Starwood Hotels has made history as the inaugural American hospitality brand to establish a presence in Cuba after nearly sixty years of embargo.
The company secured approval from the U.S. Treasury Department to manage three prominent hotels in Havana, marking a pivotal moment for both tourism and diplomatic relations. This milestone was announced just before the landmark visit of President Obama to Havana—the first by a sitting U.S. president since the Cuban Revolution.
The iconic Hotel Inglaterra is now part of Starwood’s The Luxury Collection, while the Hotel Quinta Avenida has been rebranded under the Four Points by Sheraton portfolio. Both hotels underwent extensive renovations to align with Starwood’s luxury standards before reopening to guests. Additionally, Starwood has signed an agreement to transition the historic Hotel Santa Isabel into The Luxury Collection, showcasing its commitment to preserving Cuban heritage.
Starwood outpaced major competitors, including Marriott International, to become the first American hotel group to invest in Cuba’s hospitality sector since the embargo was enacted.
“Cuba’s captivating history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery have long attracted the attention of the global travel industry. We are honored to be the pioneers, introducing our prestigious brands to this dynamic market at a transformative time,” commented Thomas B. Mangas, CEO of Starwood Hotels.
Founded in 1875, the Hotel Inglaterra is renowned for the legendary Gran Café el Louvre, a gathering place for artists and travelers for over a century. Upon completion of its restoration, the property offers 83 elegantly appointed guest rooms.
Hotel Quinta Avenida, situated in the upscale Miramar district, primarily serves business travelers and features approximately 186 rooms along with cutting-edge conference amenities.
Housed in a 19th-century colonial mansion on the Plaza de Armas, the Hotel Santa Isabel boasts panoramic views of Havana Harbor and encompasses 27 rooms, including 11 suites, blending historic charm with modern luxury.
“Our approach to hotel conversions, as demonstrated in Cuba, allows us to celebrate and conserve the nation’s architectural and cultural legacy while delivering a world-class branded experience. Our deeply rooted and expert team in Latin America and the Caribbean is excited to welcome discerning travelers to Cuba for generations to come,” stated Jorge Giannattasio, Starwood’s Senior Vice President and Chief of Latin America Operations.
With the U.S. and Cuba having restored commercial air links, American airlines now operate up to 110 daily roundtrip flights, significantly enhancing accessibility and fueling a surge in American tourism to Cuba for the first time in more than five decades.