Sofitel closes after 51 years, citing 'safety issues'

The 51-year-old Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City will close its doors starting July 1.

- BELLA CARIASO

“We will cease hotel operations on July 1, 2024, so our last day of business will be on June 30,” Esteban Peña Sy, president of the luxury hotel’s owner Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. told The STAR by phone yesterday.

According to a statement allegedly from the hotel management that made the rounds on social media, the closure of the luxury hotel was “part of our ongoing commitment to providing our guests and colleagues with the best possible experience.” Sy pointed out that five-star

Sofitel would close its doors to guests due to safety issues, possibly the wear and tear of essential equipment like water pipes and electrical wires.

He recalled firefighting personnel of Pasay City had to respond to “27 fire incidents” in the hotel so far this year, and praised the hotel employees and firefighters for quickly suppressing them.

“In September 2023, we had to evacuate all our over 1,000 hotel guests because our water pipes busted,” he added.