Press Release
From the moment Novotel Manila Araneta City opened its doors in 2015, it reshaped the hospitality landscape of the City of Firsts. As Araneta City’s pioneering hotel, it emerged swiftly as a design-driven, service-forward landmark—ushering in a new era of cosmopolitan comfort for business and leisure guests alike. A decade on, the property remains a vibrant cornerstone of Accor’s flourishing presence in the Philippines, a living chronicle of the brand’s continuous pursuit of innovation and cultural connection.
This year, Novotel Manila Araneta City celebrates its tenth anniversary — a momentous milestone that pays homage to its storied beginnings, its dynamic present, and the luminous chapters yet to unfold. Since welcoming its first guests from around the globe, the hotel has cultivated a reputation for warmth, style, and impeccable hospitality.
On November 17, 2025, the property marked its decade of distinction with a spectacular Blue-and-Gold Anniversary Gala at the Monet Grand Ballroom. The evening was a glittering celebration—elegant, spirited, and unmistakably Novotel—reflecting both the brand’s refined sophistication and its steadfast vision for continued growth in the years ahead.
“They say the best stories are those shared with the people who matter—and tonight, surrounded by individuals who have walked this journey with us, we could not imagine a more fitting moment to look back. From our humble beginnings to our rise as a vibrant landmark in the heart of Araneta City, we have grown, learned, and cherished every chapter along the way. As the first Novotel in the Philippines, this hotel is more than a structure; it is a home built on passion, resilience, and the countless memories we have created with all of you.” said Maria-Manlulu Garcia, the first Filipina Area General Manager of Accor Philippines for the PME brands and Cluster General Manager of Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City.
The celebration also paid tribute to another segment of the night to the Heartists whose exceptional dedication has helped shape Novotel Manila Araneta City into a leading force in the hospitality industry—nurturing homegrown talent that now shines on both local and international stages. Adding to the evening’s splendor, the Araneta Hotels Inc. (AHI) Chorale, fresh from their victory at the Accor Choir Games 2024, set the tone with their award-winning performance, filling the ballroom with a stirring harmony befitting the milestone segment.
The 10th-anniversary celebration of Novotel Manila Araneta City beautifully traced the distinguished journey of Araneta Hotels Inc. in the Philippines, showcasing the brand’s profound integration into and enduring impact on the country’s hospitality landscape. A captivating 13-piece live orchestra serenaded diners throughout the night, while an array of exquisite culinary creations—masterfully curated by the award-winning brigade under Director of Culinary Massimiliano Pauletto—set the stage for a truly memorable fête.
The evening also cast a well-deserved spotlight on the visionaries who have steered the hotel toward its decade of success. Xavier Cappelut, Accor’s Vice President of Operations for Vietnam, the Maldives, and the Philippines, together with Rowell Recinto, Board Director and Senior Management Consultant of the Araneta Group, delivered heartfelt tributes to the many individuals whose dedication and talent shaped Novotel Manila’s first ten years.
A special tribute was likewise dedicated to Mr. Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman, CEO, and President of the Araneta Group, a pioneering figure whose forward-thinking leadership has long propelled progress at the heart of Araneta City. Through his bold vision, the Philippines welcomed its very first Novotel —a defining milestone that elevated the nation’s hospitality landscape and set new standards for contemporary urban lodging.
“One thing that was very evident, very clear to me that there were a lot of things that needed to come together and there were a lot of people who needed to work together. We were able to prove that a premium hotel has a place in Araneta City”, shared by Recinto.
As the evening drew to a close, one truth lingered in the air like the final note of a well-loved symphony: Novotel Manila Araneta City has not merely marked ten years — it has mastered them. What began as an audacious vision of Mr. Jorge L. Araneta in the City of Firsts has evolved into a beacon of contemporary hospitality, shaped by visionary leaders, loyal partners, and the unwavering heart of its people. A decade on, the hotel stands not only as an architectural landmark but as a living narrative of passion, artistry, and community. Timeless at Ten, Novotel Manila steps confidently into its next chapter – forever inspired, forever evolving, and forever Novotel.
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