Suntrust Resort Holdings, the Philippine-listed arm of LET Group Holdings, plans to open its long-awaited Westside City integrated resort in the final quarter of 2025. The $1.1 billion development has been in progress since 2019, with its timeline pushed back several times from its original 2022 target.
Good to know
- Westside City is expected to open in late 2025 with a $1.1 billion price tag.
- It will be the fourth integrated resort in Manila’s Entertainment City.
- Suntrust partnered with IGT to run its casino management system.
The resort sits on 31 hectares along Manila Bay and will bring a five-star hotel with 475 rooms, a wellness center, a 500-capacity ballroom, and a 3,000-seat performance venue. It also includes dedicated meeting and convention spaces, reinforcing its position as a hospitality and entertainment hub.
Inside, the gaming floor will be designed for both VIP and mass market guests, featuring 281 tables, 134 electronic gaming machines, and over 1,100 slot machines.
However, Suntrust’s 2024 annual report outlined several concerns that could affect the property’s rollout and long-term outlook. These include possible supply chain issues, inflation in construction costs, and delays in licensing or government permits. Management also warned that global economic shifts could reduce demand for luxury travel and casino gaming.
Competition will also be a major factor. Westside City will be the fourth integrated resort in Manila’s Entertainment City, joining existing operations at Okada Manila, Solaire Resort, and City of Dreams Manila. All four are located in Parañaque City, within a short drive of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The market pressure doesn’t stop at home. New integrated resorts are also planned in the United Arab Emirates and Japan, with expected openings in 2027 and 2030. Thailand is also exploring casino legislation as part of its tourism and investment strategy. Melco Resorts, the operator of City of Dreams Manila, is already responding by exploring a sale of that asset to support expansion efforts in Thailand.
Despite the challenges, construction continues to move forward. Suntrust confirmed that structural work is nearly finished, and testing has begun on the core systems. “The mechanical, electrical and plumbing and fire protection systems in major plantrooms have been substantially completed,” the company said. Landscaping and interior work are currently in progress.
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