On July 1, 2024, the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City was permanently closed to the public. Since its opening in 1976, Sofitel has been an iconic landmark in Manila’s history, with the 5-star hotel serving as a symbol of luxury and elegance at the heart of Manila.
For many people, if you ask them about the best hotels in the country, Sofitel will be among those included. After all, in its 48 years of operations, Sofitel was able to garner this opulent reputation due in large part to its high-quality amenities, which includes 609 rooms and 46 suites to accommodate its guests, as well as being the site to numerous events and activities catering to some of the most high-profile guests from both within the Philippines and beyond.
Sofitel is also known for Spiral, a multi-awarded buffet known worldwide for its grand and lavish showcase of local and international cuisines, and a gastronomic destination that has been on the bucket list of food lovers from all over the world. Considered one of the grandest buffets in Asia, Spiral is more than just a luxury buffet, it’s also an experience made whole by the chefs, servers, musicians, and hotel attendants that work behind the scenes to maintain the hotel’s luxury experience for its customers.
Image from Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Before its closure on July 1, I had the opportunity to visit Sofitel on June 30, its last day of operations. While I held no reverence to the reputation and history of Sofitel, my mother wanted to visit Sofitel so she could experience its luxury one last time. She held the 5-star hotel close to her heart, as it was a venue for some of her most fond and cherished memories in her professional life.
It was a rainy afternoon when we reached Sofitel, the perfect weather to go along with my mother’s somber and reminiscent mood during the drive. As we parked our car, and entered the hotel, I was left at awe at the grandeur of Sofitel. It was a big hotel, and while it was publicly stated that the hotel was being closed due to safety issues due to the wear and tear of essential infrastructure within the building, there was no noticeable signs that this was the case.
Despite knowing full well that this was the last day of operations for the luxury hotel, service still proceeded as normal for its staff and employees. Guests from the night before were still being accommodated, there were signs that events were still held in the days leading up to its closure, and Spiral was still running to its high standard to serve its numerous patrons who were dining on the last day of the restaurant.
With the rainy afternoon, and the knowledge that the place was closing the next day, it would not have been difficult for the vibe of the hotel to be sad. However, the hotel and the buffet still radiated a positive and festive atmosphere. Maybe because it was the chefs and cooks who still warmly greeted each diner that passed by to get food, or maybe because the staff knew it was better to not end service on a sour note—either way, the service was excellent and did not feel as though the hotel was nearing its end.
So many visitors were taking in the views of the hotel one last time, including my mom. As numerous diners and patrons were taking selfies, I began to notice that the staff—from chefs, to waiters—had left their stations. Service was finally over for the day and they began gathering among themselves to join the rest of the crowd in taking selfies and pictures on the very last day of operations.
It’s important to remember that Sofitel’s closure will also result in a loss of employment for the numerous hotel and staff employees that have long maintained and upheld Sofitel’s status as a 5-star accommodation. Chef Robert, a chef at Spiral for 18 years at that point, expressed that while the service made sure to provide a positive atmosphere for its guests on the last day, the staff were immensely sad at Sofitel’s closure. And while it hasn’t totally sunk in for him yet, he’ll have to face “ang tunay na laban” the very next day. But despite the way things were ending, Chef Robert still held hope that Sofitel would reopen again in the future.
As the day ended for the chefs and waiters of Spiral, their 5-star service did not end with a whimper or complaint, but with a loud and enthusiastic applause that perfectly epitomized each guest and patron’s gratitude to the service of the entire staff. A poignant and fitting reminder that Sofitel became the icon we know now because of the dedication and hard work of all of its employees.
On June 30, as the sun set beneath the horizon of Manila Bay on a serene Sunday evening, the doors of Sofitel Manila closed for one last time, marking the end of a long and eventful era for one of Manila’s long standing landmarks. But as the closure evoked sadness among countless Filipinos who had cherished Sofitel Manila as a dream destination, the joyful memories still remain and the hope for the doors to open once again.
How do you feel about Sofitel’s permanent closure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!