Raffles Makati vs. Fairmont Makati: Same Building, Which Should You Book? (2026)

The short version: Raffles, definitely. Same building, same two pools, same gym, same spa, same Spectrum buffet, and roughly the same price once you count breakfast. Raffles gets you a more modern room, a more exclusive feel, and, on the rate I booked, breakfast for two included. The Fairmont’s only edge is a room with fewer quirks: normal, a little older, nothing odd. If you book the Fairmont anyway, ask for a room away from the road. And if you’re open to BGC, Shangri-La The Fort beats both. I scored Raffles 7.5 and the Fairmont 7.

Raffles Makati and Fairmont Makati share one tower on Raffles Drive, by Greenbelt. I stayed at both in October 2026, four days apart. Here’s what’s actually different, and what isn’t.

What’s the same

Almost everything. The pools on levels 4 and 9, the gym and spa, the restaurants, Mirèio included, and the Spectrum buffet are literally shared. As far as I know there’s nothing at Raffles that Fairmont guests can’t use. The location is identical: central Makati, next to Greenbelt, Landmark and Glorietta, in a safe neighborhood about 15 minutes from the airport early in the morning.

The room

Raffles rooms are residences: mine was a one-bedroom with a full kitchen, a washer-dryer, two TVs and two bathrooms, and a modern, understated style. The quirks are real, though. No desk, a toilet behind glass so only one person can use the bathroom at a time, a water purifier instead of bottled water, and a phone that started beeping at 1 am.

The Fairmont room is a normal, comfortable hotel room, about 40 square meters, a little older, with a rain shower, a big tub and Le Labo toiletries. Fewer quirks: a few hard-to-reach outlets, a bathroom door that opens toward the toilet, and an occasional musty smell. If you want a room that just works, that’s the Fairmont’s case.

The feel

Raffles feels more private and exclusive: a quieter lobby, Filipino art in the hallways, live music at the Writers Bar, two Michelin Keys to the Fairmont’s one. The Fairmont lobby is darker and busier and feels a little less private, though its hallways were nicer than the Raffles ones during my stay, which were being repainted.

Breakfast

Same buffet, and it’s the best in Manila, with honey from the comb and a peanut crusher. It was included in my Raffles rate, though not every Raffles rate has it. At the Fairmont it was extra: ₱1,800, or ₱1,400 if you add it at the front desk. More in my breakfast guide.

Noise and sleep

The Fairmont was quieter: about 38 decibels at night, and it passed my sleep test. Raffles was about 40 decibels and failed, because of the phone, not the street; the soundproofing is good even facing the road. Either way, ask for a room facing away from the road.

Price

I paid about $446 a night at Raffles for the one-bedroom with breakfast for two, and about $397 at the Fairmont, room only. Add two Fairmont breakfasts at ₱1,800, about $56, and you’re at roughly $453: the Fairmont ends up slightly more. Neither is a bargain for Manila; both are roughly double the Peninsula.

The Fort question

If you don’t need to be in Makati, Shangri-La The Fort in BGC is better than both: more consistently luxurious, a better gym, no room quirks, and it cost me less. That’s the hotel I’d actually book.

Verdict

Raffles over the Fairmont: the better room, the better feel, and breakfast in the rate for about the same money. The Fairmont only if you want a plain, quirk-free room and find a good rate. And the Fort over either if BGC works for you.

FAQ

Is Raffles Makati better than Fairmont Makati?

Yes. More modern rooms, a more exclusive feel, and breakfast was included in my rate. Everything else is shared.

Are they in the same building?

Yes, one 30-storey tower on Raffles Drive: Raffles has 32 suites plus the residences, the Fairmont 280 rooms. They connect on the ground floor, white marble on the Raffles side and red on the Fairmont side, and share the fourth floor (pool, spa, gym); Raffles guests also get the ninth-floor pool.

Do Raffles and Fairmont Makati share the pool and gym?

Yes, literally: the same two pools, gym, spa, restaurants and Spectrum buffet.

Which room should I ask for at the Fairmont?

One facing away from the road; it’ll be a little quieter.

Which is cheaper?

The Fairmont’s rate is lower, about $397 to Raffles’ $446, but once you add breakfast for two the difference nearly disappears.

Is there a better option than either?

Shangri-La The Fort in BGC, if you don’t need Makati. In Makati, the Peninsula for value.