Conrad Manila’s design is inspired by shipping vessels.
PROPERTY giant SM Prime Holdings Inc. has raised its stake in Philippine tourism with the opening on Wednesday of the P6.5-billion six-star hotel Conrad Manila, a new landmark along the sprawling Mall of Asia complex which offers a panoramic view of Manila Bay.
This 347-room posh hotel is the first Conrad Hotels & Resorts-branded property in the Philippines and the 15th in Asia-Pacific. On the other hand, this is the sixth hotel in the tourism-oriented portfolio of SM Prime, which intends to further invest P7 billion in the next five years to develop more hotels and convention centers across the country.
“This ship is ready to sail,” said Conrad Manila general manager Harald Feurstein, alluding to the seaside hotel’s architectural design which was inspired by a shipping vessel. He added that the new hotel had set the bar high for the local hospitality industry.
Conrad Manila currently employs around 250 staff and expects to create more jobs as it grows the business. Rooms are offered at an introductory price starting at around P8,800 per night.
“The stunning Conrad Manila is an exceptional addition to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio and we are delighted to be partnering with SM Hotels on this exciting project, who share our passion for excellence. Its opening underscores the growth of our portfolio across Asia-Pacific and our continued commitment to the dynamic market of the Philippines,” said Martin Rinck, president of Hilton Worldwide Asia-Pacific. “This landmark property perfectly complements the vibrancy of this amazing capital city and will set the benchmark for luxury accommodation in Manila.”
The hotel sits atop the two-level upscale shopping center S Maison and is connected by walking bridges to SMX Convention Center and is adjacent to the MoA complex. It offers four contemporary event halls and two sophisticated ballrooms, spanning more than 4,000 square meters. These are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. It also has The Veranda, an outdoor garden space overlooking the city scape which is meant for intimate al fresco parties.
Conrad Manila also boasts of a coral-shaped infinity swimming pool, inspired by the pristine Philippine coasts. It also has a 24-hour fitness center as well as a spa that offers a variety of locally inspired treatments using organic ingredients.
The hotel has six restaurants and lounges, including a coffee bar, pool bar and in-room dining.
Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels, said the hotel’s stunning background would give guests front-row seats to Manila Bay’s spectacular sunsets that had been immortalised in poetry, art and prose.
“More than the natural beauty of the location, we believe the Philippines is ready for a luxury destination,” she said, citing the country’s buoyant economy, strong professional business services sector as well as the hospitable environment for businesses.
She said the opening of Conrad Manila had brought to six SM Prime’s hotel properties for a total portfolio of 1,500 rooms, including those of Radisson Blu (Cebu), Park Inn Davao, Park Inn Clark, Taal Vista (Tagaytay) and Pico Sands Hotel (Hamilo Coast). These are alongside 35,000 square meters of leasable convention space under the SMX brand.
Conrad Manila recently won the “Best in Hotel Development,” “Best Hotel Architectural Design” and “Best in Hotel Interior Design” at the fourth annual Philippines Property Awards.
Conrad Manila’s luxurious interior