Manila is a city of contrasts. Historic neighborhoods sit alongside contemporary business districts, while ambitious restaurants, international theatrical productions and sweeping waterfront views reveal a capital constantly finding new ways to surprise visitors.

For travelers who want to experience several sides of the city without spending much of their stay in transit, Sky Tower at Solaire Resort Entertainment City offers a compelling base. The generously appointed, all-suite hotel overlooks Manila Bay and connects guests to an expansive collection of dining, recreation, entertainment and shopping.

In 2026, Sky Tower received a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award for the 10th consecutive year. It earned the top honor ever since FTG began rating hotels in Manila. The distinction reflects more than the property’s scale and polished interiors, though; it also recognizes a consistent standard of attentive service, thoughtful comfort and warm Filipino hospitality.

Here are nine other reasons to stay at Sky Tower on your next visit to the Philippine capital.

Enjoy Elevated Italian Dining

Finestra takes its name from the Italian word for “window,” an apt description for a restaurant that offers a view into Italy’s culinary traditions while leaving room for creativity. The menu balances familiar classics with contemporary touches.

Diners might begin with beef carpaccio before moving on to osso buco or one of the kitchen’s housemade pastas, including garganelli and plin. Wood-fired pizza, grilled meats and a wine collection inspired by Italy’s celebrated regions make it possible to build either an elaborate dinner or a relaxed meal before a performance. It’s the kind of restaurant that helps turn dinner into part of the destination, rather than merely a convenient meal inside the hotel.

Take Aim with a Different Recreational Challenge

Few luxury hotels have a recreational facility comparable to Sky Range. The state-of-the-art indoor shooting club offers a controlled setting for precision practice, safety instruction and skills training across 20 lanes.

For skilled sport shooters, it provides an opportunity to continue practicing during a trip. For curious first-timers, professional guidance and a carefully managed environment make the activity more approachable. It adds an unexpected dimension to a stay, particularly for travelers who prefer hands-on experiences over a conventional afternoon of sightseeing or lounging.

See Broadway-Caliber Performances

A night at the theater can be one of the highlights of a city break. The Theatre at Solaire has welcomed major international productions such as Hamilton, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Jesus Christ Superstar. Its large-scale stage, state-of-the-art sound technology and 1,851-seat configuration allow productions to retain much of the spectacle and technical precision audiences expect from prominent theater capitals.

For Sky Tower guests, the outing is especially seamless. Dinner, a full theatrical production and a nightcap can all be enjoyed within the resort, with no need to navigate Manila traffic after the curtain call.

Taste Exquisite Akune Beef

Hotel dining becomes considerably more memorable when it introduces travelers to an ingredient they are unlikely to encounter elsewhere. At Yakumi, guests can discover Akune beef, a premium Japanese wagyu known for its fine marbling, tenderness and refined richness.

Solaire is the first establishment in the Philippines to use Akune beef, giving food-focused travelers an opportunity to taste a distinctive product with roots in Akune City in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture.

Yakumi presents the beef through preparations such as aburi sashimi, teppanyaki and deep-fried striploin, accompanied by sauces that draw out different aspects of its flavor. Rather than simply ordering a steak, diners can compare how technique changes its texture and character.

Try a Sports Club that Goes Beyond the Standard Gym

Maintaining an exercise routine while traveling does not have to mean spending an hour on a treadmill. Solaire Sports Club gives guests more engaging ways to stay active, with two padel courts, two pickleball courts and private golf simulator facilities. These options work equally well for veteran players and those looking for a new activity. A responsive fitness program also makes it easier to fit movement into a busy itinerary.

Afterward, guests can cool down at the resort’s 72-meter outdoor swimming pool. With a generous deck, private cabanas and views of the surrounding cityscape, the space feels like a full leisure destination.

Go Shopping Just Steps from Your Suite

Leaving extra room in the suitcase may be wise. The Shoppes at Solaire brings together more than 30 luxury shops, including international fashion houses and specialty boutiques.

The convenience is particularly valuable for travelers with limited time in Manila. Sky Tower guests can browse designer fashion, accessories and other premium finds between lunch and a theater performance or pick up a last-minute outfit without making a separate journey to one of the city’s major shopping districts.

Beyond saving time, the curated setting makes browsing feel like a leisurely part of the stay. It offers the pleasure of discovery without the crowds and scale of a sprawling mall.

Grab a Front-Row Seat to a Manila Bay Sunset

Manila Bay sunsets have long been part of the city’s visual identity. From Solaire’s Pool Bar & Grill, watch the sky shift through shades of gold, orange and pink while enjoying refreshing drinks and light bites.

This is one of the resort’s simplest pleasures, but arguably its most evocative. After a day of meetings, shopping or exploring the capital, settling beside the pool provides a natural pause before the evening begins. It also requires little planning. There is no reservation-heavy itinerary or lengthy transfer, only an open view, a comfortable seat and one of Manila’s most recognizable daily spectacles.

Explore Exhibits and More

At more than 15,000 square feet, The Space at Solaire was designed as a flexible setting for exhibitions, corporate events, community gatherings and ambitious creative concepts. Its open-format design allows organizers to shape the venue around an idea, rather than forcing an event into a predetermined ballroom layout. Previous programming has demonstrated how the venue can accommodate interactive exhibits like The FRIENDS Experience and large-scale visitor shows like Lego’s Brickman Wonders of the World.

For travelers, this creates the possibility of encountering something unexpected during a stay, from an art installation to a touring exhibition.

Bask in a Complete Manila Destination in One Address

The most convincing reason to stay at Sky Tower may be how naturally all these experiences connect. Solaire Resort Entertainment City brings together 17 restaurants and bars, live entertainment, sports facilities, luxury shopping, recreational activities, event venues and Manila Bay views into one destination. Guests can move from a morning swim to a Japanese lunch, an afternoon on the padel court, an Italian dinner and an international musical without arranging a single car ride.

This does not mean travelers should remain inside the resort throughout their visit. Manila’s cultural, historic and culinary attractions still deserve exploration. Simply consider Sky Tower at Solaire Resort Entertainment City a place to be as active or as restful as you see fit. A couple can build a weekend around theater, families can divide their time among recreational pursuits and business travelers can transition easily from meetings to a meal.

MORE FROM FORBES

ForbesThe Ultimate Travel Guide For The 2026 World Cup

Forbes52 All-American Summer GetawaysBy Jennifer KesterForbesHow An NHL Star, A Grammy Winner, A Chef And A Winemaker Built A Wine Brand In A Group ChatBy Spencer Whaley