Why This New Hotel in Ortigas Is Set to Become a MICE Favorite

The newly launched AC Hotel by Marriott Manila has delivered a strong performance over the last five months, says its General Manager Melvyn Angeles. “It’s so much better than I expected,” he tells the media over tapas and gin and tonic at the opening of AC Bar, the hotel’s open-air roofdeck lounge.  

“Normally, the first six months are tough. But for us, we were only negative during the first two months. By March, we were already hitting positive numbers,” he says. The 160-key hotel, the first and flagship AC Hotel by Marriott in the country, had its soft opening in December 2025 and its official launch last May 15.  

Angeles attributes this early success to a few key factors. First is the hotel’s thoughtfully designed architecture and interiors. The hotel is housed within GLAS, a landmark tower in Ortigas Center touted as the first building to use a double-glazed, triple Low-E full-glass façade system. Envisioned by ASYA’s founder and Executive Chairman Ar. Albert Yu, the building is designed to reduce indoor heat buildup, improve energy efficiency, lessen dependence on air-conditioning and artificial lighting, and enhance occupant comfort. Talk about keeping up with the times.

Meanwhile, its modern and minimalist interior—clean architectural lines, calming palettes, ambient lighting, and carefully arranged spaces—are inspired by the brand’s European roots. (AC Hotels was founded in Spain by prominent hotelier Antonio Catalán before later forming a partnership with Marriott International, which eventually acquired a majority stake and integrated the brand into its portfolio.) Angeles says Clarice Anne Yu-Sy, Interior Design Director and Managing Director of the property, has been very hands-on in bringing this vision to life since Day 1.  

The hotel’s stunning panoramic view of the city also gives it a competitive edge, says the GM. “Our guests get wowed when they view the city skyline from the ballroom at the 60^th floor and the roofdeck bar at the 61^st,” Angeles offers.  

While AC Hotel caters to the mid-range market, it belongs to Marriott’s “Select-Distinct” brand tier. ICYDK, Marriott categorizes its extensive portfolio of over 30 brands into four main tiers (Luxury, Premium, Select, and Longer Stays), each divided into Classic (traditional) and Distinctive  (lifestyle/trendy) subcategories.

“When you say Distinct, we have our own brand standards that are only unique to AC Hotel. For the food setup, we need to have Manchego and prosciutto—that's a standard. It's a blend of European and Filipino cuisine,” he says, adding that they even try to go beyond the Marriott requirements.  

The amenities the hotel offers are “straightforward and intentional,” says Angeles. On the 57th floor, a modestly sized yet well-equipped gym features an instructor on hand, alongside a 20-meter indoor pool that is perfect for unwinding after a day’s work. Guests can also chill out at the roofdeck bar (AC Bar) on the 61st floor, dine at its all-day dining restaurant (AC Kitchen) on the 38th, or hang out at the indoor lounge, which offers some light entertainment every night from Thursday to Saturday. Next to the lounge is the library, a space where you can work, read, unwind, or enjoy a drink while taking in the ambiance of the 38th floor. 

With regards to the food, Executive Chef Bonn Reyes promises to provide a memorable dining experience. His menu, he says, “blends local ingredients with European inspiration.” 

We’d definitely want to come back to AC Kitchen to fulfill our cravings for the flavor-packed French Onion Soup, the hearty AC Hotel Salad (which is a meal in itself), the savory, garlicky Beef Salpicao (don’t be ashamed, order garlic rice with it), the succulent Chicken Inasal, and the decadent Chocolate Mousse. We also suggest grabbing some taho and custard doughnuts from the breakfast spread—a guaranteed way to start the day on a happy note. 

Angeles, who has been with the Marriott group for the past 15 years and with AC Hotel by Marriott Manila since its inception, believes Marriott and the property’s owners made the right decision in opening a hotel in Ortigas.  

“There’s strong demand from corporate groups for events, and fortunately, we have the AC Grand Ballroom to meet that need. I think the Ortigas Central Business District remains a strong market,” he says, adding that the hotel currently draws a healthy mix of guests, with foreign travelers making up 70 percent of its market and locals accounting for the remaining 30 percent.  

The hotel also features 11 meeting and event spaces spanning over 800 square meters, designed to accommodate intimate gatherings, executive meetings, weddings, and large-scale celebrations. 

“Corporate guests like the fact that it’s a quieter, more peaceful setting compared to a convention center—so after a long day, they just like sitting by the window and looking out at the skyline,” he says.  

But Angeles clarifies that the hotel is also very open to family staycationers, especially since it has 12 units of fully equipped serviced apartments that can be connected to accommodate larger groups. The property is also pet-friendly. 

The Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program is, of course, a great come-on for guests. “Even if we’re a different brand within Marriott, guests still enjoy the same Marriott Bonvoy benefits and the same culture of genuine, efficient service. That commitment to taking care of people remains consistent across every tier.” 

Angeles says the property is primed for future expansion and growth. While the hotel currently has 160 rooms, this could increase to 200 or even 250 within the next five years, depending on demand. Since the owner has full ownership of the entire building, office floors could potentially be converted into guest rooms if business performance remains strong.  

“Our goal is to create a stay that elevates the essentials—bringing together purposeful design and the warmth of Filipino hospitality in a way that feels both refreshing and relevant,” says Angeles. 

AC Hotel by Marriott Manila is located at the Glas Tower corner Ruby and, Opal Rd, Ortigas Center, Pasig.

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