Maharajah
Maharajah is one of Ermita's older KTV establishments, operating from a multi-floor building on Mabini Street since the late 2000s. The venue has a ground-floor bar and reception area, with private KTV rooms spread across two upper floors. Room sizes range from intimate two-person booths to large party rooms that accommodate 15 to 20 people. The decor leans toward the lavish end of the Ermita KTV spectrum, with padded walls, colored lighting, and ornate furniture in the VIP rooms. The karaoke systems vary by room, with newer equipment in the VIP sections and older machines in the standard rooms. Hostess services are available and actively offered, with fees starting at 500 PHP for standard hostesses and 1,000 to 1,500 PHP for what the venue calls VIP companions. Room rates run 800 to 2,000 PHP per hour. Drinks are marked up: beer costs 120 PHP, cocktails 200 to 300 PHP. Maharajah caters to both local Filipino and foreign clientele, with Korean and Japanese visitors making up a significant portion of the latter.
Where to stay near Maharajah
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A multi-floor KTV complex with ornate private rooms and hostess services. The atmosphere ranges from casual in standard rooms to premium in VIP sections. Billing can be aggressive, so set limits early.
Ornate and slightly old-fashioned, with padded walls and mood lighting in the private rooms.
Karaoke with a large library covering English, Tagalog, Korean, and Japanese tracks
Smart casual recommended for VIP rooms. Standard rooms have no requirements.
KTV visitors looking for a larger venue with VIP options in the Ermita district
Cash or credit card. Cash preferred for hostess fees.
Price Range
Room rate 800-2,000 PHP/hour, beer 120 PHP, cocktail 200-300 PHP, hostess 500-1,500 PHP
Room ~$14.50-36/~13-33 EUR per hour, beer ~$2.20/~2 EUR
Hours
18:00-04:00 daily
Insider Tip
Agree on total spending before starting your session. The VIP rooms have newer karaoke equipment, so the upgrade can be worth it for the better sound quality alone. Ask for the full price list at reception, including hostess fees, before committing to a room.
Full Review
Maharajah has the look and feel of a KTV that was lavish when it opened and has aged without significant renovation. The lobby is impressive, with a reception desk, a small bar, and decorative elements that aim for opulence. The VIP rooms maintain some of that initial quality, with padded walls and relatively modern equipment.
The standard rooms show more wear. The karaoke machine in my room was functional but clearly a generation behind the VIP systems. The couch was comfortable enough, and the air conditioning worked. The song library had a decent selection, though some English tracks were missing their backing vocal options.
Hostess services were offered immediately at reception. The pricing was explained clearly: 500 PHP for a standard companion, higher for VIP. I declined and was not pressured, though the mamasan made a second offer when I had been in the room for 30 minutes. This is standard for Ermita KTVs.
The main concern with Maharajah is cost control. Drinks are marked up significantly at 120 PHP for beer. Over a two-hour session with a couple of companions, the bill can climb quickly. Setting a budget with the manager at the start is essential.
Maharajah is a functional KTV with some character from its aging decor. It is not the cleanest or most transparent option in Ermita, but it offers larger rooms and a VIP experience that smaller venues cannot match.
The Neighborhood
Maharajah is on Mabini Street in Ermita, within the entertainment district. Other KTV bars, restaurants, and shops are nearby. Robinson's Place is a short walk away.
Getting There
Take a Grab to Mabini Street, Ermita. Maharajah has signage visible from the main road. The nearest LRT station is Pedro Gil.
Address
Mabini Street, Ermita
Other Venues in Ermita
LA Café
Long-running bar on Mabini Street that's been a fixture of Ermita nightlife for decades. Draws a mixed crowd of tourists and locals, open late.
Amazonia
Multi-room KTV venue with private rooms and a main bar area. One of the larger entertainment complexes still operating in the Ermita area.
Cowboy Grill
Filipino live band bar chain with a location in Ermita. Cover bands play OPM and Western rock to a predominantly local crowd. Affordable beer and cocktails.
Ringside Bar
No-frills drinking spot that's been part of the Ermita scene for years. Simple setup with cold beer and a jukebox, open until the early hours.
Hangar 18
Music bar in the historic Casa Tesoro Building on Mabini Street. Hosts live bands covering rock and OPM, drawing a crowd that comes for the music rather than the traditional entertainment scene.
Memories Bar
Late-night bar near Robinson's Place with karaoke and cheap beer buckets. A mix of Filipino regulars and expats keep it going until the early morning hours.