Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of a management agreement to operate a Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Barranquilla, Colombia - the largest industrial and port city in Colombia’s Caribbean region. The new-build Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla, expected to open in 2013, represents the brand’s fifth development project in Latin America and Hilton Worldwide’s fourth hotel in Colombia - following the recent opening of Hilton Bogota.

The Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla will be developed by Hernando Heredia Arquitectos Ltda.  Hilton Worldwide will operate the hotel under the terms of a multi-year management agreement as part of its expansion efforts in Latin America.

“This is an exciting time for Hilton Worldwide in Colombia,” commented Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide.  “With the recent opening of Hilton Bogota, and now the signing of the Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla, we are thrilled to expand our portfolio in one of Latin America’s most important destinations and are poised to continue our growth in this market.” 

Forming part of the award-winning, mid-priced brand that delivers high quality and value, the Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla will be approximately 40 minutes from the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, and will form part of a mixed use complex featuring office space, an upscale shopping mall with 126 stores, seven movie theaters and parking.  The city of Barranquilla, located in Northern Colombia, is served by both direct domestic and international flights including a less than three hour flight from Miami and a less than hour and a half flight from Colombia’s capital city of Bogota.

“The Hilton Garden Inn brand is committed to global expansion and introducing the brand to new markets,” commented Adrian Kurre, Global Head, Hilton Garden Inn.  “We are excited about this latest hotel agreement and welcoming travelers with upscale and affordable accommodation in another key destination in Latin America.”

The Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla will feature 114 guest rooms, all with the Garden Sleep System® allowing guests to adjust the firmness and softness of the bed, ergonomic Mirra® chair by Herman Miller, LCD high-definition, flat-screen television, easy-to-set alarm clock with MP3 connectivity, a spacious work desk, and a “hospitality center” that features a mini refrigerator and coffee maker.

Dining options will include a full service restaurant offering freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, a bar, and the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® shop with a selection of delicious readymade meals, beverages and snacks.

Recreational facilities will boast an outdoor swimming pool, massage area, and a complimentary fitness center featuring Precor® cardio and strength training equipment, and Stay Fit Kits® that can be checked out from the hotel front desk and enable guests to do yoga, Pilates and core workouts in the privacy of their guestroom or in the workout facility.

Travelers to the Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla will also have access to nearly 5,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as signature Hilton Garden Inn brand attributes such as complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center.

The Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla 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 3,700 hotels worldwide.

Barranquilla is one of Colombia’s most important and largest industrial and port cities, due to its location near the delta of the Magdalena River.  Barranquilla has grown as a major business and tourist center thanks to its infrastructure and cultural influences.  The city features theaters, museums and the Carnival of Barranquilla - one of the most famous festivals in Colombia and recognized by UNESCO.

Hilton Worldwide currently has 47 hotels and resorts in Latin America and is expanding throughout the region with a robust development pipeline that includes properties in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Peru.

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