Lanson Place sees repeat stays as blended travel lifts Manila demand

The hotel plans to expand across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. 

Lanson Place Mall of Asia is seeing repeat bookings and longer stays as more travellers combine work and leisure trips to Manila.

“Flexibility is central to our offering, particularly within the serviced residence component,” General Manager Nils Rothbarth told Asian Business Review.

Several rooms include kitchenettes, allowing guests to cook, order outside catering, or use the hotel’s restaurant, depending on the length of stay.

The property officially opened in 2024 and operates as a hybrid hotel and serviced residence within the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City near the Philippine capital. It has 390 rooms across 12 room categories, alongside co-working facilities, a rooftop pool and bar, and a ballroom that can host as many as 380 guests.

Rothbarth said repeat demand has become the dominant booking pattern as more travellers combine business trips with leisure activities and extend their stays in the city.

The property also secured Green Key certification shortly after opening as part of a broader sustainability push. Rothbarth said the building uses reflective glazing and double-glazed windows to reduce energy consumption, whilst staff also participate in coastal clean-up and other community programmes.

The hotel has also introduced hiring initiatives focused on inclusivity, including employing deaf workers across parts of its operations. Rothbarth said workforce management has shifted as younger employees absorb information differently from more experienced staff.

“We have developed more collaborative and flexible training methods that bridge those differences,” he said in an interview. He added that creating a stronger sense of belonging has helped the property attract and retain hospitality workers despite industry-wide labour competition.

Lanson Place plans to expand further across the Philippines and Southeast Asia, with Manila positioned as its regional flagship market.

Rothbarth said Southeast Asia, the broader Asian market, and Australia remain the group’s main growth regions, whilst traditional feeder markets from the US and Europe continue to contribute demand.

Domestic travellers also remain important, particularly for leisure travel, conventions, and business events, he said. “Our goal is to continue building Lanson Place as a trusted hospitality brand for owners, investors, and travellers across the Asia-Pacific region,” Rothbarth said.