Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide signed three new hotel deals in Cuba, marking the first U.S.-based hospitality company to enter the Cuban market in nearly 60 years. The announcement follows a receipt of authorization from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Starwood has partnered with owner Gran Caribe to transform the Hotel Inglaterra. Just steps from the Gran Teatro de La Habana, the hotel, which is home to the Gran Café el Louvre, first opened its doors in 1875. Featuring 85 guestrooms, the property will undergo renovations, and reopen later this year.
In partnership with owner Grupo de Turismo Gaviota, Starwood will rebrand the Hotel Quinta Avenida into a Four Points by Sheraton. Located in Havana’s Miramar district, the hotel features 186 guestrooms, and meeting facilities.
Starwood has also signed a letter of intent with Habaguanex, the owner of the Hotel Santa Isabel, a 19th-century colonial palace. Pending U.S. Treasury Department approval, the 27-room hotel, which overlooks the Havana harbor, will become part of the Luxury Collection.Â
Starwood’s announcements follow President Obama’s declaration last December that he intends to normalize relationships with Cuba. Since then, the U.S. embassy in Havana has been reestablished, and U.S. airlines have announced over 110 daily round trip flights, which have been suspended for more than 50 years. Currently, President Obama is in Cuba on a three-day trip with his family.
The announcement came amidst news last week that Starwood is strongly considering a takeover proposal offered by a consortium led by China’s Anbang Insurance Group. Doing so would override a merger already in process with Marriott International, which would have created the largest hotel group in the world. The outcome is yet to be determined.Â
