Heads Up: InterContinental is Coming Back to Manila

The InterContinental brand will make its comeback in the Philippine capital with the signing of a new InterContinental Manila, a 212-room luxury hotel scheduled to open in 2032 in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), IHG Hotels & Resorts announced on Monday (March 16).

This marks the return of one of the most recognizable hotel brands in the country more than a decade after the original InterContinental Manila—a Makati landmark—closed its doors.

Known to most people as the InterCon, the original hotel opened in 1969 in the heart of the Makati central business district. It quickly became one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. For nearly five decades, it served as a hub for diplomatic, business, and society events.

The Intercon Hotel closed in December 2015, and the building was later demolished to make way for Ayala Land’s redevelopment of the corner of EDSA and Ayala Avenue. The closure marked the end of an era for many Manila residents who associated the InterCon with milestone celebrations, corporate gatherings, and decades of city history.

Now, after more than 15 years, the brand is set to return.

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“The InterContinental brand has a storied history in Manila,” said Vivek Bhalla, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Korea at IHG Hotels & Resorts in a news release. “Having first opened in the city in 1969, it was a symbol of luxury and a hotel icon for 46 years. Reintroducing InterContinental to Manila is a wonderful milestone.”

Bhalla added that the return reflects confidence in the country’s growing tourism sector and its appeal to global luxury travelers.

The new InterContinental Manila will rise in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. For IHG, the district represents the next logical home for its flagship luxury brand in the Philippines.

The hotel is planned to feature 212 guest rooms along with a full suite of luxury amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a signature specialty restaurant and bar, and a range of meeting and event facilities, a ballroom, and several function rooms designed for corporate and social gatherings.

Guests will also have access to a health club and spa, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with a poolside bar, continuing the brand’s focus on high-end leisure and wellness experiences.

The project is being developed through a partnership between Keyland Corporation, Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation, and Greenhills Properties Inc. Keyland, an established property developer with projects across Makati, Alabang, Las Piñas, and Ortigas, has been expanding into hospitality as demand for premium travel experiences grows. Philippine Realty and Holdings Corporation has likewise developed a range of residential and commercial properties across Metro Manila, including projects in Ortigas Center, Quezon City, and BGC.

“Partnering with IHG to bring a globally recognized and well-loved brand such as InterContinental to Manila is an exciting new chapter,” Keyland president Jose Ma. Montinola said. “We are proud to build on the brand’s storied legacy in the city while delivering a hotel that sets a new benchmark for luxury stays.”

Globally, InterContinental is a recognizable name in luxury hospitality, with more than 240 hotels and resorts worldwide. The brand continues to expand its presence, with over 100 additional properties currently in development. This year also marks the brand’s 80th anniversary.