The Manila Hotel, designed in 1912 by William Parsons, may be the ‘Grande Dame’ of the capital of the Philippines. But when it comes to global brands, The Peninsula Manila tops the luxury list. The hotel opened in 1976 for an IMF/World Bank Conference – architects were WATG , working with designer Dale Keller. Today, it is easy to see why guests quickly become regulars and staff, at all levels, mostly stay put (“Welcome back,” say doormen and white-suited bellmen). The hotel car’s Wi-Fi has no-password, towels and Evian.

The Peninsula Manila has announced the phased refurbishment of its guest rooms and suites, as well as the unveiling of The Gallery Club Lounge – the hotel’s all-new, third-floor 90-seat guest lounge accessible to suite guests, featuring a range of refreshments and live music.