Luxury hotel Makati Shangri-La will be temporarily closing its doors to the public starting February 1, 2021, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and much to the dismay of many patrons.

Here are a few things to remember the 5-star hotel by, as we wait for its hopeful return.

It is the second Shangri-La Hotel in the Philippines.

The Shangri-La Group first set foot in the Philippines in 1992 with EDSA Shangri-La, their first luxury hotel in Metro Manila. Due to its successful reception, Makati Shangri-La was soon put up after, opening to the public in April 1993 and offering the same 5-star luxury experience as its predecessor, complete with 692 rooms, 3 specialty suites, and one presidential suite.

Six months later, Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu launched. It was only more than a decade later that Shangri-La decide to expand further, opening Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa in March 2009, Pasay City’s Jen Manila by Shangri-La in November 2014, and finally, Shangri-La at The Fort in March 2016.

It’s considered an iconic landmark of the Makati Central Business District.

Makati Shangri-La, aside from its hospitality, was also appreciated by many for its prime location, set right in the heart of Makati City’s central business district. Foreign tourists looking to experience the bustling nightlife of Makati City, as well as families who were looking to shop, were just a stone’s throw away from Makati’s top malls, restaurants, establishments, and offices.

Makati Shangri-La is located along Makati Avenue, corner Ayala Avenue, and is right in front of Glorietta, Greenbelt, department store Landmark, and SM Makati.

It’s known for its international buffet and restaurants.

What’s a luxury hotel without a premium buffet? Makati Shangri-La wasn’t just visited by overnight stayers – the hotel was also frequented by hungry families looking for international fare at the famous all-day Circles Event Cafe, which boasted open-theater kitchens and over 10 food stations.

Makati Shangri-La also housed Japanese restaurant Inagiku, modern Cantonese restaurant Shang Palace, Lobby Lounge, Sage Bar, Sage Bespoke Grill, and a pool bar.

It hosted the first ABS-CBN Ball (formerly known as Star Magic Ball) in 2018.

Makati Shangri-La’s grand foyer and spacious function rooms held the very first ABS-CBN Ball (formerly called the Star Magic Ball since 2007) in September 2018, with the theme “Share The Love.”

The ball housed over 600 celebrity guests, in support of the ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata advocacy. – Rappler.com