Robinsons Hotels and Resorts: The country’s most diverse hospitality group builds better stays—and better destinations
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Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation, reinforced its leadership in the Philippine hospitality sector by winning multiple top honors at the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.
As the largest hotel group in the Philippines by number of properties, RHR is celebrated not only for its scale and service excellence, but also for the strategic and transformative locations of its hotels. With 31 properties and over 5,200 keys, it has established an unmatched nationwide footprint that spans major cities, key business districts, and emerging tourist destinations—from Tuguegarao to General Santos City. These developments have elevated the tourism and economic profiles of different communities, turning once-overlooked areas into promising growth corridors.
RHR was named Best Hospitality Developer, a recognition of its strategic vision and commitment to building one of the country’s most diverse and far-reaching hotel portfolios.
RHR also won the award for Best Operational Hospitality Portfolio, underscoring its strength in managing a wide range of properties—from essential value hotels to luxury resorts. The award reflects RHR’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality guest experiences across all segments of the market.
RHR’s groundbreaking homegrown five-star brand Fili Hotel Bridgetowne was given the award for Best Hotel Development.
“We’re present all over the Philippines—and we dare to go where others don’t. At Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, success isn’t measured in square meters or number of keys. It’s about creating meaningful impact in the communities we serve. That’s why we say we’re not just building better hotels, we’re building better lives. Wherever we go, we strive to offer a better, smarter option for every kind of traveler," said Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels & Resorts.
From humble beginnings to industry leadership
Founded by the late visionary John Gokongwei Jr., RHR’s journey began in 1976 with the Manila Midtown Ramada Hotel. This marked the start of a series of bold moves that would define the company’s legacy in Philippine hospitality.
In 1990, Robinsons Land Corporation introduced one of the Philippines’ first integrated mixed-use developments with Robinsons Galleria—seamlessly bringing together a hotel, mall, office spaces, and residences within a single destination. This forward-thinking model laid the groundwork for RHR’s future growth across various markets and regions.
Another milestone followed in 2010 with the launch of Go Hotels, the Philippines’ first essential value hotel chain. The brand redefined budget travel by introducing a “book early, pay less” model—making quality accommodations more accessible to a wider market segment.
Building on its success, RHR introduced Go Hotels Plus in 2022, a refreshed concept offering larger rooms, upgraded amenities, and more inviting common areas, designed to meet the evolving expectations of today’s value-conscious travelers.
In 2009, RHR expanded into the midscale segment with the launch of Summit Hotels and Resorts, a brand designed to deliver “Enriching Moments” for both business and leisure travelers. Its steady growth and strong market reception paved the way for the creation of Grand Summit Hotels, an upscale extension of the brand.
The first Grand Summit property opened in General Santos City in 2021, offering elevated accommodations and full-service amenities, including extensive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities—positioning it as a key destination for both corporate and social events. Just last month, RHR broke ground on Grand Summit Pangasinan which is scheduled to open in 2027.
In 2022, RHR reached a new pinnacle with the launch of Fili Hotel, the Philippines’ first and only homegrown five-star hotel brand. The flagship property, located within the NUSTAR Integrated Resort in Cebu, exemplifies Filipino craftsmanship and design excellence. With its elegant interiors, luxurious spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and an infinity pool overlooking the sea, Fili Hotel Cebu sets a new standard for locally rooted, world-class hospitality.
Soon, Fili Hotel Bridgetowne will bring the brand’s distinct Filipino-inspired elegance to Metro Manila. Rising within the Bridgetowne Destination Estate, this upcoming property is poised to become a new landmark—reinforcing Fili Hotel’s growing reputation for exceptional service, design, and cultural pride.
To further strengthen its luxury portfolio, RHR has also entered into strategic management partnerships with global hospitality leaders such as Dusit Thani International and Marriott International, managing acclaimed properties like Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu and The Westin Manila.
Innovation and digital transformation
RHR continues to introduce innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the guest experience. The GO 24/7 service offers guests the flexibility to choose their own check-in time, providing greater convenience and control. Through GO365, guests can book stays up to a year in advance at discounted rates, making travel planning easier and more affordable.
In 2023, RHR launched the country’s first-ever Robinsons Hotels & Resorts Gift Card, which can be used across its network for room bookings, dining, and other services—simplifying transactions for guests. Embracing digital transformation, RHR introduced a new mobile app in 2022, offering users exclusive deals and seamless booking capabilities. The company also became the first local hotel developer to install self-check-in kiosks in its homegrown properties, demonstrating its commitment to a future-ready, guest-centric approach.
People-first culture, sustainability and community development
Beyond growth, RHR has embedded sustainability and talent development into its operations.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ greatest asset is its people. Believing that genuine service is the core of hospitality, RHR invests heavily in workforce development through the RHR Academy, a dedicated training and upskilling program. In 2024, the academy surpassed expectations by averaging 4.85 training hours per employee per month. This commitment to employee growth has been recognized with RHR staff receiving accolades at the prestigious Mabuhay Awards for two consecutive years.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts is a dedicated partner in environmental stewardship and community development. In 2024 alone, the group implemented 82 programs focused on sustainability, community welfare, disaster response, and philanthropy. These initiatives supported 38 organizations and benefited over 3,000 individuals, with the active participation of more than 500 volunteers.
A flagship effort is the R Water project, an in-house water bottling facility that earned the Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative award at the 2024 Road to Sustainability Awards. The project has eliminated 178,686 plastic bottles and diverted 3,574 kilograms of landfill waste, reducing plastic waste by 8.1 tons annually. Additionally, RHR partnered with Skye Renewables to install solar panels at select hotels, cutting carbon emissions by 10–15%—equivalent to planting over 5,000 trees.
RHR has become an integral part of the communities it serves, raising standards of living while responsibly contributing to a sustainable future. It will continue to do so as it opens six additional hotels—adding 1,000 rooms to its growing portfolio and expanding its reach across the country.
RHR remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering authentic Filipino hospitality and unparalleled guest experiences across its full range of brands, including luxury, upscale, midscale, and essential service hotels. It’s a beacon of what Filipino hospitality can achieve—ambitious in scale, bold in vision, and always grounded in authentic, meaningful guest experiences.
"At Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create refreshing and memorable experiences for every guest—whether they’re traveling for leisure, enjoying a family staycation, or celebrating a special occasion. Our goal is to continually set new standards in hospitality, offering something truly unique across all our properties," said Jolly.
In 2009, RHR expanded into the midscale segment with the launch of Summit Hotels and Resorts, a brand designed to deliver “Enriching Moments” for both business and leisure travelers. Its steady growth and strong market reception paved the way for the creation of Grand Summit Hotels, an upscale extension of the brand.
The first Grand Summit property opened in General Santos City in 2021, offering elevated accommodations and full-service amenities, including extensive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities—positioning it as a key destination for both corporate and social events. Just last month, RHR broke ground on Grand Summit Pangasinan, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
In 2022, RHR reached a new pinnacle with the launch of Fili Hotel, the Philippines’ first and only homegrown five-star hotel brand. The flagship property, located within the NUSTAR Integrated Resort in Cebu, exemplifies Filipino craftsmanship and design excellence. With its elegant interiors, luxurious spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and an infinity pool overlooking the sea, Fili Hotel Cebu sets a new standard for locally rooted, world-class hospitality.
Soon, Fili Hotel Bridgetowne will bring the brand’s distinct Filipino-inspired elegance to Metro Manila. Rising within the Bridgetowne Destination Estate, this upcoming property is poised to become a new landmark—reinforcing Fili Hotel’s growing reputation for exceptional service, design, and cultural pride.
To further strengthen its luxury portfolio, RHR has also entered into strategic management partnerships with global hospitality leaders such as Dusit Thani International and Marriott International, managing acclaimed properties like Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu and The Westin Manila.
Innovation and digital transformation
RHR continues to introduce innovative initiatives that enhance the guest experience. The GO 24/7 service offers guests the flexibility to choose their own check-in time, providing greater convenience and control. Through GO365, guests can book stays up to a year in advance at discounted rates, making travel planning easier and more affordable.
In 2023, RHR launched the country’s first-ever Robinsons Hotels & Resorts Gift Card, which can be used across its network for room bookings, dining, and other services—simplifying transactions for guests. Embracing digital transformation, RHR introduced a new mobile app in 2022, offering users exclusive deals and seamless booking capabilities. The company also became the first local hotel developer to install self-check-in kiosks in its homegrown properties, demonstrating its commitment to a future-ready, guest-centric approach.
People-first culture, sustainability, and community development
Beyond growth, RHR has embedded sustainability and talent development into its operations.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ greatest asset is its people. Believing that genuine service is the core of hospitality, RHR invests heavily in workforce development through the RHR Academy, a dedicated training and upskilling program. In 2024, the academy surpassed expectations by averaging 4.85 training hours per employee per month. This commitment to employee growth has been recognized with RHR staff receiving accolades at the prestigious Mabuhay Awards for two consecutive years.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts is a dedicated partner in environmental stewardship and community development. In 2024 alone, the group implemented 82 programs focused on sustainability, community welfare, disaster response, and philanthropy. These initiatives supported 38 organizations and benefited over 3,000 individuals, with the active participation of more than 500 volunteers.
A flagship effort is the R Water project, an in-house water bottling facility that earned the Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative award at the 2024 Road to Sustainability Awards. The project has eliminated 178,686 plastic bottles and diverted 3,574 kilograms of landfill waste, reducing plastic waste by 8.1 tons annually. Additionally, RHR partnered with Skye Renewables to install solar panels at select hotels, cutting carbon emissions by 10–15%—equivalent to planting over 5,000 trees.
RHR has become an integral part of the communities it serves, raising standards of living while responsibly contributing to a sustainable future. It will continue to do so as it opens six additional hotels—adding 1,000 rooms to its growing portfolio and expanding its reach across the country.
RHR remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering authentic Filipino hospitality and unparalleled guest experiences across its full range of brands, including luxury, upscale, midscale, and essential service hotels. It’s a beacon of what Filipino hospitality can achieve—ambitious in scale, bold in vision, and always grounded in authentic, meaningful guest experiences.
"At Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create refreshing and memorable experiences for every guest—whether they’re traveling for leisure, enjoying a family staycation, or celebrating a special occasion. Our goal is to continually set new standards in hospitality, offering something truly unique across all our properties," said Jolly.
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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Robinsons Hotels and Resorts.
