Mercure Imperial Palace Suites Quezon City

Very good value

I have stayed at this hotel twice - in March 2004, and March/April 2005.

In 2004 I had a two bedroom "suite" and in 2005 just a double room. I've booked both times through www.expedia.co.uk. The "suites" no longer seem to be available through Exepdia.

Yes, it's a 3 star hotel but I've been very impressed with it. The rooms are clean, the price is reasonable, and the staff are very courteous and accommodating.

In room facilities for both rooms included, remote control airconditioning, a cable television, telephone, small dining table, a kitchenette (sink, refrigerator with mini-bar selection and snacks, small toaster oven) plenty of drawer and closet space, and an ensuite bathroom.

The roof has a small yet clean outdoor swimming pool with a few sun loungers, and a bar offering views around Quezon City.

On my first visit, buffet breakfast (main dishes change daily) was served up on the roof, but this has since been moved downstairs to their airconditioned restaurant (a bad move in my opinion!) The restaurant serves other meals throughout the day as well as providing room service until about midnight.

There is also a small airconditioned gym on the top floor which has a treadmill as well as "multigym" type weights machine amongst other things. There is a small charge of about 75 pesos per use.

Other facilities include a business centre (which I believe provides Internet access), airport transfers (800 pesos last time I used it), an affordable inhouse laundry, and free ample parking in their underground garage.

The hotel's location is in the heart of Timog, Quezon City, which has several restaurants and bars to choose from (you're spolit for choice), as well as some small local stores so you can get provisions such as snacks and top-up cards for your Philippines SIM!

Unique Quality: Nothing particularly unique - although I have no frame of reference having not stayed in another hotels in Manila. However, I have been very pleased with what I get for the price at this hotel and can't complain. Personally, unless you really need to stay somewhere in Makati, I see no point in paying more.

Having said that, I think their free parking facility might be close to unique. As far as I've seen, most hotels will charge daily

I intend to stay there again for my forthcoming trips to the Philippines.