THE Manila Hotel is one of the most important landmarks in Manila. It presents a great story for the Philippines. It is the perfect representation of the city, if not the country’s resilience, vitality, versatility and hospitality.
Established on July 4, 1912, this world-renowned premier accommodation has played a big part in many historic events—from simple merrymaking and union between countries to victory parties, and it even witnessed several hostilities that shook the country.
If the walls of the Manila Hotel could speak, they will surely share countless stories of love, joy, hope, patriotism and heroic acts. Known for its magnificent Filipiniana interiors, the Manila Hotel exudes a nostalgic ambiance showcasing the notable Philippine culture. It also boasts of the best view of the famous Manila Bay and its amazing sunset.
The hotel’s fame and grandeur had reached the attention of many distinguished personalities from all walks of life. Among the notable guests of the Manila Hotel were Gen. Douglas MacArthur, former President Manuel L. Quezon, Robert Kennedy, US Vice President Richard Nixon, His Serene Highness Crowne Prince Albert of Monaco, Majesties King Juan Carlos de Bourbon and Queen Sofia of Spain, The Beatles, Michael Jackson and the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, who once said, “It is a good story if it’s like Manila Hotel.”
Since its establishment more than 100 years ago, the Manila Hotel never fails to put up with the challenges of time. It depicts the contemporary lifestyle, which shares space with the rich history that envelopes the country.
To continue its prolific legacy, the Manila Hotel once again showed the world what premier accommodation really is. Recently, the hotel took pride in ushering guests back to the hotel’s new Presidential Suite with its very first preview to the diplomatic community, government officials, businessmen and captains of the industry. Located on the topmost floor of the hotel, it spans a floor area of 1,200 square meters, making it one of the biggest Presidential Suites in the Southeast Asian region.
It commands a superb view of the Manila Bay. One important factor that was considered before the renovation of the suite was to enable guests to have a glimpse of the famous Manila Bay sunset, the stronghold of Corregidor and the poignant ruins of the medieval fortress, Intramuros, almost anywhere in the suite.
The Presidential Suite is, indeed, one of the Grand Dame’s jewels.
The suite features wall panels made of tampered glass, a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strengths compared with normal glass. The architectural firm under the leadership of Manny Samson, who heads Manny Samson and Associates, was responsible for the hotel’s transformation. It used low-thermal emissitivity glass, so that the heat during summer does not emit from the exterior—keeping the suite cooler inside.
This grand Presidential Suite has a charming union of Filipino and contemporary artistry. It features an indoor lanai, a.k.a. azotea, reminiscent of the old bahay na bato during the Spanish era next to the dining room, where guests can stay to exchange stories after a hearty meal. Furthermore, the experience of dining in a high-end restaurant was brought into the suite with the provision of modern and well-equipped show kitchen that can accommodate two to three chefs to prepare different dishes right before one’s very eyes. The suite even features its own helipad that commands a view of the bay and overlooking Manila skyline.
The three-bedroom Presidential Suite exudes a taste of grandeur and luxury. The master bedroom has a view of the Manila Bay, while the two guest rooms have a view of the city of Manila. All bedrooms have their own toilet and bath. There is an additional male and female restroom, and one for person with disability.
The spacious bathroom in the master bedroom is one of the most remarkable areas in the suite—the steam bath is one thing that anyone who is looking for a soothing “me time” will surely enjoy. But if you are someone who wants to soak your body in the Jacuzzi, the master bathroom provides a very nice Jacuzzi that offers a view of the bay. To complete the suite’s offering of ultimate relaxation, guests can enjoy their favorite massage in the suite’s spa room. And soon, the newly renovated Presidential Suite will have its own dipping pool.
It is also noteworthy to commend the security features of the suite, which has been designed to give provision for an enclosed space for the guest’s own security team. There are several closed-circuit television cameras that are positioned in public areas, such as the elevator landing and hallways outside the suite.
The magnificently appointed suite also features an exclusive lift from the hotel’s Grand Lobby, a lounge area, a meeting room, a formal dining area, a living room, a study room and a powder room. It comes with a 24-hour personal butler service and a pillow menu available for the most distinguished.
Some of the well-known guests who have stayed at the Presidential Suite include Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Wad’daulah of Brunei; HRH The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles; His Majesty Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain; Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan; President Thein Sein of Myanmar; Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye of South Korea; world chess champion Anatoly Karpov; Spanish singer and songwriter Julio Iglesias; and Korean pop star Rain. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also stayed at the historic suite. The list goes on and on.
For more than a century, Manila Hotel continues to display the historical elegance that the world has seen and experienced. The newly renovated Presidential Suite is the hotel’s commitment to keep up with the modern times.
And only Manila Hotel can blend the old and the new into one consuming ecstasy.
The Manila Hotel is the country’s premier five-star and flagship hotel, which is at One Rizal Park, Manila.
www.manila-hotel.com.ph
Image credits: Stephanie Tumampos