MANILA, Philippines — The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Philippines shuts down today after providing Filipino and international guests with service non pareil for almost 50 years that will be remembered in years to come.

Designed in 1973 by National Artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso P. Santos Jr., the property entered the local market under the Westin brand, joining other hotels established to raise the Philippine's tourism profile in 1976.

In 2006, hotel management giant Accor took over. Veteran hotelier Rose Libongco recalls: "I was the first Director of Sales and Marketing of Sofitel Manila. I transitioned the property from Westin to Sofitel and stayed five years. Bernd Schneider was our general manager, and Accor couldn't have chosen a better officer to introduce Sofitel to the Filipinos. He had an engaging personality, was strategically competent and had impeccable social skills."

While Accor's lips remain sealed on the possibility of a new Sofitel Manila, its presence in the country appears unstoppable. Its current stable includes Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, Joy Nostalg Hotels & Suites-Managed by AccorHotels, Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery, Novotel Manila Hotel Araneta City, ibis Styles Araneta City, Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, Movenpick Cebu, Fairmont Makati, Raffles Makati and Swissotel Clark Philippines.