Honey, I’M home! Welcome to I’M Hotel, the new kid on the block in the heart of Makati. We stayed at I’M Hotel back in 2019 for 2 nights when we arrived from the States, and it did not disappoint. The minute we stepped in the doors we felt at home and at ease, which was 1000% appreciated after a long trip. We spent the next 2 days trying out all their facilities and living our best, jet lagged lives in luxury. Keep reading to see our complete review of I’M Hotel Manila!

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES

WHERE IS I’M HOTEL?

I’M Hotel is on the corner of Makati and Kalayaan Avenues, across from Century City Mall. If you’ve ever been to Manila, you’d know that traffic is a nightmare (and that’s putting it lightly) so if you’re coming from the airport it could take you any where from 30 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes. The best way to get around Manila is by Grab since taxis are notorious for scamming and overcharging (especially airport taxis), whereas Grab fees are set before you get in.

THE ROOMS AT I’M HOTEL

We were lucky enough to stay in a 1-Bedroom Executive Suite fully equipped with just about everything you could ever need in a hotel room. With 57sqm of space, it’s more than big enough for travelling couples. The sweet welcome amenity was a much needed pick me up for our fuzzy, jet lagged minds and the massive king size bed was a welcome haven after a long journey.

One of the first things we do when we check into any new place is take a gander at the bathroom. Whether we’re at a hostel or in a luxury suite, the bathroom is key. I’M Hotel sits high on our list of bathroom rankings, with its tub, rain shower and modern amenities.

The living area was equipped with a full size fridge, washing machine and 4 person dining table as well as a cosy couch and flat screen TV for lazy evenings in. The lounge room opens out onto a balcony where we marveled at the chaos of Manila during rush hour.

THE POOL AT I’M HOTEL

Before knowing where or what I’M Hotel was, Zowie had seen photos of its pool on Instagram. The pool and deck area is a big reason why I’M Hotel is a popular choice for Manila locals to spend their staycations there. The pool is located on the second level of the hotel, with glass walls and a glass bottom overhanging the sidewalk below. It takes people watching to a whole new level, and we spent hours ogling at passersby on the busy street corner below.

Alongside the pool is Mermaid Bar, a vibrant and colourful pool bar with incredible murals and birdcage-esque loungers. Zowie tried out a few of their cocktails and took the opportunity to snap a few pics for the ‘gram. The whole space is totally Instagrammable, it’d be a shame not to.

ANTIDOTE ROOFTOP BAR

Antidote rooftop bar sits on the top floor of I’M Hotel and offers guests 360 degree views of the Manila skyline. You’d think that would be the main attraction, but it’s the 8 metre long jellyfish aquarium that steals the spotlight. The first and only bar of its kind in the country, its luminescent neon lights serve as a glowing centrepiece.

Antidote prides itself on innovative and exciting cocktails and the bartenders sure know how to put on a show. We took our drinks outside and watched the sun set over Makati and beyond as the city lights lit up the skyline.

BUFFET BREAKFAST AT THE COMMON GOOD

If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good buffet breakfast and I’M Hotel has one of the best at The Common Good. It has all your classic breakfast staples, from eggs and bacon to fresh fruit and smoothies, as well as a doughnut wall that’s definitely not just for display, and even Singaporean Laksa. We fueled up on so much food we practically had to roll out of there.

I’M ONSEN SPA

I’M Hotel has made a name for itself in Manila with it’s ridiculously amazing 6-storey, Onsen Spa. The signature facility is a traditional Onsen bath which is said to “warm the body and impart physical and mental relaxation”. Carson and I split up to soak in separate men and women tubs and met up after our soak sesh for a couple’s massage.

The Couple Suite comes complete with a private jacuzzi and steam shower which we enjoyed for a while before our therapists arrived for our massages. We had such a blissful time we actually forgot to take any of our own photos, but believe us when we say it was one of the best massages we’ve ever had. You know it’s a good massage when you fall asleep and wake up kicking yourself because you “wasted” the experience.

I’M Hotel may be young, but it’s definitely got a handle on how luxury hotels should be run in this day and age. Aside from its spectacular facilities and amenities, the staff were warm, professional and welcoming. It felt like coming home… if home was a luxurious 5-star hotel. We loved every minute spent at I’M Hotel and can’t wait to go back the next time we’re in Manila. Book your stay now!

This was just the beginning of our Philippines adventure. You can check out everything we’ve been up to since leaving Manila in our Philippines travel guides.

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