Whenever friends ask me where are the best places to visit in Manila, I would always say Intramuros, Rizal Park, and Binondo. If you want to learn more about the Philippines' past, go to Intramuros. If you want to pay respect to the country’s national hero or visit the National Museum or Manila Ocean Park, go to Luneta area. But if you want food trip and shopping, the best place to be in Manila is the Chinatown in Binondo.
Dubbed as "the oldest chinatown in the world," Binondo is a "haven' for foodies and travelers wanting to experience its rich history, cultural heritage, and delectable cuisine. It's also a happy place for bargain hunters and shop-a-holics because of its many shopping malls and value stores.
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS BINONDO TRAVEL BLOG? |
Red Planet Hotel Manila Binondo Review
Just last week, we're back in Binondo for a 2 night staycation at Red Planet Hotel Manila Binondo. Opened last March 2018, it's one of the newest Red Planet Hotels in the Philippines, and one of the nicest budget hotels in Manila that I’ve stayed at.
I love staying at Red Planet Hotels because even though they are a value hotel, you won’t feel that you’re staying in a budget hotel with its clean rooms, awesome customer service, and comfy beds.
Upon arrival at the hotel, we were hospitably welcomed by the hotel staff and greeted us with warm smiles. Checking in was fast. Since we already have a reservation, we just gave the staff our identification cards and they processed our booking. It only took about 5 minutes and the key cards to our room were handed to us.
I’ve been to other Red Planet Hotels around the Philippines, and I must say that their Binondo branch really stands out. It has character and vibe that will really make you feel you are in the Chinatown. The room is clean, well lit and organized. And the layout of the room is a bit different compared to other branches, which I really like.
Our room has a comfy queen-sized bed, complemented with clean white sheets, thick comforter and fluffy pillows. I tried it right away and it’s really soft, comfy and smells fresh!
Other essential room amenities include a television set with cable channels, individually-controlled and silent airconditioning unit, complimentary WiFi, a safety deposit box, an en suite toilet and bath, clothes hanging area, mirrors, a work desk, and a mini bar with fridge and a coffee and tea-making equipment.
The toilet and bath is spacious, clean, and well lit. It has a water closet with bidet spray, a separate shower area with hot and cold rain-shower feature and excellent water pressure, and a lavatory with huge mirror. For guests’ convenience, basic toiletries such as shampoo/body wash, hand soap, hair dryer, and bath towels were all provided.
The room amenities may be basic, but all the essentials are provided with guest's comfort in mind. With all these room amenities every guest will surely have a comfortable and memorable stay at Red Planet Manila Binondo!
Where to Eat in Binondo?
When it comes to food and dining, there is no place in Manila quite like Binondo. Here, you can find lots of authentic and unique hole-in-the-wall establishments, food kiosks, dining outlets, and restaurants, serving a wide variety of dishes authentic to the community of Binondo. During our stay, we had a mini Binondo food crawl as we try different dishes while exploring the narrow streets and alleys of Binondo.
If you want to have a food trip, here are my recommended places to eat in Binondo:
New Po Heng Lumpia House
Location: 627 Carvajal St. Binondo Manila
Opening Hours: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm, daily
Wai Ying Fast Food
Location: 810-816 Buenavista St. Binondo Manila
Opening Hours: 07:00 am to 02:00 am, daily
Ying Ying Tea House
Location: 233-235 Dasmarinas St. corner Yuchengo St. Binondo Manila
Opening Hours: 07:00 am to 02:00 am, daily
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Lan Zhou La Mien
Location: 818 Buenavidez St. Binondo Manila
Opening Hours: 08:00 am to 09:00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 09:00 am to 08:30 pm (Sunday)
Shanghai Fried Siopao
Location: Ongpin St. Binondo Manila
Opening Hours: 06:00 am to 07:00 pm, daily
Cafe Mezzanine
Location: 650 Ongpin St. Binondo Manila
Opening Hours: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm, daily
For more recommendations, check out my Bindondo Food Trip Guide!
Where to buy Souvenirs and Pasalubong?
For souvenirs and pasalubong, we went to the newly-opened The Great Buddha Cafe along Ongpin Street. At the second floor is a restaurant and a small souvenir shop where you could buy ref magnets, key chains, t-shirts, bags, and other local products. I bought here a nice Binondo souvenir shirt.
Also owned by Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli, they have a store at the ground floor that sells their wide array of products. This Hopia store is famous for creating the ube-flavored Hopia and is definitely a must-visit when in Binondo. We always go here whenever we're in Binondo to buy some pasalubong for our family back home. We bought a lot of Hopia and other specialties such as tikoy rolls and moon cakes.
Things to Do in Binondo, Manila
Walking around is still the best way to explore the colorful streets of Binondo where you could find the old meets the new. Other interesting places to visit near Red Planet Manila Binondo are:
Filipino - Chinese Friendship Arch
Located just 5 minutes walk from the hotel.
Binondo Church
Located just 5 minutes walk from the hotel.
Lucky Chinatown Mall
Located just 5 minutes walk from the hotel.
Sta. Cruz Church
Located just 10 minutes walk from the hotel.
Escolta
It is located just 5 minute walk from the hotel.
Quiapo Church
It is located just 20 minutes walk from the hotel.
Carvajal Street
It is located just 7 minutes walk from the hotel.
Seng Guan Temple
It is located just 15-20 minutes walk from the hotel.
Ongpin Street
Located just 7 minutes walk from the hotel.
Overall, we had a memorable stay at Red Planet Manila Binondo. The staff are nice and friendly, the room is superb, and its location is ideal if you want to explore Binondo, Manila. So, if you're looking for a budget hotel that is located right at the heart of Manila's Chinatown, check out Red Planet Hotel Binondo! Highly recommended!
TRAVEL TIP: If you're a catholic and will be in Manila during the Holy Week, you may also check out these 7 must-visit Churches in Manila to visit for Visita Iglesia.
Red Planet Manila Binondo
Address: 251-61 Juan Luna Street, Binondo Manila Philippines 1006Telephone: +632 519-0888
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