Mandarin Oriental returns to Manila with a stronger push into events and business travel

The Makati reopening in December includes 275 rooms and a 1,000-seat event hall at Ayala Triangle Gardens.

Mandarin Oriental is set to reopen in Makati this December, bringing back a legacy hospitality brand to Manila after 12 years since it closed its former property during the redevelopment of the Ayala central business district.

Reservations are now open ahead of its December 14 launch at Ayala Triangle Gardens, where the hotel sits within one of Makati’s most strategic business and lifestyle addresses.

The development is positioned as a continuation of Makati’s identity rather than a recreation of its past.

“The hotel can only exist here. It draws inspiration from the energy of Makati and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. It is about honoring a legacy, not recreating the past,” said Franck Droin, general manager of Mandarin Oriental Makati.

The reopening adds a new layer of competition in Makati’s luxury segment, where international brands continue to vie for high-value travelers, corporate clients, and large-scale events. The property will offer 275 rooms and suites, five dining and bar concepts, a whiskey bar, and a wellness floor.

Its Grand Hall spans 740 square meters and can host up to 1,000 guests, supported by flexible meeting rooms and event spaces for corporate gatherings, product launches, and private functions.

Design direction for the hotel follows a “from earth to sky” narrative, reflected in layered interiors that move from grounded material references to lighter, elevated spaces as guests move through the property.

A significant portion of the hotel’s art program also highlights local collaboration, with around 78% of its 350 commissioned pieces created by Filipino artists. The project also worked with local artisan communities, including weaving groups in Abra and material sourcing from provinces such as Negros, integrating Philippine craftsmanship into key interior and design elements.

Executives said the project is currently about 83% complete as it moves into final fit-out and pre-opening preparations ahead of its December debut.

The return of Mandarin Oriental adds momentum to Makati’s positioning as a destination for international events and luxury hospitality, while reinforcing the city’s long-standing role as a business and cultural hub.