Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced it will accelerate growth in Latin America with six new hotels opening in 2011, resulting in a portfolio of nearly 70 hotels in 13 countries by year’s end. February saw Starwood President and CEO Frits van Paasschen, President of Global Development Simon Turner, Chief Brand Officer Phil McAveety and several other senior Starwood executives head to Latin America to discuss future hotel development with owners and developers in five countries, including three of its fastest growing markets – Brazil, Panama and Peru. Starwood’s growth leader in Latin America is Westin Hotels, which will increase its portfolio by 50% in the region with the opening of four new hotels this year. Westin will make its landmark debut in three countries: Peru, Panama and Costa Rica, where it will also open its first all-inclusive resort – The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa. The Westin Guadalajara will open in August in Mexico’s second largest city, following the recent opening of The Westin Santa Fe.
The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center, Peru
The Westin LimaHotel & Convention Center will open in May 2011 in the heart of San Isidro, the financial and shopping hub of Lima, Peru. Within walking distance to the city’s embassies, galleries, boutiques and restaurants, the 301-room hotel will offer the largest meeting and convention center in Peru with more than 28,000 square feet of space, including 10 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom. Guests will enjoy a choice of dining options, Westin Heavenly spa and Westin Workout fitness center, and the full suite of Westin signature amenities.
The Westin Playa ConchalResort & Spa, Costa Rica
The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa will be Starwood’s first all-inclusive resort and the first Westin in Costa Rica. Scheduled to open in May 2011, the resort is nestled between lush forests and the pristine beaches of Costa Rica’s North-Pacific Riviera and offers 406 oversized guest rooms, suites and villas and more than 2,000 square feet of meeting and function space. Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, the Ahui Spa, fitness center, tennis courts, beach access and a spectacular outdoor swimming pool.
The Westin Guadalajara, Mexico
The Westin Guadalajara will open in August 2011 in the World Trade Center area, next to the Expo Guadalajara Convention Center and just 25 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport. The newly constructed hotel will meet the increased need for high-caliber lodging in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city with a population of approximately 4.1 million. The Westin Guadalajara will offer 221 guest rooms, including 15 suites and the Presidential suite, as well as 4,300 square feet of meeting and function space, a restaurant, lobby bar and Westin Workout facility.
The Westin Playa Bonita, Panama
When it opens in October 2011, The Westin Playa Bonita Panama will be the fifth Starwood hotel in Panama, which has emerged as one of Latin America’s key financial hubs. The newly constructed hotel offers breathtaking water views and a prime location, just minutes from Panama City and close to major urban tourist attractions including the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo – the historic old city. The Westin Playa Bonita will feature 611 luxurious guest rooms, three restaurants, a pool bar, entertainment area, lobby lounge and approximately 12,000 square feet of meeting and function space. Recreational facilities will include several pools and a full-service spa with 20 treatment rooms.
Aloft Bogota Airport, Colombia
The opening of Aloft Bogota Airport in late 2011 will mark the landmark entry of Starwood’s stylish Aloft brand in Latin America. Aloft Bogota will open within the Connecta retail and office complex, just a few blocks from the airport. The hotel will feature 142 guest rooms, approximately 1,000 square feet of meeting space and more than 100 dedicated parking spaces.
Villarica Park Lake Hotel & Spa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chile
Starwood’s Luxury Collection brand will reach ten hotels in Latin America with the opening of The Villarica Park Lake Hotel & Spa, a Luxury Collection Hotel in March of 2011. The hotel is ideally situated in the Araucanía region 435 miles south of Santiago, surrounded by lakes, volcanoes and mountains. The Villarrica Park Lake Hotel & Spa, a Luxury Collection Hotel is surrounded by stunning landscapes and vegetation and boasts spectacular panoramic views from its 70 rooms and suites. Guests are invited to unwind at the hotel’s luxurious spa, featuring a variety of indigenous treatments, fully equipped sauna and steam room, as well as a fitness center and indoor/outdoor pools. The hotel offers spacious meeting rooms for events, conventions or incentive groups, with state of the art technology and access to its 24-hour business center.
SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
