Novotel Celebrates 10 Years of Timeless Service

Ten Years Strong: Novotel Manila Araneta City Honors a Decade of  Hospitality Leadership

A decade after Novotel first made its mark on Philippine soil, the country’s flagship Novotel property continues to shine as a testament to Accor’s legacy of world-class hospitality. Renowned for its refined service philosophy, design-forward spaces, and award-winning global reputation, Novotel has long been a trusted name among today’s discerning travelers.

Since opening its doors in 2015, Novotel Manila Araneta City has transformed the hospitality landscape in the City of Firsts. As Araneta City’s pioneering hotel, it quickly became a beacon of contemporary comfort—ushering in a new era for both business and leisure travelers. Today, ten years on, it stands as a vibrant symbol of Accor’s growing footprint in the Philippines: a living narrative of innovation, connection, and heartfelt service.

Celebrating a Decade of Stories

In 2025, Novotel Manila marks its 10th anniversary, honoring its meaningful beginnings, dynamic present, and promising chapters ahead. Since welcoming its very first guests, the hotel has earned a reputation built on warmth, style, and genuine hospitality.

On November 17, 2025, the hotel commemorated its milestone with a dazzling Blue-and-Gold Anniversary Gala at the Monet Grand Ballroom. The evening was elegant, vibrant, and quintessentially Novotel—from world-class performances to inspired storytelling that echoed its remarkable journey.

The celebration opened with a powerful artistic showcase unveiling the anniversary’s central visual identity, followed by “My Novotel Story,” a heartfelt 10-minute video chronicling the hotel’s evolution—from blueprints and bold visions to a thriving landmark brought to life by its dedicated Heartists. For a decade, these Heartists have been the heartbeat of Novotel Manila, welcoming guests with sincerity, building meaningful connections, and creating memories that define the property’s spirit.

“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,” shared 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.

Honoring the People Who Built the Legacy

The anniversary also paid tribute to the individuals whose dedication elevated Novotel Manila into a hospitality leader.

The AHI Chorale, fresh from their win at the 2024 Accor Choir Games, delivered a stirring performance. Visionaries such as Xavier Cappelut, Accor’s VP of Operations for Vietnam, Maldives, and the Philippines, and Rowell Recinto, Board Director and Senior Management Consultant of the Araneta Group, offered moving tributes celebrating a decade of milestones fueled by talent and teamwork.

A special recognition segment honored Mr. Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman, CEO, and President of the Araneta Group, whose forward-thinking leadership enabled the birth of the Philippines’ very first Novotel—forever elevating urban hospitality in the country.

The evening also highlighted meaningful partnerships that shaped Novotel Manila’s first decade. The “Forever Novotel” Plaque of Appreciation was awarded to members of the AHI Board, alongside honors for the hotel’s most loyal guests, top-performing corporate partners, local tourism collaborators, and leading online travel agencies. Together, they represent ten years of trust, commitment, and shared success.

A Night of Elegance and Celebration

Guests arrived in contemporary gala attire and were welcomed into an evening of artistic brilliance. A 13-piece orchestra provided a luxurious soundtrack while the award-winning culinary team, led by Director of Culinary Massimiliano Pauletto, served an exceptional feast worthy of the milestone.

The night also featured the culmination of the hotel’s four-month raffle campaign, “Drive, Dine & Dream.” The Grand Prize—a brand-new Dongfeng Aeolus Mage Crossover SUV—was awarded onstage by Deputy CEO Brennan Nathan Lim, capping the celebration with excitement and anticipation.

Other major prizes included:

• An overnight stay at the Presidential Suite, named the Best Suite in the Philippines at the World Travel Awards
• Accor Plus Gold Status
• Curated travel experiences at Novotel destinations across Asia

Ten Years Mastered — A Future Reimagined

As the evening drew to its emotional close, one truth became clear: Novotel Manila Araneta City has not just marked its first decade—it has mastered it.

What began as a bold vision in the City of Firsts is now a landmark defined by passion, artistry, and community. A place where stories unfold, milestones are celebrated, and memories endure.

With renewed purpose and an unbroken spirit, Novotel Manila steps boldly into its next decade—forever inspired, forever evolving, and forever Novotel.