Hotel was site of 2017 massacre
Resorts World Manila is planning to transform its Maxims hotel into the Philippines’ first Ritz Carlton, reportedly with a launch date scheduled before the end of the year.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, RWM has already converted its former Remington Hotel to a Holiday Inn Express. The 191-room Okura Hotel, also new to the market, will occupy space once intended for an expansion of Maxims.
RWM Maxims was the site of a deadly attack in June 2017 that killed 36 casino patrons and staff who died in a fire set by a marauding gunman. That gunman later took his own life in one of the hotel rooms. After the attack, RWM closed the second floor gaming area where most of the victims perished. In doing so, it eliminate some 70 tables and 400 electronic gaming machines. That space will be converted to retail.
Strategic Market Advisors Managing Director Matthew Landry told IAG the rebranding is “a smart choice” given RWM’s proximity to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “In particular, I’d expect this to be effective with the international market. Generally speaking international tourists tend to spend more than domestic tourists and some will value the Ritz-Carlton brand,” he said.
RWM, the capital city’s first integrated resort, is now working on Phase III of its development, and in May added 35 gaming tables and 414 slot machines. That capacity will double in August.
