THE room boom in Makati City in Manila continues unabated across different segments in the hotel sector, and travel consultants are crossing their fingers that it will translate into lower room rates.
Scheduled openings this year include the 141-suite Discovery Primea on Ayala Avenue, where opening rates will start at 10,000 pesos (US$ 224) for the lowest category, and the 189-room Tune Hotel (TTG Asia e-Daily, October 10, 2013), also on Ayala Avenue.
A 401-key Worldhotels hotel and a 324-room Mövenpick hotel, both in the Makati Avenue area, are expected within the next two years. The 169-room Y2 Residence Hotel opened earlier this month off Makati Avenue.
Travel experts hope that rates will decrease, relative to cities like Bangkok that Manila is often compared to. “If you compare our rates to those in Bangkok for three-, four-, and five-star hotels, their rates are generally lower,” said Patty Chiong, general manager, Guatson International Travel & Tour.
However, Marlene Jante, president, Queenspoint Travel & Tours, was more concerned about the disparity between contracted rates for offline agencies and OTAs, as well as the progressive crowding in the city.
“For you to have more tourists in areas like Makati, there should also be a more friendly environment…less pollution, less traffic,” she said.
