Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, a subsidiary of SM Investment Corporation, to manage Conrad Manila in the Philippines’ capital city, Manila.

Scheduled to open in mid 2015, the 350-room Conrad Manila is the first Conrad Hotels & Resorts branded property in the Philippines, and will be located along the Manila Bay front and in the heart of the 42-hectare SM Bay City development – home to the fourth largest shopping mall in the world.

“We are extremely pleased to be introducing the Conrad brand’s uniquely intuitive service and personalized experiences to the Philippines which has such a well-deserved reputation for hospitality,” said John Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide.

“In keeping with the spirit of the more than 20 Conrad Hotels & Resorts operating around the globe, Conrad Manila will represent a destination for a new generation of smart luxury travellers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly intersect – people who know that the greatest luxury is the luxury of being yourself.”

Located at Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City in Metro Manila and well connected to major roads leading to the primary downtown locations, Conrad Manila is three kilometres from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and six kilometres from Makati central business district area.

The hotel is beside the SM Mall of Asia, the fourth largest shopping mall in the world that attracts close to 200,000 visitors daily.

It also sits adjacent to the SMX Convention and Exhibition Center, The Arena - a 16,000 seating stadium, and is in close proximity to the MetroStar Ferry Terminal.

“Manila is the primary gateway to the many islands and tourist destinations in the Philippines and with a population of 11.8 million, the city is the political, economic, social and cultural centre of the country,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

“Today’s announcement illustrates our continued commitment to expand our footprint in the Philippines and is a significant milestone for us as it marks the entry of our luxury brand, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, into this dynamic city.

“With a strong partner like SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, who has vast experience in real estate and hotel development, we are extremely confident that Conrad Manila will deliver exceptional service and bespoke luxury experiences in the country.”

The eight-storey Conrad Manila will incorporate two levels of retail and entertainment facilities on ground level.

The luxury property which will offer a unique view of the famed Manila Bay sunset will also house one all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a bar and lobby lounge.

It will also have a business centre, a fitness club, a swimming pool, a spa, a 1,446 square meter ballroom and other function and meeting spaces as well as a car park.