Hilton Manila appointed Simon McGrath as its first general manager to lead the opening of the hotel in New Port City this year.
Prior to his appointment, McGrath served as the pre-opening general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru in Malaysia, where he successfully opened and drove a market leading property in Malaysia’s rapidly growing second largest city.
A 38-year hospitality veteran, McGrath has worked with other integrated developments, such as Hamilton Island and Ayers Rock Resort, as well as a number of other international brands, such as IHG, Radisson and Parkroyal.
Prior to joining Hilton, he was area general for Mantra Group in South Australia and then Regional Victoria. From there, McGrath joined Hilton Adelaide in South Australia as director of operations before a move into the commercial role as director of business development.
In 2012, he was appointed general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Resort, Phuket Surin Beach, where he spearheaded the resort’s rebranding and repositioning prior to his posting in Malaysia.
McGrath brings a diversity of experience to all facets of the business with a strong background in both operations and the commercial aspects of the hotel as well as being a food and beverage and hotel openings specialist.
He has not only worked throughout Australia but also in New Zealand, the South Pacific, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand before his recent move to the Philippines.
In his new role as general manager of Hilton Manila, McGrath will be the driving force behind the return of the Hilton brand to Manila, ensuring the Hilton founders mission of “spreading the light and warmth of hospitality” is truly embraced.
McGrath is brimming with optimism that the hotel team will not only deliver on the warmth and sincerity in service delivery the Filipino people are famous for but will also elevate the “genuine” aspect of the service through upholding the “Make It Right” service guarantee, warranting an exceptional guest experience.
Committed to developing people, McGrath has opted for a talented, predominantly local senior management group who form the cornerstone of the pre-opening team.
“It’s certainly exciting to be given the opportunity to re-establish the Hilton brand in Manila. We intend to embellish the fond memories many have of the Hilton brand from the past and provide many more memorable stays and experiences into the future. With cutting edge technology, such as keyless entry and the support of the world’s most successful loyalty program Hilton Honors, as well as some exciting food and beverage concepts, we are set to make quite a return,” said McGrath.
Hilton Manila provides guests with a complement of services and amenities, such as 357 guest rooms, six meeting spaces including a ballroom, an expansive lagoon pool, complimentary shuttle service, three restaurants and two bars, and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Hilton Manila is located at Newport Boulevard in Newport City, Pasay.