So, let me take you back to when we were gearing up for Lee Jong Suk’s fan meet in Manila. As much as I was excited about the event, I was just as stoked about staying somewhere swanky. The choice? Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Why? Well, I’m an Accor member (gotta get those points!), and the hotel is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Talk about convenience, right?
Table Of Content
First Impressions: Architecture and Interior
Now, let’s be honest. When I first saw the building from the outside, I wasn’t exactly wowed. The exterior? Kinda looked like a basic high-rise cement block. It had “convention hotel” written all over it. But the moment I stepped inside, everything changed. It was like stepping into a whole new world. You know that moment in a movie when the drab surroundings suddenly turn magical? Yeah, it was like that.
The Sofitel was designed by Leandro Locsin, the same brilliant architect who gave us the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the PICC. The mix of Filipino craftsmanship and European luxury inside is pure genius. Built in 1976, it was Asia’s first grand city resort, and it still holds that flair.
The Grand Lobby Experience
The lobby? It’s grand. Massive. And yes, a little confusing at first. But the staff, decked out in their traditional Filipino attire, were all smiles and super helpful. To the left was the concierge and check-in desk, and to the right, there’s the lounge and restaurant. But the real showstopper? The view straight ahead: Spiral Restaurant’s majestic staircase circling around a 21-foot bronze sculpture by Eduardo Castrillo. And speaking of Spiral, you’ll always find at least one bride posing for photos on those steps. I even witnessed a wedding shoot during my stay!
And, oh, let’s not forget the French kiosk—macarons, cheese, pâté—the works. Gotta love that French flair!
My Room: Views for Days
I stayed on the top floor, and let me tell you, the view was worth the slight vertigo. Manila Bay stretched out in all its glory, the pool glistened below, and if you squinted on a clear day, you could even spot the Manila skyline. Sure, the room felt a bit dated, but it was comfy. The bed? Perfect for sinking into after a long day. The desk chair was comfy enough for a couple of hours of work, and the internet was fast—ideal for juggling my gadgets.
But—and there’s always a “but”—the hairdryer was a disappointment. You know how important a good hairdryer is, especially with island hair. It felt more like a gentle breeze than the power I needed. In a 5-star hotel, this small detail felt like a letdown.
Breakfast at Sofitel: An Absolute Must
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: breakfast. Seriously, starve yourself before you go. There are more options than you can imagine. Whether you’re into Filipino, Japanese, Western, or French cuisine—it’s all there. Want gelato at 8 a.m.? You got it. And the cheese room? Heaven.
If you love wine and cheese, you’re in for a treat. Sofitel hosts Wine Days in the fall, offering wine tastings and even classes on pairing wines with cheeses. It’s worth checking out if you’re there at the right time.
Convenience at Its Best
In Manila traffic, the Sofitel is about 30 minutes from the airport, which is super convenient. I recommend using GrabCar (Manila’s version of Uber). It’s reliable, safe, and gives you all the details about your driver upfront.
Sofitel’s Sudden Closure
Now, here’s the kicker. On July 1, 2024, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila closed its doors. Yep, you read that right. After nearly five decades of hosting everyone from world leaders to pop stars, it suddenly shut down. There were still 17 years left on its lease, so what happened?
Why Did Sofitel Close?
Aging infrastructure was one of the big reasons. The hotel was nearly 50 years old and built on reclaimed land, which apparently led to some serious maintenance headaches. There were even whispers about safety concerns, including over 20 fire incidents over the years. Plus, they had plans for a major renovation, but it seems like it was too big of a project to tackle while keeping the hotel running.
Remembering the Sofitel Legacy
Despite the closure, the Sofitel will always have a special place in Manila’s history. It wasn’t just a hotel—it was the place to stay for diplomats, celebrities, and anyone who wanted a touch of luxury. I mean, this hotel hosted everyone from Madeleine Albright to Ed Sheeran! And let’s not forget the impeccable service standards introduced under the leadership of folks like Bernd Schneider and Mo Ihsan, who brought Sofitel’s signature French elegance to the Filipino market.
Accor, the company behind Sofitel, still has a strong presence in the Philippines. So while this chapter has closed, they’ve still got other properties to explore.
Final Thoughts
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila may be gone, but its legacy lives on. For me, the stay was unforgettable. Between the rich history, the views, and, of course, that breakfast (seriously, go hungry), it’s one of those places you wish you could visit just one more time.
