Luneta Hotel Restoration

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The faded glory of Manila is seen is some of the grand old hotels and buildings that have closed and never reopened. Well, folks, some of that is about to change. The Luneta Hotel will be reopening very soon according to a reliable source. While they haven’t set a date, the restoration of this boutique hotel has been underway and it looks like this grand old structure designed by Spanish architect Salvadore Farre and first opened in 1918 is going to be making a comeback and shining bigger and righter than ever.
This old hotel which faces Manila Bay and sits on the corners of Teodoro M. Kalaw St. and Roxas Boulevard is one of the most popular hotels in Manila much like the Hotel de Oriente in Binondo. This hotel is special for more than the many guests that graced it’s halls. It is one of the only examples of French Renaissance architecture according to the School of Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas. The use of Philippine elements in the design is something that makes it truly special. In addition, the care and design of the original has inspired several buildings in Manila since it was built, but none have ever really matched it.
For years, neighbors have complained about the run down building fronting Rizal Park but when it was named a historical landmark by the National Historical Institute, that meant that without getting special permission and using classical and original methods to restore it, it couldn’t be touched. Then in 1998, there were some calls for restoring it, but the process and paperwork was difficult because of the many special elements incorporated into the building.

9 months ago