PhilSTAR Property attended the official launch of Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila, where Ayala Land Hospitality and Mandarin Oriental unveiled not just a new hotel, but the return of a beloved part of the city’s story.
For nearly four decades, the original Mandarin Oriental Manila stood at the heart of Makati’s social and cultural life. Opened in 1976, it welcomed generations of families, business leaders, diplomats, and international visitors, becoming one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks and helping define Makati’s emergence as the country’s premier business district.
Today, its return comes as Makati continues to evolve as a globally competitive destination while remaining connected to the experiences and memories that shaped its identity.
A return that reflects Makati’s evolution
Located above Ayala Triangle Gardens and developed in partnership with Ayala Land, the new Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila will feature 275 rooms and suites, five dining and bar concepts, an extensive spa and wellness floor, and versatile event spaces designed for both business and social occasions.
The hotel places guests within easy reach of Makati’s leading retail, dining, business, and cultural destinations.
For Ayala Land Creative Director Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, the significance of the project goes beyond the building itself.
“When we talk about reinvention, it’s easy to focus on buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces. But great cities are more than the sum of their physical parts. They are defined by the experiences they offer, the culture they foster, and the memories people create within them,” she said.
She emphasized that hospitality plays a central role in shaping a city’s character.
“Hotels are not simply places to stay. They are where milestones are celebrated, relationships are formed, ideas are exchanged, and visitors form their first impressions of a city.”
For Paloma, the return of Mandarin Oriental carries a deeper meaning.
“Its return is therefore more than the opening of a hotel. It’s the return of a beloved part of Makati’s story, almost like a friend and a family member.”
A global brand with a Filipino soul
While the new property draws from a rich legacy, its vision is firmly focused on the future.
The hotel reflects Mandarin Oriental’s renowned approach to luxury hospitality while embracing a distinctly Filipino identity. Throughout the property, guests will encounter spaces inspired by Philippine landscapes, native materials, traditional craftsmanship, and local artistry.
“The best hotels are not just beautiful. They stand for something, and they tell you where you are, not just who they are,” Paloma said.
“Rather than applying Filipino motifs, we looked to Filipino nature, craftsmanship, and materiality as the foundation—as the design language.”
The result is a contemporary interpretation of Filipino luxury—one rooted not only in aesthetics, but also in a sense of place.
Honoring a legacy, looking to the future
According to Franck Droin, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Makati Manila, the hotel’s return is best described as a homecoming.
For many Filipinos, the property remains closely tied to personal memories and significant life moments.
“For many people, significant moments happened here. Celebrations happened here. Relationships were built here. This hotel became very much a part of the city.”
At the same time, he stressed that the new Mandarin Oriental is not seeking to recreate the past.
“It’s not about recreating the past. It’s about honoring a legacy while embracing the future.”
That future includes reinforcing Manila’s position as an international business and cultural destination.
“We want the hotel to reflect who Makati is, who Filipinos are, and the unique address that we are privileged to occupy,” Droin added.
In many ways, the return of Mandarin Oriental mirrors Makati itself—a city that continues to evolve and invest in its future while remaining rooted in the memories, relationships, and experiences that made it special in the first place.
Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila
Opening: Late 2026
Guest stays begin: December 2026
Reservations: Now open
Location
Above Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati CBD
Approximately 15 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
Accommodations
275 rooms and suites
Family accommodations and connecting room options
Select room categories with Club Lounge access and 24-hour butler service
Dining & Wellness
Five dining and bar concepts
800-square-meter Spa and Wellness floor
Events & Gatherings
740-square-meter Grand Hall
Capacity for up to 1,000 guests
Additional meeting and function rooms
