A farewell to Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

On June 30, 2024, patrons and visitors visited for the last time Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila before the hotel’s official closure today, July 1. As hotel guests stepped into the grand lobby, the air was thick with nostalgia.

Despite the busy scene, a somber mood prevailed, as staff and guests alike took in the final moments of this venerable establishment.

The hotel buzzed with activity before lunchtime. Staff members were seen taking pictures with fellow employees and guests, capturing memories of their time in Sofitel.

Some of the staff handed out stuffed toys to guests, a small but touching gesture to commemorate the end of an era. At the grand lobby, free ice cream was also given to all who entered the hotel.

According to the check-in counter staff, the hotel was fully booked on its final day. This high occupancy rate was a testament to Sofitel’s iconic status and the deep nostalgic ties it holds for people both within and outside the metro.

Guests streamed out of the elevators to check out at around 12 noon, many heading directly to the iconic Spiral Manila stairs for one last chance to savor the flavors at the renowned Spiral buffet.

At the lobby, the equally iconic LeBar is packed with guests as well, with diners also taking home the lobby bar’s well known pralines, cakes, and macaroons.

Sofitel Manila, Then and Now (a short history)

The establishment of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila was linked with the founding of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1969. The idea came to then-First Lady Imelda Marcos when she toured American financier and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. along Roxas Boulevard in 1966.

On September 26, 1976, the hotel, then known as Philippine Plaza Hotel, opened its doors. Building the hotel cost around $500 million, making it the most expensive hotel ever built at the time.

While Sofitel is known for its French touch, its design remains a testament to Philippine architectural ingenuity. National Artist Leandro Locsin merged Filipino contemporary style with classic European old-world charm, creating a distinct ambiance. The lagoon-shaped pool was also designed by another Filipino National Artist, Idelfonso Santos. One of its main features, the Grand Staircase, inspired by the growth of a young plant, is the most photographed part of the hotel.

In 2014, the Grand Plaza Ballroom underwent a $5 million renovation, which included murals, majestic pillars, and preserved Murano chandeliers from Italy.

A Sofitel experience wouldn’t be complete without a food fest at Spiral. Opened in 2012, the restaurant features over 12 dining ateliers, spotlighting the many cuisines of the world. With its five-star hospitality, the hotel has been the top choice of many international leaders and VIPs visiting the Philippines.

Notable guests include former US President Barack Obama, Queen of Pop Madonna, Basketball superstar Scottie Pippen, former French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, and his wife, First Lady Savita Kovind. Other distinguished guests include Luciano Pavarotti (1994), Hillary Clinton (2010), Justin Timberlake (2010), and Mariah Carey (2014). Sofitel also served as one of the locations for the 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits in 2017.

Since joining the Sofitel chain of AccorHotels in 2007, the hotel has been restored, offering 609 rooms and suites. The Imperial Residence, designed by Spin Design Studio in Japan, is one of the most prestigious collections of suites in Manila. With its prime location, Sofitel offers one of the best places to savor the Manila Bay view. On a clear day, guests can see the mountains of Bataan, the historic Corregidor Island, and Cavite from its vantage point.

Like many businesses during the pandemic, Sofitel closed its doors to ensure everyone’s safety. During this time, the hotel led a virtual fundraising initiative, donating P100,000 to the Philippine Red Cross in 2021. For almost five decades, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila has been a premier destination for Filipinos seeking luxury, unique dining, and picturesque views of Manila Bay. However, the hotel will close its doors on July 1, 2024. According to its statement, the closure is part of its “ongoing commitment to providing our guests and colleagues with the best possible experience.” It also assured that it “will honor engagements and reservations until the end of June and close its iconic doors thereafter.”