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Starwood expands footprint in Colombia

Starwood expands footprint in Colombia

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its presence in Colombia with the openings of Four Points Bogota and Four Points Barranquilla. Both hotels are operated by GHL Hotels under franchise agreements.

With these openings, Starwood continues to strengthen its presence in Colombia, one of the fastest growing economies and most dynamic travel markets in the region. Starwood’s current operating portfolio includes the recently opened W Bogota, Sheraton Bogota Hotel, Aloft Bogota Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Cali and Four Points by Sheraton Medellin, with Sheraton Cartagena set to open by the end of 2015.

“Colombia received a record number of tourists over the last year, thanks to macro-economic factors that have enabled it to become one of the top-performing markets in Latin America,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Chief of Latin America Operations and Global Initiatives, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled about our growth in this dynamic travel market and to introduce these two new Four Points hotels.”

The new Four Points by Sheraton Bogota offers 140 stylish guestrooms, all with modern bathrooms and the brand’s signature Four Comfort Bed®, as well as one large suite with a balcony offering spectacular views of city. Guests can also enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Azul, the full-service restaurant offering international cuisine and Colombian specialties, and rooftop bar Terraza, which is the perfect place to enjoy the evening with breathtaking views of the city and the mountains. The property also boasts a well-appointed gym with state-of-the-art equipment along with a full-service spa spanning more than 4,000 square feet. In addition, the hotel features more than 6,000 square feet of event space with six ballrooms that can be combined to host events for up to 500 people.

“We’re seeing incredible growth momentum for the Four Points brand in key markets around the world,” said Brian McGuinness, Global Brand Leader, Specialty Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Designed with the traveler in mind, the openings of Four Points will offer business travelers a modern, yet simplified hotel experience in two of Colombia’s most dynamic cities.”

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Four Points by Sheraton Barranquilla is Starwood’s first hotel in this thriving city. Located in one of the city’s buzzing commercial centers and Colombia’s largest port, Barranquilla is home to corporate offices, renowned restaurants, shopping and an energetic nightlife. The hotel will be located in one of the city’s vibrant commercial centers close to corporate offices, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. It will have 119 stylish guestrooms, including two very well appointed junior suites. The hotel will feature KITCHEN by Raush, a full-service restaurant, Raush 53, a lobby bar and Bar Cielo a rooftop venue with views of the city. It also has an indoor pool, fitness center and meeting space for approximately 200 people, with five ballrooms that can be used for business meetings or social events.

Both hotels offer all of the services and amenities that have made the brand the favorite among business travelers by providing them with modern and comfortable design at a great price. The restaurants and bars all feature the Best Brews signature program, which offers guests a wide variety of national and international beers to choose from. Business travelers are also able to enjoy complimentary internet access as well as a fully equipped business center.

Globally, Four Points by Sheraton is a key growth driver for Starwood. In Latin America, the brand has expanded to primary and secondary cities due to its important link with the iconic Sheraton brand and because it is considered “the best for business,” in the four star category.

With these openings, there are 16 Four Points by Sheraton hotels in key markets such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Mexico and Uruguay, including the recently opened Four Points Queretaro and Four Points Saltillo in Mexico and Four Points Cancun, which will open in early 2015 followed by its first hotel in Ecuador, in the city of Cuenca. Four Points Puebla is planned to debut in the beginning of 2017. With these openings, the brand’s portfolio will expand to 18 Four Points hotels, making it the second largest brand for Starwood in Latin America.