Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, one of the most prestigious hotels in the country, officially ceased operations on Monday, July 1 after 48 years amid infrastructural safety concerns.
A day before its closure, the management of the hotel bid its final goodbye with a brief but heart-tugging parting words on Facebook.
“Where moments were made magnifique. Where memories last.”
“Your smiles and stories have left an indelible mark on our hearts.”
We hope these memories stay with you as fondly as they will with us.
“Sofitel Manila bids you adieu. Merci beaucoup, and à bientôt in new adventures!”
On Saturday, its famous dining destination Spiral Manila also said goodbye to its patrons on Saturday, June 29. In its statement published on Facebook, the popular buffet said it “is set to embark on its final culinary journey tomorrow, June 30, 2024.”
Esteban Peña Sy, the president of Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. (PPHI), the entity that owns the Sofitel said a closure was needed because the safety of the infrastructure has been compromised in the last few months and years.
Incidents like bursting pipes, malfunctioning elevators and escalators, air conditioner leaks as well as restaurant gas leaks called for fixtures that cannot be ignored.
The hotel was completed in 1976 in time for Manila’s hosting of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank meetings. It served residence for multiple international dignitaries and celebrities like US President Barack Obama, former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and singer American Erykah Baduh.
As of yet, reopening of the hotel is still uncertain.
