Content
Sofitel to Cease Operations on July 1
In a statement shared with the media, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila confirmed that it will be closing its doors starting July 1, 2024.
Here is their official statement:
“Built in the era of 1973 and opened without interruption since 1976, the hotel has announced that it will close and cease operations starting July 1, 2024. This decision comes as part of our ongoing commitment to providing our guests and colleagues with the best possible experience.”
The hotel will honor engagements and reservations until the end of June and close its iconic doors thereafter. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila has had a long legacy as the hotel of choice for almost five decades for heads of states, celebrities, and global corporations alike. It has been home to celebrations and milestones of our beloved patrons and clients. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and patronage of our stakeholders, employees, and guests who have been instrumental in this long journey.”
In a report by PhilStar, the closure is part of their commitment to providing guests and staff with the best possible experience, citing safety concerns and the need for extensive maintenance.
Assurances are also given to employees, including separation packages and opportunities for retraining, with the potential absorption by Accor, the multinational hospitality firm managing the hotel.
Esteban Peña Sy, President of Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc, clarified with PhilStar that the closure is not related to Manila Bay’s reclamation projects or lease agreements with the landowner, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and maintains a positive relationship with GSIS.
Is Sofitel’s Closure Permanent or Temporary?
PhilStar reports that when Sy was asked about this, he said “the future of the hotel is uncertain.”
But based on the hotel’s statement, the decision to cease operations is part of their commitment to providing guests and colleagues with the best possible experience.
Additionally, other reports suggest that the closure is temporary to make way for renovations.
Esquire Philippines also reports that Sofitel still has 17 years left in its lease with GSIS, the owner of its land.
Sofitel will honor all its bookings and deliverables until the end of June. So whether Sofitel’s closure is permanent or temporary, guests still have a chance to experience Sofitel’s brand of service until the end of June.
I tried Sofitel’s Spiral Buffet just last year, and it was still a good experience. Now, guests still have the chance to visit their famous restaurants or even book a room at Sofitel.
Sofitel’s History
Sofitel Philippine Plaza opened in 1976 as Philippine Plaza. It was originally built for the 1976 IMF and World Bank Meetings in Manila, designed by national artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso P. Santos. It was managed by the Westin Brand until 2005.
I remember this hotel was named Westin Philippine Plaza because this is where we had our college graduation ball in 2004. In 2006, it was signed under the new management of AccorHotels, and since then, it has undergone some renovations to transform it into a luxury hotel.
