The operator behind the Waterfront Manila Hotel & Casino has notified that the company is now planning a soft opening of the reconstructed property within the first quarter of 2026, a significant delay from its previous plans to complete phase one of construction by 4Q24.
According to a Thursday filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange by Acesite (Phils) Hotel Corporation, phase one is now slated for 1Q26 – focusing on the podium – including the lobby, certain F&B outlets, and the casino.

‘A soft opening is planned during this phase’.
Phase two is scheduled for 3Q26, including ‘additional guest amenities and facilities’.
Phase three, aimed at 1Q27, ‘will complete the remaining hotel rooms and general amenities, marking the full reopening of the property’.
The company behind the hotel and casino commenced a redevelopment of the property in 2018, after a fire damaged its podium and claimed six lives.
The company attributes the delay in reconstruction to ‘a combination of unforeseen challenges encountered during redevelopment and reconstruction’.
Part of this stems from the decision to retain the property’s original structure and building shell ‘that is over 50 years old as a cost-saving measure’.
The group notes that during its reconstruction efforts, additional reinforcements were added, which are ‘critical to ensuring the long-term safety and well-being of all building occupants, including both guests and employees’.
The group notes that its current deadline estimates have been conservative, and that ‘efforts are ongoing to reassess these requirements and explore opportunities to optimize the schedule’.