Ayala-led Mandarin Oriental returns to Makati after six-year delay

Insider Spotlight

• Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila is set to open in late 2026 after a six-year delay from its originally targeted launch timeline
• The 275-room luxury hotel will rise above Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati’s central business district
• Ayala Land Hospitality is positioning the project as a key milestone in the continued transformation of the Makati CBD
  
  
  

The long-awaited return of Mandarin Oriental to the Philippine capital is finally taking shape, with Ayala Land Hospitality announcing that Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila will open in late 2026 atop Ayala Triangle Gardens.

The opening marks the comeback of one of the world’s most recognizable luxury hospitality brands to Makati, more than a decade after the original Mandarin Oriental Manila closed in 2014. It also comes after a lengthy six-year delay, with the project having been previously expected to open much earlier before pandemic-related disruptions and shifting development timelines pushed back its completion.

Why it matters

The project is one of the most closely watched luxury hospitality developments in the country, underscoring Ayala Land’s broader efforts to reinforce Makati’s position as a premier business, lifestyle, and cultural destination.

Franck Droin

The Mandarin general manager announced that the soon-to-be opened hotel is now accepting reservations for guest stays later this year.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Ayala Land Hospitality officials said the return of Mandarin Oriental reflects the continued evolution of the Makati central business district into a greener, more connected, and culturally vibrant urban center. 

The hotel is being developed in partnership with Ayala Land and will provide direct access to the district’s retail, dining, business, and cultural hubs.

The original Mandarin Oriental Manila operated from 1976 to 2014 and became a landmark in the city’s hospitality landscape. Its reintroduction is intended to blend the brand’s heritage with a new vision for Philippine luxury hospitality.

The details

The new property will feature 275 guestrooms and suites designed as a contemporary interpretation of Filipino luxury. Interiors will incorporate natural materials, timber, and woven elements while highlighting local craftsmanship and artisan collaboration.

Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala

Ayala Land’s creative director said the long awaited hotel will feature design elements that celebrate Filipino culture.

Guests will have access to five dining and bar concepts offering Cantonese, Filipino, and international cuisine. The hotel will also include an 800-square-meter spa and wellness facility, dedicated fitness and yoga spaces, and a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool overlooking Ayala Triangle Gardens.

For meetings and events, the property will house a 740-square-meter grand hall with capacity for up to 1,000 guests, alongside meeting rooms, boardrooms, and flexible event spaces.

What they’re saying

“Mandarin Oriental has long held a special place in the story of Makati. Its return reflects not only the enduring appeal but also our vision of creating world-class city destinations that celebrate Filipino culture and foster meaningful connections,” Ayala Land creative director Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala said.

The bottom line

After years of anticipation and a six-year delay, the return of Mandarin Oriental is set to become a defining addition to Makati’s skyline and hospitality sector, while reinforcing Ayala Land’s ambition to elevate the city’s standing as a regional business and tourism hub. — Daxim L. Lucas| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma