Ayala Land Hospitality is pressing ahead with the long-awaited opening of Mandarin Oriental Makati this year, choosing momentum over hesitation as tourist arrivals in 2025 continue to fall short of expectations.
“Mandarin is going to bring a new spirit to Makati, so we want to push for that,” said Roshan Nandwani, head of marketing at Ayala Land Hospitality, framing the launch as a confidence-building move for the business district.
Although positioned as a leisure-led property, the 276-room hotel is also expected to draw strong interest from global business travelers and multinational corporations. Makati’s status as the country’s premier commercial hub, Nandwani noted, continues to underpin demand even as broader travel trends remain uneven.
Located within Ayala Triangle Gardens at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue, the new Mandarin Oriental marks the brand’s return to Makati after its original landmark hotel—part of the skyline from 1976 to 2014—closed more than a decade ago.
The new property will feature a curated lineup of premium restaurants and the brand’s signature spa, underscoring its luxury positioning.
Still, the group is adjusting its rollout plans to reflect current conditions. “The market has changed, and we’re recalibrating the launches,” Nandwani said. “Tourism numbers are down, so we want to make sure that goes up.” She added that announcements will continue, but will be paced according to demand.
Outside Metro Manila, performance has been steadier. SEDA properties in Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu continue to perform well, while refurbished hotels in Cagayan de Oro and Davao have recorded strong uptake even after room rates were raised.
The company is closely monitoring the impact of recent renovations, including at SEDA Bonifacio Global City, before committing to additional upgrades.
The Davao property was closed for a full year and reopened in phases starting July.
On brand strategy, Nandwani emphasized balance. Local brands offer flexibility and highlight Filipino identity, while international brands provide scale. Ayala Land Hospitality’s portfolio spans both, including New World, Fairmont, Raffles, Holiday Inn & Suites, and its homegrown SEDA brand.
