SM investing P7B in more hotels, convention centers

Property giant SM Prime Holdings Inc. has raised its stake in the tourism sector with the opening of the P6.5-billion six-star hotel, Conrad Manila, at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.

The 347-room posh hotel is the first Conrad Hotels & Resorts-branded property in the Philippines and the 15th in Asia-Pacific. It is the sixth hotel in the portfolio of SM Prime.

SM Prime is set to invest another P7 billion over the next five years in more hotels and convention centers.

Conrad—Hilton Worldwide’s global luxury brand—was contracted as SM Prime’s partner in this project. The term is for 10 years but is renewable.

“This ship is ready to sail,” said Conrad Manila general manager Harald Feurstein, referring to the seaside hotel’s architectural design which was inspired by a shipping vessel. He said the new hotel had set the bar high for the local hospitality industry.

Conrad Manila currently employs about 250 staff and expects to create more jobs as it grows the business. Rooms are offered at an introductory price starting at P8,800 per night.

The hotel sits atop the two-level upscale shopping center S Maison and is connected by walking bridges to SMX Convention Center and 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.

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.

Elizabeth Sy, SM Hotels president, said the hotel’s stunning background would give guests front-row seats to Manila Bay’s spectacular sunsets.

SM Prime’s other hotel properties are Radisson Blu (Cebu), Park Inn Davao, Park Inn Clark, Taal Vista (Tagaytay) and Pico Sands Hotel (Hamilo Coast).