Shangri-La signs New Hotel in Manila

Shangri-La Asia has won a major prize in the Philippines, with the signing of Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila, a new hotel scheduled to open in 2012. Located within the Fort Bonifacio former military base and city centre, the hotel with over 60 storeys will comprise 500 guestrooms and 234 apartments, the building is destined to become a Manila landmark. The new hotel will complement the company’s four existing hotel properties in the Philippines and the Shangri-La Resort and Spa, Boracay, scheduled to open at the end of 2008.

The mixed-use business, residential and retail tower will be located along Fifth Avenue and 30th, within the new, fast-developing Taguig business district. A 30-minute drive from the international airport, the hotel will also be close to the Manila Golf and Polo Club, and 10 minutes from Makati district, the capital’s financial, cultural and entertainment hub with first-class shopping malls.

Shangri-La has named US-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP as architect and Hirsch Bedner Associates will undertake the interior design for guestrooms and the main lobby. The tower will present a contemporary yet timeless design with the facade of the building tapering skyward, maximising the ocean view.

Guestrooms will range in size from 52 square metres for a standard room to 260 square metres for a Horizon Club room. The Horizon Club, Shangri-La’s exclusive retreat for discerning travellers, will offer a host of special amenities and privileges, including a lounge for daily breakfast and cocktails, meeting rooms, and express check-in and check-out services.

Dining and entertainment options will include an all-day café, deli café, specialty restaurant, Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge, poolside bar and barbecue, and an entertainment and bar area that will occupy two levels and have its own direct street access.

An extensive health club, swimming pools and tennis courts will provide a choice of recreational activities.

The hotel will feature over 4,600 square metres of meeting and banqueting facilities including a grand ballroom, junior ballroom, 11 function rooms, boardroom, business centre, individual teleconferencing room and a 350-square-metre high-end outdoor event area.

“Shangri-La at the Fort will not only be a striking new addition to the Manila skyline, but a demonstration of our firm commitment to the Philippines,” said Edward Kuok, president and chief executive officer of Shangri-La Asia Limited. “Our presence and confidence in this market continues to grow, with an expanding portfolio of business and leisure properties.”

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