HotelREZ® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's largest, fastest-growing, and quality-driven hotel representation companies, announces the appointment of Luis Manuel Velarde as Vice President for Latin America (LATAM). This strategic move underscores HotelREZ' s commitment to global expansion and regional growth.
For five-star Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand in Cartagena, Colombia, a member of Radisson Individuals, achieving 100% guest satisfaction through service excellence is a top priority. To reach this goal, management turned to Guesthub, a web-based guest experience management solution that facilitates everything guests may need along their journey — from reservation to review™ — and without the need to download an app.
Apple Leisure Group® ("ALG"), a leading North American resort brand management, leisure travel and hospitality group, continues to expand with an ALG affiliate signing of Dreams® Karibana Cartagena Beach & Golf Resort.
Leading Spanish hotel group, Meliá Hotels International is announced its opening of the all-inclusive, adults-only Meliá Cartagena Karmairí. Located in the Manzanillo Del Mar - just 15 minutes from Cartagena De Indias and the second most traveled to destination in the Caribbean - Meliá Cartagena Karmairí offers guests the opportunity to explore the historic and colonial charm of the city while also boasting a magical beach retreat. The hotel is a destination of wellbeing and rest for guests seeking harmony between mind and body.
Hilton Garden Inn Pereira, owned by GR Hoteles SAS, will be the company's first hotel in Pereria, which forms part of Colombia's coffee axis - "el eje cafetero" and the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia. Set to begin construction this month, the 164-room property will be part of a mixed-use development including retail, offices and a private clinic. Already under construction, a 69-room Hilton Garden Inn owned by Futuristico Group SASwill also be opening in Cartagena's high-end neighborhood of Bocagrande, representing Hilton's fourth hotel in the city.
Sheraton adds to its list of Colombian hotels with a new opening set for March 2017. Sheraton Cartagena is a 5-star, new build development with a key count of 256 and will be located on a narrow finger of land jutting out from the city's peninsula towards the Isla de Tierra Bomba. Cartagena, located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is the country's fifth largest city and has been a popular tourist haunt for many decades. Colombia has seen increased peace and prosperity in the recent past and its tourism industry has benefited enormously from these calmer times.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Cartagena, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Colombia. The opening of the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Colombia is a milestone for Hyatt as it continues to focus on the development of the Hyatt Regency brand across Latin America.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced plans to open two new hotels in Cartagena, Colombia by 2018. The 210-room AC Hotel by Marriott Cartagena and the 201-room Cartagena Marriott Hotel will mark the company's first hotels in the beautiful city of Cartagena.
Meliá Hotels International continues its international growth in Colombia, one of the most dynamic markets in Latin America, with the announcement of the opening of the new Meliá Cartagena in Cartagena de Indias, scheduled for first quarter 2017. Cartagena is a strategic location in the Caribbean and one of the prime destinations for a vacations and business events.
Viceroy Hotel Group and KIT Capital announced today their partnership in the redevelopment of Obra Pía, a UNESCO World Heritage site located within the exclusive Old City in Cartagena, Colombia. Upon completion in early 2016, Convento Obra Pía, Viceroy Cartagena, the hotel group's first branded property in South America, will boast 102 luxury guest rooms and lush public spaces anchored within a majestic. restored 17th-century convent, as well as approximately 15 cabanas at an affiliated site in the Rosario Islands, off the coast of Cartagena.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning luxury hotel collection which owns and manages properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, today announced the launch of Allure Hotels, by Karisma and expansion of its portfolio with the introduction of two boutique hotels in Colombia. Located in the heart of Cartagena, Allure Bonbon and Allure Chocolat are now welcoming travelers.
Hilton Worldwide announced today that it has signed a management agreement with Megaterra Colombia S.A. for a 250-room new-build Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in Cartagena, Colombia. The Conrad brand's second hotel in Latin America and Hilton Worldwide's first managed Conrad hotel in the region will form part of the Karibana Beach & Golf Condominium – the first luxury resort in Colombia with a world class golf course, golf club, spa, beach and beach club. With an anticipated opening on Dec. 31, 2015, Conrad Cartagena will celebrate the 2016 New Year by introducing the brand's world of style and flawless service to this stunning city. John T. A. Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide said, "Adding a Conrad in an exciting location like Cartagena truly reflects the brand's intent to have a presence in each of the world's gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations. Welcoming guests across five continents, Conrad Hotels & Resorts offers stylish, sophisticated global luxury travelers the ultimate luxury – the luxury of being yourself." Located just 20 minutes from Cartagena's walled city, Conrad Cartagena will form part of the exclusive Karibana Beach & Golf Condominium, a luxury destination delivering a unique combination of upscale apartment living, hotel accommodation and leisure amenities unlike any other in Cartagena. Both residents and hotel guests will enjoy an array of upscale facilities and activities featuring the first Nicklaus Design 18-hole golf course in the area featuring natural surroundings including nine holes immersed in a natural forest and nine holes facing the Caribbean Sea. Karibana also offers a golf club with locker room, ballroom, semi-Olympic size pool and restaurant; beach club with bar, restaurant and pool; three pristine beaches including a beach perfect for events, family beach and sports beach with water sports; plexicushion surface tennis courts; world-class spa; ecological tours around Karibana and the Guayepo River; and first-class dining. Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Cartagena is a magnificent city, fueled with the warmth of its residents, historic surroundings and an impressive cultural offering. We couldn't be happier to bring a third Hilton Worldwide hotel to the destination and Conrad Cartagena will be a perfect complement to the well-known Hilton at El Laguito Peninsula. And to do so with Megaterra Colombia S.A. - such experienced professionals, is a privilege." Designed by SB Architects, an award-winning firm in Miami, and interior designers Estudio Echeverria Edwards from Chile, Conrad Cartagena will be the perfect addition to the already impressive Karibana resort. Less than 10 miles from the international airport, Conrad Cartagena will welcome guests by offering one-of-a-kind experiences with personalized, intuitive service, and sophisticated, locally inspired surroundings. "Having closely monitored the development and success of the Karibana master development over the last few years, we were honored to manage the rigorous operator selection process for its hotel component. Hilton Worldwide's unique and luxurious Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand is a natural fit with the standard of excellence Karibana's Ownership has established in the residential market and golf community, and we look forward to the execution of a truly one of a kind project," said Leon Perez, managing director of GFG Securities. Conrad Cartagena will feature 250 guest rooms, including deluxe rooms, executive floor rooms and suites, all outfitted with signature Conrad Hotels & Resort amenities boasting plush bedding, dedicated work, sleep and relaxation zones, spacious bathrooms, superior quality individual serving espresso maker, minibar and more. Discerning guests staying in an executive room or suite will enjoy the added benefit of the hotel's executive lounge, which will offer light snacks and beverages throughout the day. Guests of Conrad Cartagena will also have access to meeting space, dining and recreational amenities. Approximately 14,000 square feet of versatile meeting space will include a ballroom, pre-function space, two breakout rooms, two boardrooms and six flexible meeting rooms, as well as a business center. Stylish and innovative dining selections will feature a signature restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, pool bar and coffee shop, in addition to the dining options offered throughout the entire resort complex. An outdoor swimming pool and fitness center complete the facilities. "We are delighted to work with Hilton Worldwide and the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand in developing the premier luxury resort product in Cartagena. With over 30 years of successful operation in Cartagena, Hilton Worldwide is the ideal operator for the new hotel addition to the Karibana Beach Golf Resort & Condominium, and we are confident in their ability to offer superior hospitality. As Cartagena becomes an increasingly popular international tourist destination, we look forward to welcoming residents and travelers to the complete vacationing experience that Karibana has to offer, and thank GFG Securities for their efforts in securing a management agreement with one of the leading international hotel operators," said Karibana Ownership. Conrad Cartagena will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,000 hotels worldwide. Hilton Worldwide currently has five hotels and resorts open and welcoming travelers in Colombia: Hilton Bogota, Hilton Cartagena, Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogota, Hampton by Hilton Cartagena, and Hampton by Hilton Barranquilla. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at www.conradhotels.com. Media can access renderings of Conrad Cartagena and additional information at http://news.conradhotels.com/cartagena.
Hilton Cartagena announces the completion of a multimillion dollar renovation campaign that introduces a total transformation of 288 main tower guest rooms, as well as upgrades to its extensive pool complex. The 341-room beachfront Hilton Cartagena, scenically located at the tip of El Laguito Peninsula, now welcomes guests to rooms with larger living space and a design that brings the calming essence of the sea indoors.
Prior to Hampton’s appointment at Casa San Agustín, she has worked for distinguished and premier luxury boutique properties. She was part of the opening team, and continued on as GM at the prestigious Casa Tua in Miami Beach. Thereafter, she was as an independent consultant for Casa Casuarina, formerly the Versace Mansion, where she further honed in experience in the luxury market. Part of Hampton’s hospitality career track includes managing the all-suite, Casa Grande Hotel in Miami, and she also held the title, Director of Operations and Owner’s Relations at the luxurious Santa Maria Condominium. Here, she worked directly with the sales and marketing department, and was instrumental in developing the sales approach for the 170 plus luxury units. Hampton has acquired experience in all facets of hotel operations growing professionally in her different roles from Front Desk Agent to Housekeeping Supervisor, and from Room Divisions Director to her several General Manager positions. Well acquainted with operations in the pre and post opening phases to growing a brand’s clientele, Hampton is a natural leader.
"We are excited to bring another exciting full-service upscale hotel to our collection in South America," said Stephanie Sonnabend, president and chief executive officer for Sonesta. "This hotel offers spectacular views of the Caribbean and as our first beach resort in Latin America, it is a wonderful addition to our collection."
Marriott International, Inc. continues to grow its portfolio in Colombia with the announcement of its plans to open the 278-room Cartagena Marriott Hotel in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Currently scheduled to open in 2014, the project will be operated under a management agreement with Promotora El Faro S.A., controlled by Spazio Urbano. Marriott International is currently represented in Colombia by the JW Marriott Bogota Hotel and Bogota Marriott Hotel.
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), (LSE:IHG) (NYSE:IHG) (ADRs), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, and Latin America’s most experienced international hotel company, today announced that it had signed an agreement with Colombia-based Espacios Urbanos S.A. to manage a new-build InterContinental property in Cartagena, Colombia. The hotel will be the 23rd InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Latin America and the Caribbean (19 open and 4 under construction).