Araneta Hotels Inc. has closed a landmark year with a triple sweep of regional accolades, reinforcing its position as a leader in dynamic, inclusive, and design-driven hospitality across Southeast Asia. The company’s properties in Quezon City—operated under Accor’s international standards—garnered recognition at the 2026 Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) held at the Dragon Pearl in Vietnam, as well as from CMO Global.
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City Named Asia’s Finest Lifestyle Hotel
At the AHA ceremony, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City was awarded Asia’s Finest Lifestyle Hotel under the event’s theme “Influential Asia.” The award celebrates properties that redefine travel through authenticity and guest-centric innovation. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum, transforming event energy into a music-inspired sanctuary with curated soundscapes, vibrant communal spaces, and direct access to Quezon City’s bustling commercial district. This recognition underscores the growing trend of lifestyle hotels that blend local culture with modern hospitality.
Novotel Manila Araneta City Earns Halal Certification for Banquet Kitchen
In a move that strengthens its appeal to global travelers, Novotel Manila Araneta City has secured Halal Certification for its Banquet Kitchen from the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc (HICCIP). This certification positions the property as a premier destination for inclusive MICE events and international celebrations. Combined with state-of-the-art venue capabilities and advanced visual technology, the certification opens doors to a broader demographic of travelers, particularly from Muslim-majority markets. This aligns with broader industry efforts to cater to diverse cultural and dietary needs, as seen in other regional initiatives like Klook and Korea Tourism Organisation Deepen Ties to Drive Regional Travel and Digital Innovation.
Leadership Recognition for Maria Manlulu-Garcia
At the helm of these achievements is Maria Manlulu-Garcia, area general manager of Accor Philippines (Premium, Midscale, and Economy brands) and cluster general manager of Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City. Garcia received the Asia’s Special Achievement Award for General Manager at the AHA, followed by recognition from CMO Global as one of The Philippines’ Most Eminent General Managers (Hospitality) 2026 at Dusit Thani Manila. Under her leadership, both properties have consistently achieved Reputation Performance Scores above 91 and secured Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. Her recognition highlights the importance of strong leadership in driving operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
In a statement following the event, Araneta Hotels declared: “Exceptional hospitality is built not only through recognition, but through vision, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.” This philosophy is evident in the properties’ integration of Accor’s international operational standards with heartfelt Filipino warmth, setting a benchmark for purpose-driven growth and cultural inclusivity across the region.
The awards come at a time when the Philippine hospitality sector is gaining momentum, with major hotel groups expanding their footprint. For travel professionals, Araneta Hotels’ success offers lessons in leveraging local culture, inclusive practices, and strong management to capture diverse traveler segments. The halal certification, in particular, positions Novotel Manila Araneta City as a key player in the growing MICE market, which is increasingly seeking venues that accommodate religious and dietary requirements. This trend is echoed in other parts of Asia, such as Happitat to Open Bangkok Happiness Landmark in August 2026, which focuses on creating inclusive experiences.
As Araneta Hotels continues to innovate, its recognition at the AHA and by CMO Global signals a strong trajectory for the group. The company’s ability to blend design, inclusivity, and operational excellence serves as a model for other hospitality operators aiming to thrive in Southeast Asia’s competitive landscape.
