Hyatt Regency City of Dreams Manila: What to Expect

This is another property, like the Hyatt Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel, that I visited long ago. I still thought it would be worthwhile to share my observations of the property since you already have a sense of what I do and don’t prefer in the places that I stay.

This is also an interestingly named Hyatt and from what I can gather it has to do with the fact that this Hyatt is part of the City of Dreams complex in the Parañaque area of Manila. The property is connected to the Nobu Hotel through a shared casino.

There aren’t a lot of Hyatt properties in the Philippines, and I believe the Grand Hyatt in BGC was being renovated at the time.

If you’re coming to the Philippines for an idyllic beach holiday, this isn’t your property. It’s squarely in the city. I enjoyed my stay here mostly because I wanted to connect with family and they had the inside scoop on how to get around.

With that being said, I spent 5 nights here, and for what you’re paying you get a lot for the money. It was a thrill to be able to order Filipino food through room service, the live music they had almost every night in the casino was incredible, and I had a routine of going to the gym and the casino every morning. For me, and the quirky way that I like to travel and experience solitude while also having creature comforts, I loved it.

What’s great about the Hyatt Regency City of Dreams Manila

Self-contained city
This property caters to some of the prioritized interests of many Asian travelers—shopping and gaming. The hotel is built into the City of Dreams complex, with direct access to the casino, high-end shops, entertainment venues, and several dining options. There’s also a shuttle service to popular nearby malls like SM Mall of Asia, which makes it convenient even if you’re not planning to stay in the complex the whole time.

Entertainment
One of my favorite things was heading down to the gaming areas in the evening to enjoy live music with a drink in hand. If you’ve ever heard Filipinos sing—even just casually—you know the level of talent that exists here. The live performances in the casino lounge rival what you'd hear in any premium venue, and the casual, relaxed setting makes it feel very accessible.

Pool area
The pool is shared among the adjoining hotels in the complex and is a great place to relax, especially for families with children. While I didn’t spend much time lounging, I passed it daily on my way to the gym and always took a moment to appreciate the palm trees and deck chairs set beneath the reflective golden buildings. It’s not a beach resort, but it still manages to give you that vacation feeling.

A few helpful tips before you stay at Hyatt Regency City of Dreams Manila

The hotel is located about 15 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), depending on traffic. You’ll want to arrange your transfer ahead of time, especially if arriving late.
Grab (the rideshare app) works well in this area and is a very affordable way to get around. If you’re unfamiliar with Manila, I’d recommend using it over traditional taxis.
Don’t feel pressure to leave the complex if you’re short on time—the casino, restaurants, and entertainment options can fill a few days easily.
Try to book a room that’s further from the casino area if you’re a light sleeper—while I didn’t find it noisy, the activity level downstairs is high around the clock.

Is there room service at the Hyatt Regency City of Dreams Manila?

Yes, there is room service, and I was so happy to be able to order classic Filipino comfort food like lumpia, garlic fried rice, and even fried fish for breakfast. The only thing to be mindful of is that strong food smells tend to linger in the room, especially when you’re ordering rich, savory dishes. I didn’t mind it, but it’s something to note.

What is the gym like at the Hyatt Regency City of Dreams Manila?

I used the gym daily—it’s part of the shared amenities with the other hotels in the complex. Depending on your room’s location, it can be a bit of a walk (especially if you’re just waking up!), but you’ll get the lay of the land quickly.

The gym was clean, air-conditioned, and had a good range of cardio machines, weights, and yoga mats. I brought a refillable water bottle and appreciated the filtered water stations inside. One small tip: if you’re planning to use the gym, wear comfortable walking shoes or bring your swimmers so you can dip into the pool afterward. It makes the whole excursion more relaxing.

And yes—there’s a funny little detail in that to access the gym and pool, you may find yourself passing through part of the casino. I didn’t mind this and even took the opportunity to play a quick round of slots on the way. Once, I even won enough to cover my room service bill!

Why stay at the Hyatt Regency City of Dreams Manila?

If you’re looking for a hotel that offers comfort, value, and in-house entertainment all under one roof, this is a solid choice. It’s especially great for travelers with connections in the area, or those who want a stopover in Manila without needing to organize city tours.

The service was attentive, the Filipino food options were such a joy to indulge in, and the live music and casino added just the right amount of sparkle to an otherwise relaxed stay. This hotel made my time in Manila feel indulgent, familiar, and full of little luxuries.