planning your trip.

 

Comment!   If you want to add or update anything, please use the comment form at the bottom of the page!

 


 

BELMONT HOTEL                                                Latest Update October 2019
 
Location: ** Is a new hotel located on the perimeter of the airport. It is part of the Resorts World Leisure complex so there are lots of restaurants and shops close by with a store situated just outside of the hotel selling alcohol at very good prices.
Spotting: ***

The following report is supplied thanks to Kevin Stokes

Just back from Manila. I stayed at the Remington, but after doing a bit of exploring, a few minutes walk down the road is the Belmont, right opposite terminal 3. It has just opened and is of a better standard than the Remington, air conditioned throughout and wifi throughout which is a big improvement over the Remington. It is dearer though, around £100 a night. It has 10 floors but the big plus is the rooftop pool and bar. The rooftop bar is good however the shrubs around the edge have grown which mean that you have to stand up to read things off which gets occasional strange looks from the locals! Spotting from an airport facing room is still very good. Movements on the busiest Runway 06/24 can easily be seen but you need flight tracking software to tie them up. The commuter aircraft can easily be read off as they enter and leave the commuter apron.

The hotel manager showed us up to the roof and 10th floor rooms. Rooms facing the airport are 1027, 1029-1043 (odd no’s), 1046 and 1047.
1027 and 1047 are corner rooms and have front and side windows, 1027 I would say would be the better of these, it has a double bed. 
Here are some pics I took, first 2 from the roof, second 2 from room 1027.

Report 2 Credit Andy Kelly : staying at the hotel Belmont at the moment. no need to get taxi to this hotel from the airport, there is a skywalk from T3 which takes you straight there, its about a 10 minute walk. requested a high floor airport facing room before my arrival, at check in the lovely told me my airport facing room was all ready and was given room 1031 on the top floor, great views of the airport and runways and nothing will be missed but you do need sbs or FR24 to tie everything up. the room is reasonable sized but the bathroom is a tight squeeze, theres all the usual mod cons tea coffee kettle etc, the internet is fast and free, even better view from the rooftop pool, I asked the two pool side attendants if it was ok to use binoculars and they said no problem. you can also see into the stored area where you can pick a few aircraft off with your bins, its open from 7am to 7pm, breakfast is buffet with a selection of hot or cold food. evening meal is menu (no buffet) and its reasonable priced, 3 course meal will only set you back about £15 – £20 other than that there is a mcdonalds opposite the hotel. just a 2 minute walk around the side of the hotel is a little mini mart shop where you can get all your snacks and drinks. basicially there is everything you need in walking distance from this hotel. I would stay here again no problem.

Report 3 : The room view is excellent, nothing will be missed from here. The official opening times of the pool is 0800-2300 however they do not appear to look the door so in theory access is available 24/7. There were no hassles spotting and taking photos from the rooftop. There is free hotel wifi available on the roof however no charging points for electrical devices. From the roof you have a clear view of both runways, the bizz aprons, storage ramps and tantalising views of some aircraft on the military ramp through the trees.

Photos: * See sample photos below.
Value: *  Top class hotel, but expensive too at around £110 per night
Book:  

If you are looking to make your own travel arrangements please click on AGODA or Booking.com to be taken directly to the hotel information page. Please help support our site. We are constantly checking the links for hotels to find the best price offered for our readers. If the price on this site is the best quote you receive, please help us by booking your hotel from the link provided as we receive a small commission payment from the hotel. This helps contribute to the running costs of this site enabling us to continue to offer a great service.

 Plane Spotting Hotels are also pleased to have entered a partnership with an ATOL approved travel agency which specialises in packages for plane spotters (your travel consultant is a fellow aviation enthusiast who understands your needs). An independent travel agency can often find you better deals for your hotels as they can access travel agents exclusive deals, especially when packaged in with flights or car hire as many suppliers offer further discounts. 

Quote The Plane Spotting Hotels website when contacting the NOT JUST TRAVEL WEBSITE and you will be dealt with by the Plane Spotting Travel Expert who can assist you with all aspects of planning your trip.

Comment!   If you want to add or update anything, please use the comment form at the bottom of the page!

 Above : A fleeting view from the rooftop pool and bar area of The Belmont.

A time lapse from an airport facing room at The Bellmont shows the runway and apron views from these rooms.

Sheraton Hotel                                            Latest Update May 2020

 No spotting reports yet from here but it is located on the same road as the Holiday Inn Express and Belmont but is significantly higher.
Location: ** A brand new hotel located on the same road as the Holiday Inn Express and Belmont but is significantly higher.
Spotting: ***

 

No reports but the higher elevation rooms should, in theory, give even better views than the hotels above

Photos: * No reports yet
Value: *  Top class hotel, likely to be expensive
Book:  

If you are looking to make your own travel arrangements please click on AGODA or Booking.com to be taken directly to the hotel information page. Please help support our site. We are constantly checking the links for hotels to find the best price offered for our readers. If the price on this site is the best quote you receive, please help us by booking your hotel from the link provided as we receive a small commission payment from the hotel. This helps contribute to the running costs of this site enabling us to continue to offer a great service.

Plane Spotting Hotels are also pleased to have entered a partnership with an ATOL approved travel agency which specialises in packages for plane spotters (your travel consultant is a fellow aviation enthusiast who understands your needs). An independent travel agency can often find you better deals for your hotels as they can access travel agents exclusive deals, especially when packaged in with flights or car hire as many suppliers offer further discounts. 

Quote The Plane Spotting Hotels website when contacting the NOT JUST TRAVEL WEBSITE and you will be dealt with by the Plane Spotting Travel Expert who can assist you with all aspects of planning your trip.

Comment!   If you want to add or update anything, please use the comment form at the bottom of the page!

 

Above : Airport view from the runway facing rooms offering great elevated views from The Sheraton.

Marriott Hotel
 is located across from the terminal 3 at Manila Airport.
Location: ** Good location on the perimeter
Spotting: *** Most things can be read off from here although you will need a flight tracker to get everything. The hotel is set back and other buildings block the views of certain areas and aprons, so you need to wait for traffic moving before reading it off. Most traffic taxying out to, or arriving on the main runway can be identified. Any aircraft departing from the shorter runway (A320 size) can be read off if you are quick, as the traffic only appears for a couple of seconds. High level rooms ending in 01-07 are required to get something like the above views
Photos: * Not confirmed
Value: *  Top class hotel, but expensive too at around £110 per night
Book:   If you are looking to make your own travel arrangements please click on AGODA or Booking.com to be taken directly to the hotel information page. Please help support our site. We are constantly checking the links for hotels to find the best price offered for our readers. If the price on this site is the best quote you receive, please help us by booking your hotel from the link provided as we receive a small commission payment from the hotel. This helps contribute to the running costs of this site enabling us to continue to offer a great service.

Plane Spotting Hotels are also pleased to have entered a partnership with an ATOL approved travel agency which specialises in packages for plane spotters (your travel consultant is a fellow aviation enthusiast who understands your needs). An independent travel agency can often find you better deals for your hotels as they can access travel agents exclusive deals, especially when packaged in with flights or car hire as many suppliers offer further discounts. 

Quote The Plane Spotting Hotels website when contacting the NOT JUST TRAVEL WEBSITE and you will be dealt with by the Plane Spotting Travel Expert who can assist you with all aspects of planning your trip.

Comment!   If you want to add or update anything, please use the comment form at the bottom of the page!
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Nichols Airport Hotel
is situated at the North Western Side of the airport overlooking the Cebu and Zest Air Terminals. This hotel has the advantage over the Remington that you are guaranteed views from the roof terrace, regardless of the room that you are allocated. The hotel is reported to be of a good standard, however the surrounding area is in a neighbourhood where it is advised not to walk around on your own, especially at night.
Location: ** Good location on the perimeter
Spotting: ***

The hotel has a roof top bar where aircraft on the nearest Runway can be read off. Movements on the far runway can be seen, but flight tracking gear is required to identify them. Room 647 also has reported views of the nearest runway. All terminals can be seen from the rooftop except for the PAL/International terminal.

There is power supplies on the roof ideal for laptop use along with tables and chairs but there is little shade. Reports indicate that a few bizz jet and storage stands are visible from the rooftop area which may be be seen from other hotels in the area such as the Remington.

The rooftop bar opens at 1600 and is closed on Sundays, however reports indicate that in the past, management have allowed access to another rooftop area for spotting prior to the bar opening.

Food and drink from the bar area is very cheap by western standards and of good quality.

Update : The roof top bar was only open from 4pm to midnight while I was there in January
but as you come out of the lift for the rooftop bar there are some more stairs go up these and you find yourself in a small room with some machinery open the window and you are outside there is not much room but you can get great departure shots of aircraft off the north-south runway. Credit Terry Figg

Photos: ** Great departure shots can be taken of traffic departing if using the north south runway. Other shots of traffic on the ground can be distant.
Value: *** Excellent value at around £30 a room
Book:   If you are looking to make your own travel arrangements please click on AGODA or Booking.com to be taken directly to the hotel information page. Please help support our site. We are constantly checking the links for hotels to find the best price offered for our readers. If the price on this site is the best quote you receive, please help us by booking your hotel from the link provided as we receive a small commission payment from the hotel. This helps contribute to the running costs of this site enabling us to continue to offer a great service.

Plane Spotting Hotels are also pleased to have entered a partnership with an ATOL approved travel agency which specialises in packages for plane spotters (your travel consultant is a fellow aviation enthusiast who understands your needs). An independent travel agency can often find you better deals for your hotels as they can access travel agents exclusive deals, especially when packaged in with flights or car hire as many suppliers offer further discounts. 

Quote The Plane Spotting Hotels website when contacting the NOT JUST TRAVEL WEBSITE and you will be dealt with by the Plane Spotting Travel Expert who can assist you with all aspects of planning your trip.

Comment!   If you want to add or update anything, please use the comment form at the bottom of the page!

Below : Top photo : Great shots can be had of departing traffic from the north south runway from the rooftop area next to the bar. Credit Terry Figg. Middle and bottom shows Views out from the rooftop bar at The Nichols Hotel. Credit Dave Parker. Check out Dave’s excellent worldwide photos here

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Isabelle Royale Hotel

Again no spotting reports from this basic value hotel but the video author claims that this hotel gives the best views of Manila Airport. We await any reports to confirm this! It forms part of the Isabella Suites complex, views are also reported from some of their apartments.
Location: ** Good location on the perimeter
Spotting: ***

No spotting reports other than the video below but most movements appear to be seen from here.

Photos: * Results may be possible with a telephoto lens
Value: *** Excellent value at around £30 a room
Book:  

If you are looking to make your own travel arrangements please click on AGODA or Booking.com to be taken directly to the hotel information page. Please help support our site. We are constantly checking the links for hotels to find the best price offered for our readers. If the price on this site is the best quote you receive, please help us by booking your hotel from the link provided as we receive a small commission payment from the hotel. This helps contribute to the running costs of this site enabling us to continue to offer a great service.

Plane Spotting Hotels are also pleased to have entered a partnership with an ATOL approved travel agency which specialises in packages for plane spotters (your travel consultant is a fellow aviation enthusiast who understands your needs). An independent travel agency can often find you better deals for your hotels as they can access travel agents exclusive deals, especially when packaged in with flights or car hire as many suppliers offer further discounts. 

Quote The Plane Spotting Hotels website when contacting the NOT JUST TRAVEL WEBSITE and you will be dealt with by the Plane Spotting Travel Expert who can assist you with all aspects of planning your trip.

Comment!   If you want to add or update anything, please use the comment form at the bottom of the page!

Microtel Hotel And Resort Mall Of Asia
 
Location: Stars Not an airport hotel as such as the hotel is situated around 1 mile west of the airport on the coast. This is ideal for taking a partner as the hotel is also situated next to a large shopping mall, and has an excellent rooftop pool.
Spotting: Stars No airport views, however traffic operating on the shorter runway 13/31 can be read off with a good telescope from the excellent rooftop pool location. Traffic landing on the longer runway can be seen but flight tracking equipment is required to tie these up.
Photos: Stars Not confirmed.
Value: Stars Good value from around £53 a night
Book:   If you are looking to make your own travel arrangements please click on  Booking.com to be taken directly to the hotel information page. Please help support our site. We are constantly checking the links for hotels to find the best price offered for our readers. If the price on this site is the best quote you receive, please help us by booking your hotel from the link provided as we receive a small commission payment from the hotel. This helps contribute to the running costs of this site enabling us to continue to offer a great service.

Plane Spotting Hotels are also pleased to have entered a partnership with an ATOL approved travel agency which specialises in packages for plane spotters (your travel consultant is a fellow aviation enthusiast who understands your needs). An independent travel agency can often find you better deals for your hotels as they can access travel agents exclusive deals, especially when packaged in with flights or car hire as many suppliers offer further discounts. 

Quote The Plane Spotting Hotels website when contacting the NOT JUST TRAVEL WEBSITE and you will be dealt with by the Plane Spotting Travel Expert who can assist you with all aspects of planning your trip.

Comment!   If you want to add or update anything, please use the comment form at the bottom of the page!

For a comprehensive list of other hotels in the Manila Airport area please click here.

 

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