Century Park Hotel, In Retrospect After 35 years

 It was in 1974 when the government called on the private sector to undertake the construction of hotel projects as part of the government’s thrust to develop the country’s tourism industry and to meet the hotel room requirements for the 1976 IMF-World Bank Annual Meeting. As an incentive, the government made a commitment that funds for the construction of the hotels shall be made available to the project proponents at low interest rates. Relying on these commitments, the private entrepreneurs accepted the invitation of the government and undertook the construction of the hotel projects.

 In December 1974, the Marsteel Corporation, an integrated steel manufacturing complex and its stockholders, the Martels, entered into a joint venture agreement with all Nippon Airways Enterprise, Co. Ltd. specifically converting the Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation (MHRC) into a joint venture corporation which undertook the construction and development of a 500-room five-star hotel.

 In accordance with the terms and conditions of the joint venture agreement, the hotel project was constructed and developed in a site situated in Harrison Park, Malate, Manila. The size of the site is approximately twenty-six thousand (26,000) square meters.

MHRC then entered into a management contract with all Nippon Airways Enterprises Co. Ltd. whereby the latter shall undertake the management of the hotel project. All Nippon Airways Enterprise Co. Ltd. (ANAE) of Japan is a subsidiary of all Nippon Airways (ANA) established to engage in hotel development and travel-related undertakings.

In early 1975, MHRC concluded a Franchise Agreement with Sheraton Hotel and Inns Worldwide. The franchise agreement enabled the hotel to use the name “Sheraton” and to have access to Sheraton International’s worldwide marketing and computerized reservation system. At that time, the Sheraton Worldwide chain had already more than 400 properties.

 By September 1976, the P288 million Century Park Sheraton partially opened along with 14 other new deluxe hotels in Manila, in time for the IMF-World Bank Conference. With merely the coffeeshop and approximately 300 rooms operating during the first month, the hotel gradually stepped into full operation in the subsequent months with 450 rooms and the following food and beverage outlets: the Iberia, then still a Spanish supperclub; the Aoi Japanese Restaurant; the Badjao; Kachina Lounge; Cellar Bar, a pub which was eventually converted into a disco and now as a KTV bar; the Top of the Century; Palm Grove; Pastry and Delicatessen Shop, now called as the Deli-Snack; five function rooms; a shopping arcade; medical and dental clinics; barber and beauty shop.

 In March 1980, MHRC opened an all-suites wing in the hotel, known as the Park Tower Suites, comprised of 60 units with individual kitchenettes.

During its first three years of operation till 1980, Century Park Sheraton topped all other hotels in occupancy, besting even the Hotel Intercontinental, then considered Manila’s leading hotel. When Harrison Plaza caught fire in 1981, however, hotel business was adversely affected.

Despite all the outside factors affecting the hotel, though, Century Park Sheraton continued to do its best and so on April 19, 1985, the Sipalay Trading Corporation became the major stockholder of the company.

In 1996, Century Park Sheraton Manila and ITT Sheraton have a mutual decision not to renew their franchise agreement.  Thus, the hotel known as the Century Park Sheraton Manila or more popularly known as the Sheraton, established its own identity – officially being known as the Century Park Hotel, a shorter name but the same world class hotel.

 A lot of wonderful and exciting things have happened since then.   Century Park Hotel recently unveiled its upgraded 14^th to 17^th floors. The renovations entailed revamping 120 deluxe rooms, whose new design, a brainchild of Steven Leach & Associates, takes its cues from woven mat and wood panelling to produce Orient-inspired interiors with rich wood grains and subtle black accents on the furniture laminates that stand in marked contrast to its stark white walls and ceilings. The newly refurbished rooms are also stocked with amenities like electronic safes, LCD television screens, and Wi-Fi Internet connection.

 And now for the hotel’s 35^th anniversary, various projects and programs geared towards this milestone are currently underway. To give back more than three decades of your patronage, The Century Park Hotel’s calendar remains full for the rest of the year with its special treats available in its restaurants and bars

Century Tsukiji, voted by the readers of Asia Tatler Dining as one of Manila’s top dining establishments for 2011, has the All-You-Can-Eat Sushi promo for all lovers of the freshest, softest slice of sushi varieties -fish, squid, eel, clam, crab, and salmon for only P 888 + person. It also has the Make Your Own Bento promo that will continue to delight your exquisite taste for lunch with its great customized meal in a box at P500 + only.

At the Top of the Century, experience the tranquil view at the 19^th floor while enjoying top rate entertainment of nostalgic music and entertaining performances from Manila’s best artists.  After Work Happy Hour Specials from 5:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. offers fifty percent off on all standard drinks with 5 beers in a bucket plus pica pica for only P 250 net.  And for a special "Power Hour Every Night" from midnight to close, get 2 for 1 on local beers and 1/2 price on regular martinis & shot specials. 

Reminisce as Bobby Cabral plays music from the recent past every Sundays; engage in sweet nostalgia as Bobby Espiritu entrances with Broadway hits and standards every Mondays; marvel at the diverse repertoire as Joey Casal set the atmosphere for pop, jazz and classic evenings, and relax to the soothing sound of Century Strings from Wednesday to Saturday. All of these wonderful soundscapes happen at the Atrium Lounge.  

As a culminating activity for our 35^th anniversary host of special treats for the month of September, Century Park Hotel joins forces with Asia’s first airline, Philippine Airlines, and TajSATS, the leader in airline catering services in Asia, for its Indian Food Festival on September 15 to 25 at Café in the Park. And with full support from the Department of Tourism and the Indian Embassy, the festival brings our guests and patrons to the world of Indian culture and gastronomy.  Get spiced up with   Chef Ashish Sanyal and Chef Jagdish’s Indian delicacies such as Rogan josh (red meat with ginger garlic paste, red chili and coriander powder), Malai  tikka (tender succulent pieces of chicken in cheese marinade), Mutton biryani (lamb chunks cooked with different spices and steamed with “Basmati” rice) and Prawn tandoori fused with their traditional Indian spices and flavors to complete a real authentic Indian gastronomic experience for only P 1,475 net for adults and half the price for kids aged 6 to 12.

After 35 years, Century Park Hotel stands strong and remains one of the top ranking deluxe hotels in the country. Thanks to the efforts of its management and staff that serves our guests and patrons with warmth and friendliness, and of course with a welcome smile which we have always been known for.