The Peninsula Manila, situated at the intersection of Ayala and Makati Avenue, is one of the city’s original luxury hotels. Designed by Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1976 to coincide with an International Monetary Fund conference, the hotel is renowned for its distinct brutalist architecture. Its two main wings feature concrete blocks designed to protect rooms from sun and wind, contrasting with an elegant lobby and lush landscaping. Over the years, the Peninsula Manila has undergone several