Sta. Rosa Rises: SM Hotels Bets on Laguna’s Next G

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) is making a bold push into Southern Luzon’s booming corridor with the upcoming Park Inn by Radisson Sta. Rosa, a ₱1.5-billion development set to open by early 2029. The project reflects SM Prime Holdings’ strategy of weaving hospitality into its integrated estates, pairing hotels with malls and convention hubs to anchor new growth centers.

The 201-room hotel, designed by H1 Architecture, will connect directly to a premier SM mall and the future SMX Sta. Rosa Trade Hall, a 4,000-sqm venue geared toward regional and national MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) activity. Guests will have access to dining outlets, a pool, gym, and modern event spaces—features aimed at both business travelers and leisure seekers drawn to Laguna’s rising urban hub.

For SMHCC, which already operates 10 hotels and six convention centers nationwide, the Sta. Rosa venture underscores confidence in the city’s trajectory as Calabarzon’s industrial and commercial powerhouse. “Sta. Rosa is seeing a surge in demand for accommodations from both business and leisure travelers,” said Peggy Angeles, SMHCC executive vice president. “This development not only meets that need but also creates jobs and drives economic activity.”

Sta. Rosa has emerged as one of the country’s most competitive cities, ranking 11th among highly urbanized cities in the 2024 DTI Competitiveness Index. Its expanding manufacturing base, IT-BPO presence, ecozones, and real estate developments make it a magnet for investments and talent. By placing Park Inn at the heart of this growth corridor, SMHCC is positioning hospitality as both a complement and catalyst to the city’s transformation.

The move strengthens SM Prime’s broader vision of shaping integrated estates—where retail, hospitality, and business seamlessly converge—while signaling confidence that Laguna’s growth story is only just beginning.