The return of the iconic InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to the Philippine capital is poised to sharpen Manila’s appeal in the fast-growing luxury travel market.
Global hospitality group IHG Hotels & Resorts has confirmed plans to open InterContinental Manila in 2032, marking the brand’s comeback more than 15 years after its storied predecessor in Makati closed its doors.
The new 212-room property will rise in Bonifacio Global City, a 240-hectare master-planned district in Metro Manila that has transformed from a former military base into one of the region’s most dynamic business and lifestyle hubs.
Today, the district anchors much of the capital’s upscale retail, dining, and corporate activity—making it a strategic address for global luxury brands seeking a foothold in the Philippines.
Industry watchers view the project as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s long-term tourism trajectory and the rising demand for premium travel experiences across Southeast Asia.
“The InterContinental brand has a storied history in Manila,” said Vivek Bhalla, managing director for Southeast Asia and Korea at IHG. First opened in 1969, the original property operated for 46 years and became one of the country’s most recognizable symbols of luxury hospitality.
“Reintroducing InterContinental to Manila is a wonderful milestone,” Bhalla said, citing the city’s strong fundamentals and growing appetite for high-end travel.
Plans for the hotel include multiple dining venues, including an all-day restaurant and specialty bar, alongside a ballroom, meeting spaces, spa and health club, and an outdoor pool with a poolside bar.
IHG is developing the project with local partners Keyland Corp., Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation, and Greenhills Properties Inc., a collaboration expected to raise the bar for Manila’s luxury hospitality scene as the city positions itself for a new wave of global travelers.
