St Giles Hotels is on course to become the UK’s first hotel brand to open in Cuba after its bid to take over the management of Hotel Deauville in the heart of Havana was accepted.

The breakthrough four star hotel deal was negotiated by Abigail Tan-Giroud, head of Europe, UK & the Americas, with advisory from Geskaria Real Estate Investment.

When opened the hotel will become the group’s 11th property, in-line with an ambition to offer a portfolio of 20 hotels worldwide by 2020.

St Giles Hotels currently operates across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America and is set to open its first Caribbean property in partnership with Gran Caribe, one of Cuba’s foremost hotel groups.

The re-development is set to be completed in early 2019 when the property will re-open as The Deauville – A St Giles Signature Hotel.

In keeping with St Giles Hotels mantra, Be Central, The Deauville is located along The Malecón, the iconic coastline that stretches from Havana Harbour in Old Havana along the Centro Habana district and ending in the Vedado neighbourhood.

As well as boasting a prime location in the heart of the bustling city, guests will enjoy world-class amenities; a gym overlooking the colourful capital and rooftop bar to drink-in sweeping views of the Caribbean.

Abigail Tan-Giroud said of the new development: “We are incredibly excited and honoured to have been distinguished with this opportunity.

“Our success in hotel development, and management, vast experience in construction, and our brand’s value of preserving culture and enhancing communities, puts St Giles Hotels in a prime situation to partner with the Cuban government on re-developing this gem in Havana.

“And of course, being the first UK hotel group to be granted entry is a bonus!”