The oldest luxury hotel in the country is in the final stages of renovation as it prepares to celebrate its 100th year in business in 2012. It was a huge price to pay, but Manila Hotel took the risk since it wanted to keep up with the times. The renovations started last year, a time when companies were forced to cut down on costs due to the global economic crisis. They spent a huge sum to put up new facilities, improve old structures, and hire new staff. “We want the hotel to have modern facilities, but of course, we also want to maintain the overall look and feel of the place,” Ralph Servande, Manila Hotel's assistant vice president for sales, shared with ABS-CBNNews.com. It was a wise investment, according to Servande. A year after the renovations began, he said Manila Hotel managed to attract more high-value clients. “There are more foreigners here now, Americans, Koreans, Europeans, etc. Of course we also have a steady stream of high-profile local clients. With the renovations, now the luxury is back,” he said. As it marks its centenary in two years, Manila Hotel seeks to maintain its old grandeur while keeping up with the modern offerings of the country's top hotels. “If Singapore has Raffles Hotel, we want Philippines to have Manila Hotel.” – ABS
