[1] Originally known as Shangri-La's Edsa Plaza Hotel, it was designed to recreate a five-star resort, such as those in Cebu and Boracay, but within the downtown Manila district of Ortigas Center.

[5] In 2003, extensive renovations were completed, including the refurbishment of 440 rooms in the Tower Wing, and redesigns by Warner Wong Design and Architecture of Singapore[6] for the Summer Palace and Nishiki restaurants.

[4] Current General Manager Michael Hernandez, Patrick Schaub, and Omit Oberoi, who previously worked on properties in Thailand, the US, and Switzerland, took over from Henry Lee in April 2013.

[2] The hotel focuses on using local supplies and craftsmanship, such as the woodwork in the Summer Palace, designed by renowned Filipino artist-sculptor Claude Tayag.

[13] Edsa Shangri-La serves up to one million diners a year at its food and beverage outlets, to both room guests and locals,[3] The hotel also hosts The Bakeshop, The Lobby Lounge, and, formerly, e's Bar which is now an event space.

[20] It is also used as an informal gathering point for leading journalists, business executives, corporate communications professionals etc., for get-togethers like the Tuesday Club, in which the members have invited special guests to share ideas over breakfast for 20 years.