Pushing performing arts tourism as biggest PH hotel opens
The biggest hotel in the Philippines has opened its doors and it’s a preview of the future of hospitality.
Grand Westside Hotel in Parañaque City has two 19-story towers which houses 1,530 room keys, with a variety of room types, including ones that can accommodate differently abled guests.
“The Grand Westside is a landmark and a modern marvel to witness,” said Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts during the opening ceremony on June 22, presided by Alliance Global Group president and CEO Kevin Tan. President Marcos, with other government officials, graced the occasion.
The exterior of the new hotel is inspired by the waves on the shore, with the design taking inspiration from its location, right by Manila Bay. Its lobby makes use of natural elements such as metal and wood. The hallways leading up to guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling artworks that effectively break the monotony of walking to your room if it’s located at the far end.
Café by Westside offers Filipino and international dishes and this includes the highly addicting Sampaguita cheesecake. LaMeza, which will open later this year, is a Filipino fusion restaurant. Drinks are available in Zabana Bar for cocktails as well as the Plunge Bar at the open deck on the fifth floor.
There’s an expansive pool with a view of Manila Bay sunsets. Families would be happy to know that the children’s pool is as vast as the adult pool.
The property also has a Zen garden.The hotel will have a bridge connecting it to the Westside Resort complex. Albiso said, “Soon all guests will have access to a variety of dynamic gaming and a wide variety of food and beverage offerings.”
‘Broadway of Asia’
Grand Westside is a taste of what’s to come. The resort complex will have four theaters that will feature art shows, musicals and concerts. The Grand Opera House will have a 2,000 seating capacity. It will be the first of its kind in the Philippines.Tan said that their group’s focus on tourism is centered on promoting the arts in the country. “Anchored on this hotel is the center of performing arts that we are developing in this area and forms a big part of our mission for the Westside City,” Tan said.
“This is why I am praying so hard that we really fill up this very large hotel,” he added with a laugh.
Megaworld touts the Westside Resort Complex as the “Broadway of Asia” with its thrust to cater to the entertainment needs in the country. It being located at the Entertainment City in Parañaque City makes it accessible to locals. “We take pride in being a homegrown brand that celebrates and honors the country’s culture and unique sense of hospitality,” Albiso said.
Just like in their other properties, all the hotel staff wear their sampaguita pins and greet guests with their hands over their chests. The national flower has become Megaworld’s symbol for Filipino hospitality. INQ Café by Westside, the hotel’s all-day dining facility —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
