Forbes Travel Guide has long been the gold standard in luxury hospitality, setting the bar for what it truly means to deliver world-class service.
Since its beginnings in 1958 as the Mobil Travel Guide, it introduced the original Five-Star rating system, a benchmark that continues to define excellence across hotels, restaurants, spas, and cruise ships worldwide.
Fast forward to 2025, Forbes Travel Guide has once again revealed its Star Award winners, recognizing the most outstanding properties in the Philippines.
With only a select few earning the coveted Five-Star distinction, it begs the question:
What does it take to achieve this elite status, and how do these properties continue to set the bar for luxury?
How Forbes Travel Guide Evaluates Luxury Hotels
Unlike guest reviews or travel blogs, Forbes Travel Guide’s ratings are awarded through anonymous inspections, ensuring unbiased and rigorous assessments. Their inspectors stay at properties as ordinary guests, evaluating them based on up to 900 objective criteria.
Forbes emphasizes service over facilities, meaning that a hotel’s luxurious features—from lavish suites to Michelin-star dining—must be matched by flawless, personalized service.
The Three Forbes Rating Levels
- Five-Star: These hotels deliver extraordinary guest experiences, offering impeccable service, world-class amenities, and seamless hospitality that go beyond expectations.
- Four-Star: These properties provide excellent service and luxurious facilities but may not meet the highest level of personalized attention expected from a Five-Star hotel.
- Recommended: High-quality hotels with consistently great service and amenities, though they may not offer the same exclusive luxury as Five-Star and Four-Star properties.
The Philippines’ Forbes Five-Star Hotels and Spas (2025)
Achieving a Five-Star rating in the Philippines is no easy feat. The following elite properties have demonstrated an exceptional level of hospitality, setting them apart from other luxury hotels in the country.
2025 Forbes Five-Star Hotels & Spas in the Philippines
- NÜWA Hotel at City of Dreams Manila
- Nüwa Spa Manila
- Okada Manila
- Sky Tower Suites, Solaire Resort & Casino
- The Peninsula Manila
- The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila
Each of these properties is recognized for delivering beyond-luxury experiences, whether through sophisticated design, world-class dining, or personalized service tailored to each guest.
“NÜWA Hotel at City of Dreams Manila consistently ranks among the world’s best luxury hotels, and it’s easy to see why. The service is impeccable—staff members anticipate your needs before you even ask, and every interaction feels personalized.”
What Sets Forbes Five-Star Hotels Apart?
What exactly makes these properties stand out in the competitive luxury hotel scene in the Philippines?
1. Unmatched Personalized Service
Forbes inspectors prioritize service excellence over luxury features. Five-Star hotels are known for anticipating guests’ needs, offering warm yet professional hospitality, and providing highly personalized experiences.
✔ Example: At NÜWA Manila, expect butler service, customized room setups, and VIP-level hospitality designed to make guests feel recognized and valued.
2. World-Class Spa and Wellness Experiences
A luxury hotel isn’t just about the rooms—Forbes’ Five-Star spas must deliver next-level relaxation, innovative treatments, and an ultra-luxurious ambiance.
✔ Example: Nüwa Spa Manila and The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila earned Five Stars for their exclusive treatments, serene spaces, and holistic wellness programs.
3. Dining That Rivals the Best in the World
Forbes-rated hotels house some of the finest restaurants in the country, often featuring Michelin-level chefs, exclusive tasting menus, and high-end dining experiences.
✔ Example: Okada Manila and Solaire’s Sky Tower Suites offer some of Manila’s best fine-dining experiences, with multi-course meals crafted by top international chefs.
4. Seamless Guest Experience from Start to Finish
From airport pickups to check-in, dining reservations, and personalized services, Five-Star hotels excel in making a guest’s stay effortless.
✔ Example: The Peninsula Manila’s legendary hospitality includes a dedicated guest experience team that tailors every stay to a guest’s preferences—whether it’s arranging private tours, personalized spa treatments, or unique in-room surprises.
What About Four-Star and Recommended Hotels?
For travelers seeking luxury with a slightly lower price point, Forbes Four-Star and Recommended hotels still offer an exceptional stay.
2025 Forbes Four-Star Hotels in the Philippines
- Fairmont Makati
- Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams
- Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
- Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila
- Raffles Makati
- Shangri-La at the Fort, BGC
Recommended Hotels in the Philippines
These hotels deliver high-end accommodations, quality service, and excellent facilities—but may not match the exclusive, ultra-personalized service that defines Five-Star establishments.
“Fairmont Makati offers excellent luxury at a great value. While it may not have the ultra-personalized experience of a Five-Star hotel, its rooms, spa, and central location make it a fantastic choice for business and leisure travelers.”
How to Experience a Forbes Five-Star Hotel in the Philippines
If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay, consider these tips for experiencing Forbes Five-Star luxury:
- Book direct for exclusive perks – Many Five-Star hotels offer VIP packages, free upgrades, and early check-in/late check-out when booked through their official websites.
- Try their signature experiences – Whether it’s a spa treatment, afternoon tea, or a chef’s tasting menu, each Five-Star hotel has something truly special to offer.
- Take advantage of concierge services – These hotels excel in creating personalized itineraries, private excursions, and exclusive experiences for their guests.
Final Thoughts: Why Forbes Five-Star Ratings Matter
A Forbes Five-Star rating isn’t just about luxury—it’s about delivering a hospitality experience so seamless and memorable that guests feel truly valued.
For travelers seeking the best of the best, these Five-Star properties in the Philippines guarantee world-class service, exquisite accommodations, and a level of attention to detail that makes every stay unforgettable.
For more information on Forbes Travel Guide and the full list of winners, visit:
➡ Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards
