

MANILA - After nearly 40 years of operation, the iconic Mandarin Oriental Manila hotel will be closing its doors this year.



The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group on Wednesday announced it will be closing the hotel, located on Makati Avenue, later this year.



"Mandarin Oriental, Manila has been recognized as one of the city’s most iconic hotels since its opening in 1976, and the Group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all colleagues for their legendary service and support over the years. All hotel colleagues have been informed of the forthcoming closure and will receive full and fair severance payment and appropriate professional guidance,” said Torsten van Dullemen, general manager of the hotel.



Fans of the Mandarin Oriental need not despair, since the group will be managing a new luxury hotel in Makati City.



The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said it signed a contract for the branding and management of the luxury hotel, which will open in 2020.



The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila will be owned and developed by Ayala Land Hotels & Resorts. With 275 rooms, the hotel is being positioned as one of the leading luxury hotels in the Philippine capital.



"The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila, which is scheduled to open in 2020, will be part of a mixed-use development centrally located within Makati City," it said. No other details were disclosed.



The Mandarin Oriental opened in 1976 as Manila’s pre-eminent hotel.



While the Mandarin Oriental Manila has been a "much-loved icon," the company noted its "infrastructure and existing facilities are no longer in keeping with the Group’s well-recognized, luxury hospitality offering."