Marriott International is making more in-roads in the Philippines with the re-entry of The Westin, two soon-to-open Four Points by Sheraton and Fairfield by Marriott properties in 3Q2023, as well as plans for the first Autograph Collection.
The Westin Manila in Ortigas is Marriott’s seventh hotel in the country. The 303-key hotel soft-opened last weekend and will be fully operational by July.
Currently undergoing an extensive renovation, Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa in Sabang near Puerto Princesa, Palawan, will be rebranded as Four Points by Sheraton when it opens around July or August.
Marriott International’s multi-property vice president Philippines, Bruce Winton, shared that the company is increasing the room keys at the former Sheridan resort from 168 to 250 and adding a ballroom and other facilities such as a speciality restaurant.
Around the same July period, Winton added that a Fairfield by Marriott in the business area of Mandaue in Cebu will open with 146 rooms.
About Marriott’s rapid expansion in the Philippines, Winton explained: “It’s been a long time coming – these things don’t happen overnight. Marriott has always had a very strong brand presence even though we don’t have a lot of hotels.
“Everybody is familiar with our brands so that makes things easier. When you don’t have a lot of distribution, it is easier to expand. It’s exciting, it will be busy, and there’s a lot more to come.”
Last September, Marriott opened its first Sheraton resort in Mactan, Cebu and in late 2019, the former Pan Pacific Hotel in Malate was rebranded to Sheraton Manila Bay Hotel. Another project in Palawan, still in infancy, is also pegged to be another Sheraton hotel, said Winton.
In Clark where there is already a Marriott hotel, another Westin is being negotiated.
Softer brands, particularly the Autograph Collection for independently-owned and operated upmarket hotels, are also on the radar for Marriott’s expansion in the Philippines.
Winton added that new projects in Boracay are being explored, as well as in Davao and General Santos in Mindanao.
