Is it worth the gamble to stay in a luxurious casino hotel in the Philippines? The answer is a resounding yes!
The past several years have seen the rise of casino hotels and resorts that offer more than just gaming: With upscale accommodations, luxurious spas, world-class dining options, and state-of-the-art theaters and show venues, these properties can be considered entertainment hubs that offer the full vacation experience in just one place.
Live like a high roller in these casino hotels and resorts located in key cities around the country on your next PH visit.
Metro Manila
1. Okada Manila
Location: New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Paranaque City
Staying at Okada Manila is all about rewarding yourself. The hotel, which earned a 5-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide for the fifth consecutive year, has a Reward Circle membership program that offers exclusive privileges for valued guests. This includes discounts at the hotel’s twelve dining venues, including the must-try Medley Buffet; and amenities like The Retreat Spa (rated 5-star by Forbes Travel Guide for two consecutive years now), The Sole Retreat, and Beauty Salon, and access to perks like butler services, VIP check-in, and room upgrades.
Okada is a popular destination not just for guests from abroad but also locals who flock to witness its grand fountain show, which you can catch daily every hour on the hour from 6PM to 10PM from Monday to Thursday, and 6PM to midnight from Friday to Sunday. Other popular attractions include their beautiful swimming pool and Cove Manila, their beach club and events venue that also has indoor pools.
The hotel has 993 rooms, suites, and villas, the biggest of which is the Villa El Nido. Described in the hotel’s website as “the epitome of opulence,” the villa is a 1,400sqm space with its own garden, bar, and specialty rooms. It can house a maximum of 10 guests, as it has one king bed, two queen beds, and four double beds. Your stay at the villa also includes your own 24-hour butler service and access to a private gym and property pool.
2. Newport World Resorts
Location: Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City
Newport World Resorts brings together five of the world’s finest hotel brands: Manila Marriott Hotel, Hilton Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Hotel Okura Manila, and Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City. If you can’t decide which hotel to choose, avail of Newport Resorts’ exclusive Staycation Package, which gives you five one-night stays at each hotel.
The resort lives up to its name as a “one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination” with its wide variety of dining options, four-level shopping haven, and exciting entertainment offerings. Currently, there is a Watch and Dine Bundle that includes two tickets to the upcoming Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical and two buffet vouchers to S Kitchen at Hilton Manila.
3. Solaire Resort Entertainment City
Location: 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, Paranaque City
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Aside from its casino, people flock to Solaire Resort Entertainment City for a night at the theater. The Theater at Solaire is currently staging Miss Saigon until May 12, 2024, giving balikbayans a great opportunity to witness Filipino talents take the stage alongside an international cast.
After a great show, treat yourself to a fusion of world-class flavors at the hotel’s many dining options, from the luxurious Finestra Italian Steakhouse to the relaxing Oasis Garden Cafe, the traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine of Yakumi, exquisite Chinese cuisine of Red Lantern, and more. You can also unwind with drinks at Waterside, the Baccarat Room and Bar, or Dragon Bar, among others. You may also opt to indulge in luxury shopping at The Shoppes.
Retire to your room at either of the hotel’s two towers: the Sky Tower offers a 5-star experience with luxury hotel accommodations, while the Bay Tower is not to be outdone with its spectacular views of the famed Manila Bay sunset and stunning evening skyline.
4. City of Dreams Manila
Location: Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque City
City of Dreams Manila is a luxury resort that has three hotels in its 6.2-hectare property, each promising a unique experience. Take your pick from sustainable luxury at Nüwa Manila, relaxing Zen vibes at the Japanese-inspired Nobu Hotel, and timeless elegance at Hyatt Regency Manila.
There is so much to do at City of Dreams Manila, from pampering sessions at Nüwa Spa and The Nobu Spa and sampling all types of cuisines at the many available dining options throughout the resort; to shopping at The Shops at The Boulevard and enjoying live entertainment at CenterPlay. If you’re traveling with children, you will all love the family-friendly activities at DreamPlay, featuring characters from DreamWorks films like Kung Fu Panda and Shrek.
Clark, Pampanga
5. Hann Casino Resort
Location: M.A. Roxas Highway corner C.M. Recto, Zone, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Hann Casino Resort brings the five-star experience to Clark, Pampanga, where you can expect a luxurious stay at either Clark Marriott Hotel or Swissotel Clark. In particular, Clark Marriott Hotel is currently offering a summer family package that includes buffet breakfast and accommodations for two adults and two children, discounts on spa treatment, and tickets to nearby Dinosaur Island (a theme park with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that the whole family will enjoy), among other perks.
The resort also calls itself the “Culinary Capital of Clark,” as it has 15 dining outlets—restaurants, bars, and cafes—all in one place. There are also plans to open The 8th Avenue, a retail strip with more specialty restaurants and cafes, as well as boutiques that promise to carry first-in-Clark brands.
Gaming enthusiasts may be wowed by the resort’s grand mass gaming area, which has 147 tables and 868 slot machines in an area of 130,000sqm, as well as two VIP Clubs for local and foreign members.
6. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino
Location: Kalayaan St., C.M. Recto Avenue, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Are you looking for a place to play golf during your PH visit? You can take your game from the tables to the golf course when you stay at Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. While the hotel and casino are housed in two separate buildings, the entire complex is a stone’s throw away from several golf courses, the closest of which is the 36-hole Mimosa Golf Course.
The hotel has 111 luxury guest rooms, in-house options for both dining and drinking, and amenities that include a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. It is also five minutes away from the Clark International Airport, and the hotel provides an airport limousine service upon request.
Cebu
7. NUSTAR Resort and Casino
Location: Kawit Island, South Road Properties, Cebu City
NUSTAR Resort and Casino sets a milestone as Cebu’s first 5-star integrated resort. While it officially opened in May 2022, several developments are still underway.
Fili Hotel is the first of three hotels to open in NUSTAR. It has 379 rooms and suites tastefully decorated with modern and traditional Filipino designs. Fili Suites offer two types of views: a stunning city skyline and a relaxing sea view of the Mactan Channel. Fili also has villas that have their own private pools and outdoor spaces.
NUSTAR currently has 11 dining options that serve a variety of international cuisines. Most noteworthy are Mott 22, the first Philippine branch of one of the most awarded Chinese restaurant brands in the world, founded in Hong Kong; and Il Primo, Cebu’s first Italian steakhouse.
Patrons can look forward to the opening of the ultra-luxurious NUSTAR Hotel and more luxury brands in the four-floor shopping haven The Mall.
8. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
Location: Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
Deep in the heart of Cebu’s commercial and business district is Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. The massive property houses 561 guest rooms and suites, a convention center that can seat 4,000 people, and a six-storey casino and entertainment block.
Patrons can play and eat 24/7, as Cafe Fortuna is open 24 hours. Located right on the casino floor, it is just one of 11 wining and dining options available at the hotel.
Guests who check in at the Ambassador Club Floor are entitled to exclusive perks, such as an exclusive butler service, all-day complimentary beverages, cocktail hours, and express check-in and check-out.
While the hotel may not have its own retail row, it is strategically located across Cebu’s bustling IT Park, home to Ayala Malls Central Bloc and many other dining options.
Davao
9. Grand Regal Hotel
Location: Km. 7 J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City
The opulence of luxury casino hotels has yet to reach the southernmost part of the Philippines, but that’s largely because 5-star hotels and resorts in Mindanao choose to highlight the region’s natural beauty.
Still, if gaming is something you want in your itinerary, then stay at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City. The hotel is home to a Casino Filipino branch, so you can unwind at the tables after a full day of exploring Davao’s famed tourist spots. You may also choose to take a dip in their relaxing outdoor pool, work out at the full-scale fitness center, or grab a bite at Montmarte Café and have drinks at the Champagne Bar.
Upcoming Casino Resorts
10. Solaire Resort North
Location: 1 Solaire Way, Vertis North, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City
The pandemic may have delayed the opening of Solaire Resort North, but recent reports say its doors may open by May 2024! For now, you can get the chance to be part of the VIP grand launch when you subscribe to updates on their website.
The 15,000sqm property is expected to have a hotel tower with 550 rooms and a gaming area with up to 200 tables and 3,000 slot machines. While the full scale of its amenities has yet to be revealed, patrons are already assured of shopping and dining options, with shopping centers like Ayala Malls Vertis North and TriNoma just a stone’s throw away.
11. “PANIMAN PROJECT”
Location: Ternate, Cavite
Paniman Bay in Ternate, Cavite will soon be home to a golf and casino hub developed by leisure and gaming firm Bloomberry Resorts (BLOOM).
According to reports dating back to 2022, BLOOM has purchased 280 hectares in a deal worth 7.6 billion pesos. There are plans to turn the property into an integrated resort and entertainment complex that has a world-class casino, hotel, and golf course, aside from commercial, residential, and mixed-use development.
Work on the so-called Paniman Project is expected to begin upon the completion of another BLOOM property, Solaire North. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for the rise of the first luxury casino hotel in Cavite.