Safe opening: Hilton Hotel rises in Clark's horizon

By Patricia Ruth Cailao

COVID-19 has taken its toll in the tourism industry but established hotel brands such as the Hilton Hotels & Resorts are finding ways to safely provide a luxurious hospitality experience amid the pandemic with the opening of its new branch in Clark, Pampanga—Hilton’s second property in the country and the first one in the northern area. “An emerging destination such as Clark is always a welcome development. And as we expect domestic travel to return first [post-lockdown], compared to international travel which will take longer to rebound from the pandemic, Clark is by far the easiest destination for Manila residents in terms of location and accessibility,” says Leo Holli, general manager of the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort.

According to Holli, Hilton Clark is a “tropical sanctuary commanding a prime location – a perfect base for those travelling on business or leisure and want to explore Clark [and] neighboring destinations like Subic, Bataan and Baguio.”

The hotel is part of the 309-hectare integrated resort complex following a joint agreement with the management of

Clark Sun Valley Resort back in 2016. The resort complex features a casino, private golf country club, an international school, and high-end residential villas. Guests can expect a luxury of space with outdoor venues inside the hotel complex. It boasts of 308 rooms, big banquets, and other amenities such as outdoor pool, meeting spaces, valet and laundry services, a fitness center, outdoor jogging path, spa and restaurants.

Hilton Clark also further strengthens Clark’s economic portfolio with its proximity to the Clark International Airport which will soon open a new world-class passenger terminal by 2021, and the Clark Global City, a booming office space market in Luzon.

Explaining the Hilton group’s decision to expand in Clark, Holli traces the group’s long history of “anticipating and exceeding guest expectations” in destinations that matter most, including Clark.

The US-based multinational hospitality brand is also on a great growth trajectory in the Philippines having opened its brands, Conrad Manila and Hilton Manila back in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

“This is a testament to the brand’s recognition of the immense potential of the country’s booming tourism industry. Clark is an emerging destination and has earned its place as a thriving business, aviation and tourism hub in the Philippines. With the Clark airport now positioned as the second major gateway to the Philippines, the city is more than just a freeport zone, connecting visitors to year-round festivals and celebrations.”

Holli furthers adds that Hilton’s expansion in Clark enables business and leisure travelers to experience a hotel with personality, where they can reenergize, restore and relax throughout their stay.

Gastronomic experience

Its sumptuous restaurants include the Olive, a vibrant and interactive all-day dining experience with sweeping views of the pool and the greenery, complete with an open-kitchen concept, and XI—the hotel’s Chinese restaurant that offers a modern way of Cantonese specialties, and revisits the grandeur of traditional cuisine. For exclusive affairs, the restaurant has three private dining rooms that can fit up to 30 people.

Finally, the Treat, is where guests can witness a unique space evolving from a perfect coffee and snack spot in the morning to a relaxing cocktail area in the evening. It presents a cozy space ideal for pre-dinner drinks with its creative take on cocktails, complemented by a well-stocked wine cellar.

The hotel is also an ideal venue for weddings and other social gatherings. The stylish Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 guests in theatre-style seating. Its seven meeting rooms are well-equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual and technical facilities for events, ranging from business meetings to team building sessions.

Safety and convenience

Earlier this year, Hilton has announced a new program to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in all its brands covering 6,100 properties globally. It has collaborated with RB, the maker of Lysol and Dettol, and Mayo Clinic in developing a process and staff training that will help guests enjoy a cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out. The program Hilton CleanStay adopts a rigorous system that incorporates know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team has also assisted in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols following the COVID-19 outbreak around the world. “Hilton CleanStay will build upon the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene…The goal is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they stay…The initiative will create a focus on cleanliness that will be visible to guests throughout their entire stay – in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and in other public spaces,” according to Hilton Worldwide’s website. The brand has developed this program to meet and complement evolving consumer expectations during the pandemic. Holli assures that Hilton’s CleanStay program helps create more confidence for a safe travel and hotel staycation which also positions Clark as a preferred safe destination for guests.

“Our team is passionate about redefining the hospitality landscape in Clark, anchored on Hilton’s celebrated 100-year legacy. I am confident that with the strength of the brand, coupled with the genuine warmth of the Filipino hospitality, we will deliver exceptional guest experiences to each and every guest,” Holli underscored.