Hilton Worldwide Announces Conrad Hotel in Cartagena, Colombia
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.