SOFITEL HOTEL CLOSES FOR GOOD

(UPDATE) THE Sofitel Philippine Plaza shut down on Sunday after providing Filipino and international guests with unparalleled service standards that will be remembered for years to come.

Designed in 1973 by National Artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso Santos Jr., the property entered the local market under the Westin brand, joining the hotels established to raise the Philippines' tourism profile in 1976.

In 2006, hotel management giant Accor took over.

Veteran hotelier Rose Libongco recalls: "I was the first Director of Sales and Marketing of Sofitel Manila. I transitioned the property from Westin to Sofitel and stayed there for five years. Bernd Schneider was our general manager, and Accor couldn't have chosen a better officer to introduce Sofitel to the Filipinos. He had an engaging personality, was strategically competent and had impeccable social skills."

She said the late Mo Ihsan, rigorously trained the service crew.

"They turned night into day and more until the steps, anticipation of guest needs and service delivery were perfect. Every service scenario was practiced until we and more importantly the guests were satisfied."

Continuing problems with a property, nearing close to half a century, cannot be denied. Steve Pena, president of Philippine Plaza Holdings, has reportedly said "safety issues" caused the hotel's shutdown. In its official statement, Accor declared: "This decision comes as part of our ongoing commitment to providing our guests and colleagues with the best possible experience."

While Accor's lips remain sealed on the possibility of a new Sofitel Manila, its presence in the country appears unstoppable. Its current stable includes Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, Joy Nostalg Hotels & Suites-Managed by AccorHotels, Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery, Novotel Manila Hotel Araneta City, ibis Styles Araneta City, Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, Movenpick Cebu, Fairmont Makati, Raffles Makati, and Swissotel Clark Philippines.

2024-06-30T16:14:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd