My Nostalgia With Intercontinental Hotel Manila

InterContinental Hotel Manila review

Hello Ladies and fellow travel junkies!
It was a very productive weekend for me. I didn’t go out for story-hunting (maybe I’ll do that next weekend) and decided to stay at home and finished some of list of articles and stories I would like to share you this week!

Days are so fast AF and Holy Week is this week, and I’m here thinking what I will do during that long weekend. Pardon me but am not your typical gal who truly observe the Lenten Season, because for me that season is definitely for my own pleasure and relaxation. Maybe this year I might have a trip to Hong Kong again and do gallery-hopping, or wherever that my whims and passport will take me.

While having those thoughts, I remember when I spent my Lenten Season at Intercontinental Hotel Manila back in 2014. Yeah that was quite long time ago, but it is good to remember those days. I spent my long weekend being a lazy hotel resident, and since it was summer I thought, geez I deserve it!

Why I said “..my nostalgia with Intercontinental Hotel Manila” ?

Because this hotel is permanently shut down since 2015.


OMG, WTF Why??!!

Yeah I know you have those huge questions in mind, and believe me I was in deeply shock when I learned it back in October 2015 when they released that farewell statement.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review
I’ve took this photo sometime in 2016 when I visited Makati City. Situated in a prime location, Intercontinental Manila Hotel has been here for 46-years giving an outstanding service to all their clients for business and leisure, both locals and non-locals.


In its statement, the hotel management contract between AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation subsidiary and InterContinental Hotel Group ended last December 31, 2015.

Some of you might think “She’s such so lame. It’s a hotel for sake. As if she owns it, blah blah blah…”

But I don’t f**king care to what others’ think of me when you read this post.

Intercontinental Hotel Manila is not just your typical hotel. It is a f**cking iconic hotel that stands in time and have witnessed this city grows for the last 46years!

As we speak, it’s been 18-months that Intercontinental Hotel Manila is disappear in our sight, and when I took that photo in 2016 – believe it was so hard to bear.

Yeah I got deeply emotional for this place.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review
Here’s the prime location where Intercon used to stand proudly. Now it’s vanished on our sight, but never in my memory.


As a regular lazy-hotel-resident of Intercontinental or Intercon as we usually called it, for me this is not just a 5-star hotel in the city of Makati. Intercon was my home for many occasions and every time I spend my days with them, everything feels so right, feels so safe and secured, all feels comfortable just like home. And it truly makes me saddened that fact that it bids au revoir on us. And even now, I couldn’t bear to look in that place, and not seeing that home I used to stay in.

So here I am reminiscing those days, and I am so glad that I took some photos of my stay at Intercontinental Hotel Manila. Allow me to share you my never-been shared staycation photos in 2014 during its 45th year in service.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review
If only I have captures it whole lobby, you will see how impressive it is. The hotel might me old, but just like wine the older it gets, the more it becomes appealing. Furniture and fixtures might be outdated but its cleanliness is splendid! This Intercontinental Hotel Manila consists of 332-rooms and all are superb.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


This place on the left side from the lobby, is the known salon and bar were you can find the most prestigious clients hang-out. And if you walk all the way straight, it will lead you to the hotel’s pool area. It was also lovely but not too big, but spacious enough. They cater both an adult and children’s pool and also have a restaurant nearby and you can dine near the pool and enjoy the view. It was so romantic to dine here during night time, and also enjoy the cool breeze of air. They’ve also have a lovely choice of music…. Ahh I remember exactly when me and my Dada dined here. You’ll feel the love is in the air every night.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review
Of all the hotels I’ve stayed here in Manila, Intercontinental Hotel is one of the best and employs the most thoughtful hotel staffs that you could imagine. They make sure that everything is well, and even phones your room and asking if you need extra towels or robes or extra bottles of complimentary water.

InterContinental Hotel Manila review

InterContinental Hotel Manila review


They could say that I like their bathroom! Every rooms have bathtubs, lots of wide mirrors, and abundance of toiletries. If you want more, they were willing to give you more complimentary toiletries. They like that their clients appreciates those toiletries which means they have chosen the best.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review
Now prepare to get jealous because I love spending my hours enjoying some bubble bath. I censored my boobs because that’s exclusive, LOL.

But I also love those lemon verbena that they always delivered to my room. The scent of it lasts for longer hours and I love sniffing my skin and hair after washing with these.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


And I know that some of you always irritated when a hairdryer is not available in your room, and guess what – at Intercontinental Hotel, every rooms have hairdryer installed! I just don’t understand why some hotels doesn’t have an installed hairdryer. It is a necessity, duh!


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


And my king size bed! Ahh it was soooo comfortable and it was heavenly AF. Intercontinental Hotel Manila have amazing duvet and the floors are well-carpeted.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


I forgot how huge my room is, but my estimate is around 36SQM. And it was spacious truly. It always smell so good AF and have a room facility.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


I even have a working area with an awesome free wifi connection were I could simultaneously download and upload, and watch streaming movies online without interference.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


They also have complimentary tea and coffee complete with some snacks (however those snacks are not complimentary, and I don’t careless coz they all junkfoods). And more spaces for your other things, keeping your room more organized.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


I loved staying in this hotel because it helps me to relax and gain my writing mojos. I could work more comfortably and enjoy my whole stay!


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


And did I mentioned how much I looooovvvveee their food! Every stay comes with free buffet breakfast at their restaurant called Jeepney, which houses all the foods that you can imagine. Continental breakfast, Indian foods, Mediterranean, Chinese foods, Filipino foods, Japanese foods, etc. they have it all.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


To avoid too much crowd and enjoyed the freshness of foods served, I make sure I wake-up at 6AM and enjoy my morning with these foods, and sipping my freshly brewed coffee and some hot news from broadsheets like The New York Times. Ahh it was a glorious morning every day!


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


Same during dinner time, I’ve got to enjoy the buffet and feast on those desserts like Marie Antoinette! That’s a total relaxation, baby!


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


And if I have not in the mood to go down for dinner, there’s a reliable room service available! Their foods are also fantastic, plus if I want a room service massage, they have it!

So ask me why I have such nostalgia for this hotel?

I also remember many times that even am not a resident of their hotel, I’ve felt that they have trained their hotel staffs very well. Many times that I was offered a temporary shelter at their lobby while it was raining so hard and I couldn’t get a cab. Many times that their guards assisted me to hail a cab even though am not a resident from those days.

Their hotel staffs are so good and very caring, very accommodating and it saddened me that this amazing hotel had shutdown.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


During my stay, I’ve got a chance to visit their photo exhibit showcasing the best photographs of the iconic hotel in celebrate of its 45-years in giving service to its clients.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review

InterContinental Hotel Manila review


InterContinental Hotel Manila review


Seeing these photographs is a great privileged for me. I’ve learned why this iconic hotel deserves recognition and respect for their services they’ve done to us.


InterContinental Hotel Manila review




This might be too late, however I would like to thank Intercontinental Hotel Manila for giving us that valuable services that I truly cherished. I would never forget those happy days with them, and those night that I was soaked in the rain, and their hotel offered me shelter. I would like to commend all the hotel staffs, including their guards for their services.

For the former staff and employees of Intercontinental Hotel Manila - if you guys are reading this post, from the bottom of my heart I would like to say Thank You Very Much!

And I do hope and pray that there will be a new InterContinental Hotel here in Manila soon. And if my prayers will be granted, I would choose to stay with them again. Because InterContinental Hotel is HOME.


xoxo, Blair


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123 comments :

  1. no go there before but I like it.
    love the bath tub for sure, now seldom have hotel in bathroom.

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    1. Oh I see. so when I visit Malaysia, I must double if the bathtub is available :)

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  2. Ahhh too bad they shut down the hotel. The hotel looks cozy and looks like you really enjoy your stay there.

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    1. Yeah it was so sad. However the contract have finished and the building is already 46years old. I am praying that there would be a new Intercontinental Hotel here in the Philippines. I love their services even their hotels in Hong Kong.

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  3. The place looks wonderful and yet despite the modernity- it also seems rather cosy too. What a lovely hotel to stay in :)

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    1. You are right Pen, ahhh am missing this place a lot.

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  4. such ashamed they cleared a historical building :( hope it won't happen to other buildings in the city.

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    1. Hello Gengqian,

      Yeah, however our law says that commercial buildings that reaches maturity age are needs to be demolished.

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  5. wow the hotel seems very nice. will def consider it when visit Manila in future

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    1. Hello Wai Kee,

      I will recommend you to stay in other hotels. This is now a legend :)

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  6. This hotel looks wonderful! I am so sorry that it's shutting down. I hate when a favorite place of mine does that.

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    1. Yeah makes me sick thinking of it actually.. so for now am avoiding passing-by on that area, hahaha

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  7. Isn't it such a shame that this beautiful hotel is no more. I would definitely feel as nostalgic as you if I had stayed there before.

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    1. ..ooh I can't forget the bed, their awesome services and the food buffet at the Jeepney Café! They are all amazing!

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  8. I LOVE how passionately you write,I can almost hear you narrate! Looks like a lovely iconic hotel indeed!

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  9. Love this Intercontinental hotel! Just the lobby itself is amazing, not to talk about everything else. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay.

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  10. I have not been here...but this place looks cosy...it doesn't look fantastic..but I can understand why it's like your second home...truly is a shame that they shut down...and I have to say..this was the first post of yours that had many "as fuck" written in it...hahahhaah

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    1. Hahaha thank you Yana.. OOppss I had some posts with lots of "as fuck", hahaha, well those words only exists to my posts when I got too carried away :)

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  11. I'm sorry to hear the hotel is no longer there. It looked like such a nice place.

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    1. Yeah it was.. now I have to bear not seeing my second home.. am now in search of a new hotel that I could call home.

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  12. The hotel looks beautiful and it seems like a great place to spend your vacations. Glad you had so much fun :)

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  13. Now I'm ready to stay here! The food looks simply delicious.

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    1. Thank you Saidah! However you can opt the other Intercontinental hotels in Asia. This one in Manila is now a history.

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  14. It look like it was a nice comfy, elegant hotel. So sad that years of history are gone.

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    1. (hugs) I know! But it still remains in my heart :)

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  15. Intercontinentals are great hotels. I love their toiletries

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  16. Such a beautiful hotel. And having great staff is definitely a plus. :)

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  17. I saw this hotel before when I was in Manila, but don't have the chance to stay there. Its stunning.

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    1. Yeah and many historical events happened during its operation.. ahhh I wish a new Intercontinental hotel will rise.

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  18. omg. The bed looks so grand. I love the interior even the furniture looks vintage. haha

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  19. A beautiful place to stay. Will book my room there for my next holiday to Manila.

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    1. Thank you for visiting Jane!

      However, this hotel is now a legend. I will recommend you to stay in other hotels :)

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  20. the hotel looks huge and comfortable

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  21. Replies
    1. Not yet Babe. This is a throwback photo :)

      But I will take the same haircut this Saturday!

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  22. Thanks for sharing, another hotel option for us if going to Manila =)

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    1. You are welcome Bowie! However for now I will recommend you staying at City Garden Grand Hotel :) This Intercon Manila is now a legend.

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  23. Gone but not forgotten. Old building, could be of some safety issues.

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    1. Thank you Claire. It is a law that buildings reaches 45 to 50 years old should be demolished.

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  24. The hotel looks amazing. I just love the look and feel of it from your photographs. And its great that they treat you so well there even when you are not a guest. I think that's just good service.

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    1. Yeah it was amazing David. Never happen to other hotels I've been. Only at Intercontinental Manila.

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  25. it's such a shame that it's gone! It looks like it was a great place to visit and really relaxing! I can't get over the size of the bed!

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    1. Hahaha yeah its huge! My boyfriend who is huge like it also.

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  26. That looks like a nice place to go visit. I like how the bedroom is separated.

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    1. Yes, I also tried the other room layout and some have their own receiving area before going to the main bedroom.

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  27. This is a beautiful hotel. It is a nice size and the food looks great.

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  28. Always sad to see an icon shut down. What a beautiful hotel! I see why you are nostalgic about it.

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    1. If I need to rally online to bring back Intercontinental Hotel Manila, I will do it! LOL

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  29. this is so nice... reminds me of my stay at intercontinental kuala lumpur recently... it sure is so homey

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    1. Thank you for visiting Miera! Intercontinental is one of the best.

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  30. This looks like a great place to stay and sadly it is no longer there. It isn't easy for things to withstand the pace of development

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    1. I agree. They said the new location turn to a new commercial establishment which is really annoying. I can't help being emotional to a place I called home.

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  31. What a lovely hotel. I love how classic and simple everything looks. It looks like a lovely stay.

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    1. Thank you for visiting Dannii! I have more hotel reviews to be shared soon :)

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  32. Enjoyed reading your review, thanks for sharing.

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    1. You are welcome Bella! Keep on exploring my other hotel reviews :)

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  33. That sounds like a great place to stay. I am happy you have so many happy memories there.

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    1. Yeah, the employees and staff are so good, and also the place. I feel so happy to live here.

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  34. I just can't wait to visit Philippines. I think I still had the chance to see GreenBelt 5 before I moved here in Vegas.

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    1. Greenbelt 5 is becoming more modern. You better see it soon Anne!

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  35. Aww, I'm sorry the hotel closed down. It's amazing how such a place can come to mean so much to the people who visit - but then, I'm sentimental too, and I have places that I love dearly even though they aren't mine. So I get it.

    It's sad that they made it so long only to shut down.

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    1. You are right.
      However it is the Philippine law to shutdown buildings that reached the maturity age - this is for security reason. I hope that a new Intercontinental Hotel Manila will soon rise. Fingers-crossed.

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  36. It looked like a beautifl hotel for sure, but I am more of a budget airbnb gal. That is too much luxury for me...well my wallet lol.

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    1. Hahaha thanks Evelyn.
      I actually haven't tried Airbnb - well its not my priority actually because am after with the best security and good services as possible. Am more of a hotel-resident type.

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  37. It really is a shame it had to go. It looked really beautiful!

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  38. Wow lucky you seems like a splendid experience !! The relaxation thing sounds magical.

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    1. I agree. I will share more fantastic hotel staycation soon!

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  39. Such a bummer! I was so excited looking through your pictures, then 'shut down' caught my eye. You have some beautiful memories there though

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  40. Such a shame that they closed down the hotel because everything from the food to the decor was perfect. That is so sad x

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    1. I know... but the good memories stays in my mind, heart and now shared here in my blog :)

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    2. I am sad that this is no longer open, but the bigger thing is that I want to visit Manila!!! I have been around the world, and manila is on my list. Thank you for this post.

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    3. Hello Jim!

      You will definitely like Manila :) Let me know when you visit!

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  41. It sad to see beloved things go. I remember when my favorite store in my hometown was closed when I returned it was sad. This hotel looks very nice.

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    1. Thanks Rosey, it was very memorable.

      Now I have to get used to not seeing this hotel again. But if I find out that they will open again anywhere here in Manila. Definitely, am a one happy lady :)

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  42. Hair dryer on a hotel is a must also for me. It really sucks if they happen to have none. Hence, your memories at the hotel experience will be treasured always :)

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    1. Thank you Jenjen,

      Yeah always. Even my boyfriend likes it here too.

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  43. ahhhh that sucks that a place that felt so close to home has now shut down! I had a restaurant from my hometown do the same thing. Many late nights and afternoons spent eating there. Some things are just mean't to go and come! Love all the pictures though and I'm sure you will find a nice replacement.

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    1. Thank you dear, yeah and I hope I would find a new "home" hotel. But what makes a hotel feel HOME are the people.

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  44. I feel you. I stayed at the Intercontinental in Hanoi and it was one of my favorite stays last year. I am hooked, if I can stay at a Intercontinental in the future I will.

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    1. Wow I would love to visit Hanoi too and stayed in Intercon.

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  45. Looks like a luxurious yet cozy accommodation. I can see why you love it!

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    1. Thank you Shane, and the staffs also are very nice and accommodating. I wonder where they are employed now.

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  46. It sure sounds like they're making some major renovations with the place. I'm excited to see what it's going to look like after. The rooms prior from it closing look really nice! I love how spacious it is.

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    1. Hello Carol,

      NO major renovations - but a full demolishing of building. Intercontinental Manila is history.

      Delete
  47. It's always sad when our favourite places close down. A lot of restaurants I loved shut down and I really miss them - they hold great memories but at least it will be forever remembered on your blog!

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    1. Yeah I agree.

      Recently a lot of shopping stores and brands also have closed down. But I haven't felt sadness the same that I felt for Intercontinental Manila hotel. I really do hope they will open a new hotel soon.

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  48. Such an amazing hotel, the food looks so yummy such a shame it's been closed down. No chances to reopen tho?

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    1. Am not sure yet. But I still hope they do open.

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  49. I'm a countryside boy and I never heard of Intercontinental Hotel. But for a hotel who stood up and served for more than 4 decades, Intercontinental Hotel deserves to be part of our history.

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    1. Indeed. It is just pity that because of the law, this building can't stay longer.

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  50. The hotel room and the breakfast looks so nice. Too bad they closed it, such a shame.

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    1. Yeah, but at least I had a wonderful staycation with them.

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  51. That is too bad such a special hotel closed down. I don't think anyone should judge you for feeling nostalgia about it. It seems like a place where you have fond memories. And I like the sound of the lemon verbena shampoo and hairdryer.

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    1. Thank you dear! Ah wish I could found another hotel to be called home :)

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  52. I totally feel you. I hate when good places close down and something else replaces it, good or bad.

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    1. I agree. The location is said to be replaced by a commercial establishments... too many commercial business. I need Intercon!!!

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  53. That's too bad that they closed they hotel, it looked amazing! I would love to go to that part of the world some day!

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    1. Thank you Kristi,

      You can visit Manila anything. It is a very interesting city for most foreign visitors and most of them have chose to live here for good.

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  54. What a beautiful place! Very interesting read. Thank you!

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  55. I love looking back on old places I've been. I've not yet been to Manila though.

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    1. Oh you should visit Manila soon! And the nearby cities :) You will also enjoy various islands and beaches here, even hiking!

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  56. The hotel looks so comfy and luxurious.Sad to know that it has closed down.You are lucky to have enjoyed their hospitality.Great clicks :)

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    1. Thank you Meenakshi, yeah and I commend all former staffs of Intercontinental Manila. Their trainings they have received are very much valuable.

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  57. It definitely looks to have been a gorgeous and relaxing hotel. Definitely too bad it's no longer in business because I would have loved to visit.

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    1. Thank you Danielle, hope they will open a new Intercon.

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  58. Looks like quite a posh place to stay in. I loved the whole comfy feel of the room. And those toiletries do appeal. I would have indulged in them as well. Cheers

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  59. It's a shame it's no longer around, but what great memories you created and documented. Thanks for sharing them :-)

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    1. Ahh reading my posts makes me cry, LOL yeah am very emotional.

      Thank you Danay!

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  60. Looks like a great hotel and your review certainly would make me want to stay there, so bad it closed. Great pics and I am sure you have some memories too.

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    1. Yeah, and I still do hope they will open a new Intercontinental Manila. And I hope that someday, I could fins another hotel that also gives the similar services they give.

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  61. such a beautiful hotel but has become legend now... awww....

    i like the way you put it in words with your photos...

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