If you are researching a stay at a 5-star hotel in Makati’s Poblacion district, this review breaks down what I’M Hotel offers—from its headline-grabbing Onsen Spa (the first in the Philippines) to its rooftop pool and flexible stay options. The assessment draws on the hotel’s official website, neutral review platforms, and booking listings to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

Last checked: 2026-07-26

Star rating: 5-star · Location: Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Manila · Key amenities: Onsen spa, rooftop pool, sauna, fitness center, hot tub · Contact: (02) 7755 7888 / reservations@imhotel.com

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-26.

Sources reviewed: Official hotel website (imhotel.com), Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Facebook page.

We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent verification of amenities beyond published sources. All distances and pricing figures come from the sources listed.

I’M Hotel at a glance

1 First-mover status
2 Unique spa credential
  • First Onsen Spa in the Philippines (I’M Hotel official site)
3 Proximity to retail
4 Stay flexibility
  • Offers 12- or 24-hour stay options (I’M Hotel official site)

What is the I’m hotel about?

I’M Hotel is a 5-star property located at Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue in Poblacion, Makati—the first hotel of its caliber to open in this historic district. According to the hotel’s official website, it houses the Philippines’ first Onsen Spa, a rooftop pool, a sauna, a fitness center, and a hot tub. The hotel’s concept blends Japanese-inspired wellness with modern urban hospitality in one of Metro Manila’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

The property targets business travelers and luxury leisure visitors who want proximity to Makati’s central business district while also having access to Poblacion’s nightlife and dining scene. Its position on the corner of two major avenues makes it a practical base for exploring the city.

Insider note: I’M Hotel offers two stay-duration options: a standard 12-hour stay or a full 24-hour stay, a flexibility that appeals to short-stopover travelers.

Location and Setting

I’M Hotel sits in Poblacion, a neighborhood known for its bars, restaurants, and creative spaces. The hotel is 2297 feet from Power Plant Mall, a major retail and dining hub in Rockwell Center (Booking.com). For business guests, the Makati Central Business District is a short ride away. The area’s walkability to local establishments is one of the hotel’s frequently cited advantages across review platforms.

Concept and Design

The hotel’s design merges contemporary Filipino aesthetics with Japanese minimalism, most visible in its Onsen Spa. On the rooftop, a pool and bar offer skyline views. The property also includes a buffet restaurant and a separate menu-dining venue, per the official site and TripAdvisor listings. One reviewer on TripAdvisor described the lobby as “spacious and well-maintained,” a sentiment echoed by several recent guests.

The bottom line: I’M Hotel is a well-located property with a unique wellness offering (Onsen Spa) and flexible booking options, making it suitable for both short business trips and leisure stays.

How many stars does IM hotel have?

I’M Hotel is officially rated 5 stars. This rating appears on the hotel’s website, on Booking.com, and on TripAdvisor. A 5-star classification in the Philippine hospitality context generally indicates luxury-level amenities: concierge service, multiple dining outlets, a spa facility, a swimming pool, and 24-hour room service.

What a 5-star rating means for guests

What helps distinguish I’M Hotel from other 5-star Manila hotels is its flexible stay durations—12 hours or 24 hours—a policy that appears on its official booking page. This is less common among full-service luxury properties, which typically require overnight check-in. A guest on TripAdvisor noted the “fast check-in process” as a positive factor tied to the 5-star service standard. For travelers, the star rating signals a predictable baseline of service, cleanliness, and amenities, though individual experiences may vary.

What to watch: While the hotel carries a 5-star rating, some reviewers on Booking.com mention minor wear in older rooms. Checking recent reviews (within the last 30–90 days) is advisable before booking.

What makes IM hotel unique?

Three features distinguish I’M Hotel from other Makati hotels: the Onsen Spa (first ever in the Philippines), the rooftop pool and dining, and the flexible stay options. Each appeals to a different traveler profile, from spa enthusiasts to short-stay guests.

Onsen Spa – a first in the Philippines

Authentic Japanese onsen—natural hot spring baths—require specific geological conditions, but I’M Hotel has created a mineral-infused spa experience it markets as the “first Onsen Spa in the Philippines” (official site). The spa includes sauna facilities and a hot tub. While it is a man-made interpretation rather than a natural geothermal spring, it fills a gap in Manila’s wellness market, where traditional Japanese-style bathing has been largely absent from hotel spas.

TrustYou survey data cited by We3Travel indicates that 78% of travelers prioritize recency in reviews when evaluating hotel amenities. The Onsen Spa has been a recurring positive topic in guest feedback from 2025 onwards, suggesting ongoing quality maintenance.

Rooftop pool and dining

The rooftop pool is a standalone highlight. According to TripAdvisor, guests consistently note the city views from the pool deck. The adjacent rooftop bar serves cocktails and small plates, with some reviewers noting the atmosphere as “relaxed” for a central Makati location. Dining options also include a ground-floor buffet restaurant and a separate menu-dining venue.

Flexible stay durations

I’M Hotel allows guests to book either a 12-hour “day use” stay or a full 24-hour stay. This policy is explicitly listed on its official website. For context, a Booking.com reviewer mentioned the 12-hour option as “perfect for a quick rest between flights,” illustrating its niche appeal.

Why this matters: The combination of the Onsen Spa, rooftop amenities, and flexible booking creates a hotel that is distinctive within the crowded Makati luxury market, particularly for guests who value wellness and convenience over traditional hotel rigidity.

Does IM hotel have parking?

Yes, I’M Hotel has on-site parking. The hotel’s FAQ section (available on its official website) confirms that parking is available for guests. This is a common inquiry for travelers driving into Makati, where street parking is limited. A TripAdvisor user also mentioned the parking as “convenient” in a 2025 review.

Parking facilities and accessibility

Parking is available within the hotel building, though the total number of spaces is not listed on public-facing platforms. Given the hotel’s location at the intersection of two major avenues (Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue), entrance and exit points are accessible from both roads. For guests arriving by car, confirming availability in advance is advisable, as occupancy can vary by event and season.

The catch: No third-party source provides the parking fee or height restrictions. Travelers driving larger vehicles or seeking free parking should contact the hotel directly at (02) 7755 7888 or reservations@imhotel.com.

Specifications at a glance

Feature Detail
Star rating 5-star
Location Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Manila
Key amenities Onsen spa, rooftop pool, sauna, fitness center, hot tub
Contact (02) 7755 7888 / reservations@imhotel.com
Distance to Power Plant Mall 2297 feet (approx. 700 meters)
Stay options 12-hour or 24-hour
Dining Buffet, menu dining, rooftop bar
Check-in / Check-out 2:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Parking Available on-site (no fee published)

Alternatives in the Makati area

If I’M Hotel does not meet your needs, several other Makati hotels offer distinct value propositions:

  • Makati Diamond Residences – A serviced-apartment hotel popular with long-stay business travelers, located about 1 km north in the central business district. It offers a pool, gym, and multiple dining options but lacks a dedicated spa.
  • New World Makati Hotel – A 5-star property near Greenbelt Mall with a chapel, a spa, and 24-hour business center. Its location is more centrally set within the Ayala business district, closer to major corporate offices.
  • The Peninsula Manila – A luxury landmark with a full-service spa, pool, and multiple restaurants. It appeals to travelers seeking a prestige address but is priced above I’M Hotel’s typical range.

Each of these alternatives competes on location, brand prestige, or spa offerings. For wellness-focused guests, I’M Hotel’s Onsen Spa remains the sole dedicated Japanese-style bathing experience among Makati’s luxury properties.

Pros and cons of I’M Hotel

Pros
  • First Onsen Spa in the Philippines – a genuine differentiator in Manila
  • Flexible 12- or 24-hour stays cater to short-stopover travelers
  • Rooftop pool with city views, consistently praised on TripAdvisor
  • Convenient location at the intersection of two major Makati avenues
  • On-site parking available for guests arriving by car
Cons
  • Some older rooms show signs of wear per recent Booking.com reviews
  • Onsen Spa is a man-made facility, not a natural hot spring
  • Parking fees and height restrictions are not publicly listed
  • No airport shuttle service confirmed in public sources
  • Poblacion district can be lively at night, potentially affecting sleep quality for light sleepers

Our pick recommendation

Our pick: For travelers whose priority is a wellness-focused urban stay with flexibility, I’M Hotel is the strongest choice among Makati’s 5-star properties. The Onsen Spa and rooftop pool offer a relaxing contrast to the city’s pace, while the 12-hour stay option makes it practical for short business trips or layovers. Business travelers and spa enthusiasts will find the most value here. For travelers prioritizing central business district proximity or longer-term stays, alternatives like Makati Diamond Residences may better suit.

Related reading: Can You Order Uber Eats to a Hotel? Complete Delivery Guide · Bachelor in Hotel Management: Top Programs in Australia

Additional sources

scielo.br, researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk, diva-portal.org, hospitalitynet.org, cs229.stanford.edu, tripadvisor.com

Frequently asked questions about hotel reviews

What do travelers look for most in hotel reviews?

According to TripAdvisor, 57% of travelers say cleanliness is the most important element, followed by service (19%), amenities (18%), and Wi-Fi (15%). (TripAdvisor Business Insights)

How much does review recency matter to travelers?

A survey cited by We3Travel found that 78% of TripAdvisor users focus on the most recent reviews rather than older feedback. (We3Travel / TrustYou)

Which aspects of a hotel stay most often lead to negative reviews?

Ecolab’s study reports that odors and pests are major triggers of negative hotel reviews, while PwC notes rooms and value are often the most negatively rated attributes. (Ecolab, PwC)

What is the impact of management responding to negative reviews?

ReviewGuru notes that guests pay close attention to how hotel management responds to negative reviews, evaluating whether issues are acknowledged and resolved professionally. (ReviewGuru)

Why do guests value user-generated photos in hotel reviews?

We3Travel reports that user-generated photos showing real room conditions are valued more by guests than professional marketing images. (We3Travel)

What role does service quality play in hotel guest satisfaction?

A recent academic study reports that 78% of hotel guests highlight service quality, particularly staff responsiveness and professionalism, as crucial components of their satisfaction reflected in online reviews. (Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship)

Sources cited

This review draws on the following sources:

Editorial note: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you book through qualifying links, at no extra cost to you.

The bottom line: Editorial note: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you book through qualifying links, at no extra cost to you.