Sofitel returns to Manila with the Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Accor's luxury brand, Sofitel, is to return to Manila with the Sofitel Philippine Plaza which is scheduled to open in 2007 after a multi-million USD renovation programme to rooms and public areas is completed. Starwood's management agreement of The Westin Philippine Plaza will officially cease on December 31, 2005.

The 609-room Philippine Plaza hotel is well known for its iconic location as the only resort style hotel right on Manila Bay. It is directly across the street from the Philippine Convention Centre (PCC) and World Trade Centre and offers ease of access to both Nino Aquino International Airport (6 km) and the historic Spanish quarter of Manila.

Its position as one of Manila’s leading MICE addresses is enhanced by the hotel’s Grand Ballroom (1,500 pax capacity) and eight meeting rooms. The hotel’s lush tropical gardens and sprawling grounds are also home to the Harbour Garden Tent (2,000 pax capacity) and the Sunset Pavilion Tent (700 pax capacity), offering meeting planners unique and truly flexible venue options.

There is also a large lagoon-style swimming pool and Kids Club, golf driving range, fitness centre and Spa facility.

Renovation of the hotel’s main dining outlet has already begun, with the US$2.5 million project scheduled for completion in March 2006. The concept restaurant will feature multi-cuisine open plan cooking stations, seating 480 guests and will be positioned as Manila’s most fashionable eatery.

Accor Asia Pacific Managing Director Michael Issenberg said the addition marked another major milestone for Sofitel brand expansion in the Asia Pacific region.

“Our goal is to have a Sofitel hotel in the region’s most significant commercial and tourism destinations. After renovation and rebranding the Sofitel Philippine Plaza will be a very worthy addition to the fast growing Sofitel network in Asia Pacific.”

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