Twelve years after closing its historic doors in 2014, the legendary Mandarin Oriental is officially coming home to the Philippines.
Set to open on December 14, 2026, the new Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila rises directly above the lush green canopy of Ayala Triangle Gardens. Developed in partnership with Ayala Land Hospitality, the property marks the revival of a beloved Manila landmark that first opened in 1976 under the design of National Artist Leandro Locsin.
In an intimate interview with Orange Magazine PH and other media, General Manager Franck Droin shared details about the hotel’s long-awaited return, its commitment to authentic Filipino talent, and how the property bridges its rich legacy with modern luxury.
“We opened in 1976, we closed in 2014… It’s 12 years that we’ve not been here, and it really feels like a homecoming for us because people are expecting the brand to be back,” said Franck Droin, General Manager.
A Homecoming Driven by Passion and Talent
The response to the hotel’s recruitment drive has been nothing short of overwhelming. As the hotel prepares to fill 390 positions, applicants from all walks of life have lined up—ranging from former employees eager to return, to young hospitality graduates whose parents held fond memories of the original property.
“There are people who worked with us and just want to come back… Then you have the young graduates whose parents are so proud of their young daughters knocking at the door to get their first job with Mandarin Oriental. We also have Filipinos working with us in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and the Middle East who want to come home and contribute to this momentum.”
When asked what specific qualities the brand seeks when building its opening team, Droin emphasized that heart and warmth take priority over raw resume credentials:
“Hospitality is about having the heart for it—you need to love your guests. When you ask candidates what Filipino hospitality means to them, they reply: ‘Every guest is like my brother, my sister, my closest family that I welcome to the Philippines.’ That level of generosity and love is what we are looking for.”
A Contemporary Sanctuary with Nostalgic Touches
The new Mandarin Oriental Manila moves away from massive room inventories, offering a more intimate, residential luxury experience with 275 rooms and suites situated right along the Ayala Triangle.
While the physical structure and contemporary interiors are entirely new, long-time fans of the brand will find familiar culinary memories thoughtfully woven into the menus—including the legendary L’Hirondelle chocolate cake.
World-Class Dining & Hidden Gems
Food enthusiasts and cocktail lovers have plenty to anticipate. The property will feature a diverse lineup of culinary and nightlife destinations:
Rooted in Local Craftsmanship
A central pillar of the new hotel is its commitment to celebrating local culture. Over 70% of all artwork and decorative artifacts inside the property are directly commissioned from local Filipino artists. Furthermore, the hotel partnered with community artisans in Aurora to hand-weave custom guest bathrobes—creating sustainable jobs for local families.
For Droin, luxury comes down to honoring the “Masters of Craft” behind every detail:
“It’s about sensing what people are truly good at and putting them together… Whether it’s a chef who spent years perfecting the exact temperature and water ratio for sushi rice, or a colleague in uniform logistics who knows all 500 team members by name. Together, that is our recipe for success.”
Reservations are now officially open on the Mandarin Oriental website ahead of its December 14, 2026 launch.