Mandarin Oriental to stop operation this year

MANILA, Philippines - The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced yesterday that its iconic hotel on Makati Avenue will be closed later this year.

At the same time, the group said it has signed a contract to manage and brand a new 275-room luxury hotel, to be developed by Ayalaland Hotels & Resorts, in the heart of Metro Manila set to open in 2020.

“Mandarin Oriental has been in this important business and tourism market for almost 40 years, opening in 1976 as Manila’s pre-eminent hotel. While it has been a much-loved icon in the city, the property’s infrastructure and existing facilities are no longer in keeping with the Group’s well-recognized, luxury hospitality offering,” statement from the group said.

Hotel general manager Torsten van Dullemen said “all hotel colleagues have been informed of the forthcoming closure and will receive full and fair severance payment and appropriate professional guidance.”