Swissotel Clark

European hotel chain opens in the Philippines

Text & photos by Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The Hann Casino Resort Group, the first world-class, luxurious fully-integrated resort and gaming facility in Central Luzon, formally opened the first Swissotel in the Philippines last March 1st, the first day of the IATF's lenient Alert Level 1 protocol in Pampanga, as well as in 38 other areas around the country. 

Swissotel Clark is an impressive 22-storey edifice that offers elegant rooms and suites, ten specialty restaurants, a resort style infinity pool, and a separate pool for kids.

The brand is known worldwide for its take on the freshness and vitality of Swiss hospitality. Swissotel is part of Accor, a world leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 5,000 hotels and residences across 110 countries and territories in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific - with Singapore the only other property in the whole of Asia.

"Swissotel is the most prestigious property north of Manila. Life is a journey so we live it well. Here's wishing you all a life full of vitality and success," intimated general manager Tarek Aouini, during the pre-launch cocktail reception at the hotel's swanky poolside bar and lounging area.

Swissotel Clark is part of the Hann Casino Resort Group that includes the Hann Casino and the Clark Marriot, which recently opened the Cantonese-themed restaurant, Wu Xing. The Chinese fine dining outlet was well received by both gourmands and gourmets from North Luzon and guests from Metro Manila.

"Hann Resorts Group services the casino market as well as in accommodating the three/four star travel sector, MICE, and local travelers. Once completed, this facility will have a combined room inventory of 800 rooms - the biggest in Clark, apprized assistant VP for corporate planning, development, and communications Agnes "Neki" A. Liwanag, during an intimate media luncheon.

Hann Resort is a new high-end integrated lifestyle resort brand that elevates the luxury experience in Clark Pampanga and the New Clark City in Tarlac. Under the Hann Resort master brand  are two premium sub-brands - the Hann Casino Resort and the Hann Luxe Lifestyle Resorts (Mercure, Banyan Tree, Angsana, Westin, and The Luxury Collection by Marriott) that will open soon in the sprawling New Clark City facility in Tarlac.

"We are the first Swissotel in the Philippines, and is the flagship property. With Alert Level 1, our room occupancy is at 70-80 per cent. Although this margin has already been reached by our sister brand, Marriot, even during the Alert Level 2 protocol. And we have more game rooms now that the restrictions are more lenient. We differ from other hotel brands in the area by offering quality products and services like ambience, food, and entertainment," continued Neki.

Combined, this will create the ultimate luxury playground north of Metro Manila. Hann Resorts is the proud owner and developer of the Widus Hotel & Casino and the Clark Marriot in Pampanga.

"In addition, we will have Wellness Rooms that will have spa and in-room gym setups. Also, our Health Spa will be functional by the middle of the year. Swissotel will also have retail areas around the second level. We are geared towards capturing the North Luzon market, including Quezon City. To maintain the brand's standards, we bring in auditors regularly. Local arts are woven into our interiors and landscaping, including paintings and other decor. Swissotel Clark hopes to bring in the European concept of hospitality and experience into the Philippine setting.

"We also anticipate the completion of our international airport and the train system so we need to be ready when this happens. We would also like to tap the Hong Kong and Macau travel markets. We might also integrate nature tours to Pinatubo as part of our activities for guests. As to our pipeline projects, we are planning to build a convention center and hotel in our remaining 3-hectare property. We will, hopefully, become the perfect playground for the new normal," enthused Neki at the close of our colloquy.

Swissotel is  conveniently located at the intersection of the Manuel A. Roxas and Claro M. Recto highways inside the Clark Freeport Zone. You may get in touch with them through swissotel.com, swissotelclark.com, and/or all.accor.com.