What do former US President Gerald Ford, heiress Gloria Vanderbilt, fashion maven Diane Von Furstenberg, prima ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn and piano whiz Van Cliburn have in common? Aside from being the token images in their field of expertise during their heydays, these distinguished names had, at one time, called Hyatt Regency Manila their home away from home. In its more than three decades of existence, Hyatt Regency Manila has enjoyed rolling out the red carpet for members of royalty, heads of state, tycoons and celebrities.
The hotel’s list of VIP guests also includes former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former Italian Minister of Finance Mario d’Urzo, magnate Baron Krupp, heiress Christina Ford, Belgian millionaire Alberto Canetti, boxing great Joe Frazier, and Hollywood celebrities Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, Ike and Tina Turner, George Hamilton, George Maharis, Gina Lollobrigida, Ann Margaret, Johnny Mathis and Jack Jones. Thus, to walk down its lobby is to stroll down a virtual Walk of Fame. This bolsters Hyatt Regency Manila’s reputation as one of the leading 5-star deluxe hotels in the metropolis.
The hotel first operated under the Sheraton banner before it changed management and assumed the namem Savoy. In February 1971, after the city was ravaged by typhoon Yoling, it entered into a long-term agreement with Hyatt International Corporation. The moved ushered the hotel’s most glittering years when Hyatt Regency Manila became not just the premier hotel in Manila, but in the Far East as well.
Hyatt Regency Manila became the city’s most happening place. At the Top of the Hyatt, Manila’s fashion industry saw an arena to showcase its endless evolution. The luncheon shows, directed by the legendary Gary Flores, drew fashion meisters, critics and Manila’s best dressed into the most stylish show in town. At night, the Calesa Music Bar and Lounge attracted the metro’s most discriminating music lovers. Calesa practically gave birth to a host of singers and bands such as Vernie Varga, Kuh Ledesma, Marissa Sanchez and Side A Band.
On its 35th year, the hotel continues its dynamic turn to evolve with the changing times and underscore its responsiveness to the emerging needs of the modern traveler. Aside from the updated services and facilities, it has completed major upgrade of its wireless services and fire prevention systems. Hyatt Regency Manila’s living spaces, on the other hand, carry through the hotel’s raison d’etre to provide travelers with the most comfortable and beautiful living spaces.
The Deluxe Room, reminiscent of elegant mansions in Seville, has a private balcony from where on can watch the famous Manila Bay sunset city. Cable television, video-on-demand entertainment and hotel information system, executive desk, international direct dial telephone with "voice mail" feature, an electric safety deposit box and mini bar are standard in-room conveniences.
The Regency Club occupies three floors of exclusive accommodations, highly personalized service, and special amenities for the discerning executive traveler, while the Regency Club Lounge boasts a whole range of facilities and services. The Executive suite is a spacious one-room accommodation for the busy executive and the Manila Bay Suite is an elegant two-room apartment that evokes image of a rich Spanish heritage.
As a dining and entertainment venue, Hyatt Regency Manila lords it over the metro’s restaurant and bar scene with the Tempura Misono Japanese restaurant and the Mediterranean-inspired Cafe Al Fresco. With their regular food promotions these outlets have captured the palates and the passion of gourmets and food critics alike.
Manila’s landscape may have changed dramatically in the last 35 years but close to the city’s heart are landmarks that have withstood the test of time. One of them is Hyatt Regency Manila. Indeed, some things are for keeps.
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