Shared moments await at Hilton

Hilton Manila general manager Simon McGrath raised a toast during the grand launch.

Hilton Manila has arrived.

Dignitaries, top executives, local government officials, as well as loyal Hilton guests, graced the hotel’s much celebrated grand launch Thursday night, highlighting not only the brand’s re-entry in the Philippine hospitality scene, but also its 100th year.

“The arrival of Hilton at Resorts World Manila celebrates Hilton’s purpose to be the most hospitable company in the world, through the delivery of the genuine warmth of Filipino service for our guests, meaningful opportunities for its team members, and a positive impact to the community,” Hilton Manila general manager Simon McGrath, in his speech at the grand launch.

“The re-entry of Hilton into the Manila hotel environment is timely. Hilton aims to fill gaps in the market, but it always needs to be with the right brand, in the right location at the right time. No doubt, Resorts World Manila is the right location. Also, tourism is booming domestically, international arrivals are growing, and the economy is positive. It’s the perfect timing to bring this brand back to Manila,” he explained.

McGrath further pointed out that there is a special milestone for Hilton as the brand turns 100 years old this year.

Its 100 years have so far seen Hilton establishing many firsts in the hospitality industry, thus changing the experience of the global traveler. According to McGrath, these include being the first hotel to have running water in the rooms, telephones, and even, a minibar.

“[Innovation] is in our DNA and we continue to innovate, we’re the first hotel company in the world to introduce digital check in… and more recently, the digital key wherein you can use your device or phone along with the Hilton Honors app to access your room and the elevators,” McGrath further added.

What Hilton has also achieved in the last 100 years is the so-called “Hilton Effect.”

McGrath explained that when Hilton’s brands arrive in different parts of the world, they do not only open fabulous hotels where people can stay and entertain themselves. They also change communities by employing and developing people.

Simply put, “the Hilton Effect is the positive impact that Hilton has had to the numerous lives by providing meaningful experiences to its guests and touching the communities where it’s present worldwide in line with Hilton’s vision of filling the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality,” he added.

Hilton Manila is located within Resorts World Manila, the Philippines’ first integrated entertainment and tourism resort, and is just across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. It offers 357 modern, elegant guest rooms furnished with Hilton’s signature features and technology, world-class recreational facilities, unique dining concepts at its various restaurants and event spaces including a ballroom.

Highlights of Hilton Manila’s grand launch included the Innovation Wall at the foyer, a ceremonial lighting of a beacon using a “digital key” simulation by Hilton Manila’s top management and key guests, and a sumptuous dinner prepared by its excellent culinary team, featuring the hotel’s signature offerings in its various restaurants namely Kusina, Madison and Hua Ting Brasserie Chinoise. A yellow fin tuna was expertly carved at the event as a way of showcasing the best of the local cuisine.