Accor Of France Managed Four Properties In Cuba. Now One. Disagreements About Standards, Funding. Latest SO/Havana Paseo del Prado, Managed Since 2018. Will Become Royalton Habana Managed By Canada’s Blue Diamond Resorts.

Permitting another another internationally-recognized luxury brand to exit the marketplace demonstrates financial pressures and management philosophy constraints continuing to impact government of the Republic of Cuba and a return to focus upon fewer brands and mid-market demographic.

Issy-les-Moulineaux, France-based Accor S.A. is a “multinational hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties. It is the largest hospitality company in Europe, and the 6th largest hospitality company worldwide. Accor, with more than 230,000 employees, operates 778,000 rooms in 5,300 locations in more than 110 countries.” Accor S.A. had four properties under management in the Republic of Cuba. Now, it has one.

178-room Hotel Mercure Sevilla Havane (1995-2018)
385-room Mercure Playa de Oro (2012-2017)
518-room Pullman Cayo Coco Hotel (2015- )
250-room SO/Paseo Del Prado La Habana (2018-2022)

The Mercure Playa de Oro Varadero is owned by Republic of Cuba government-operated Gran Caribe. Disagreement as to responsibility for financing for renovations resulted Accor S.A. returning the property to Gran Caribe. Accor S.A. had reported that the Hotel Mercure Sevilla Havane was to undergo a US$20 million renovation to become an MGallery by Sofitel property. Disagreement as to responsibility for financing resulted in Accor S.A. returning the property to its owner, Gran Caribe.

Pullman Cayo Coco Hotel (518 rooms): The property of owned by Gran Caribe. Accor S.A. has managed the property since December 2015. From Accor S.A.: “Hotels combining lifestyle and design, for business and leisure. All-inclusive 5-star resort facing the Caribbean Sea and ideally located in the hearth of the ecological park of the island of Cayo Coco. The resort has 2 sections: main hotel featuring 522 deluxe rooms and The Collection by Pullman adult only section offering junior suites, full suites and private Golden Villa. Our property offers a choice of 8 restaurants, 10 bars, 7 pools, 600-meter long private white sand beach, state of the art spa, Kids Club, banquet facilities and much more. Located off the Northern Cost of Cuba, on the Atlantic Ocean side, and part of the Jardines Del Rey archipelago that counts over 2,500 islands and cays widely renowned for its white sand beaches, calm and crystal-clear waters and natural surroundings.”

The spirited luxury brand is set to debut SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado in early 2020 and will feature signature creative touches by renowned fashion designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

“Toronto, 19 September 19 2018- AccorHotels announces plans to further expand its presence and options for travelers in the Americas with the introduction of SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado, a new address set to open in early 2020 in Havana, Cuba. As the first SO/ property in the Americas region, the hotel will showcase the brand’s rebellious, immersive interpretation on the luxury travel experience. SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado will be located at the intersection of Paseo de Marti and Malecón, in the heart of one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Cuba’s capital. “We are thrilled to introduce the vivid and playful SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand into the Americas and look forward to debuting the brand’s first hotel in the region in the heart of Havana,” said Heather McCrory, AccorHotels Executive Vice President of Operations, North & Central America. “Vibrant, edgy, fashionable and bursting with local energy, SO/ hotels are an exceptional fusion of local culture, lively entertainment, outstanding food and beverage options and services, and avant-garde design with a touch of luxury. We are certain that SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado will please even the most audacious luxury travelers and become one of the most trendy and social destinations in the city.” “

“A Luxury Hotel Brand Makes its Debut in Havana: One of the fastest growing brands in the AccorHotels luxury portfolio, SO/ Hotels & Resorts is an exclusive lifestyle brand with one-of-a-kind, fashionable properties located in select high-energy and dynamic destinations worldwide. With design at the core of the SO/ brand, the hotel in Havana will unfold as a glamorous yet playful masterpiece featuring the creative signature of celebrated Spanish fashion designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada – from the hotel’s emblem to the staff’s stylish uniforms. "I am incredibly excited to take part in the design of the new SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado,” commented Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. “Havana is a magical and colorful city, and the design process came quite naturally. The world of Cuban dance was my central inspiration, and with that, the project came alive almost out of its own accord.” With 10 stories above street level on a 5,000 square-meter parcel, SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado will feature 250 guest rooms, including 36 suites. Ranging in size from 34 to 64 square meters, guest rooms will consist of stylish contemporary furnishings, neutral palettes, splashes of color, innovative technology and thoughtful designer amenities. The hotel will offer five food & beverage outlets including a specialty restaurant and rooftop bar on the ninth floor, an exclusive chocolate café bar, a lively lobby lounge and bar, and an all-day signature dining restaurant. Additional hotel features include three interior meeting rooms spanning approximately 200 square meters; a 400 square-meter SO/ SPA with six treatment rooms; a 150 square-meter SO/ FIT fitness center; and a 155 square-meter swimming pool with an adjacent pool bar. The hotel will also feature additional signature elements of the SO/ lifestyle such as the Just Say SO service and SO Parties, featuring the hottest DJs and artists.”

“In partnership with AccorHotels, SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado is part of Grupo de Turismo Gaviota, a Havana-based tourism and hospitality company boasting three decades of experience in the industry with over 85 hotels, representing more than 30,400 rooms throughout Cuba. SO/ hotels are vibrant and highly sought-after destinations for trendy and discerning travelers. In addition to SO/ Havana Paseo del Prado, the brand will soon unveil hotels in dynamic and desirable locations including Auckland (November 2018), Kuala Lumpur (2020), Samui (2020) and Jakarta (2021.)These additions will expand an eclectic SO/ portfolio which already includes two stunning SO/ properties in Thailand, Bangkok & Hua Hin, SO/ Mauritius, SO/ Singapore and the recently opened properties including SO/ Berlin Das Stue, SO/ Vienna and SO/ St. Petersburg.”

Blue Diamond Resorts Will Manage One of the Most Luxurious Hotels in Cuba

“TORONTO, 18 July 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand its portfolio within the region, Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba is pleased to announce that it will take over the operation of the most luxurious hotel in Habana which will be rebranded as Royalton Habana, with operations expected to begin on August 1st, 2022. This 250-room city hotel offers both a privileged location and stunning views. Nestled right in the entrance to the country’s capital, Royalton Habana will provide astonishing views from inside and outside; thanks to its modern look as well as the views provided from the rooms, its three restaurants and bars, and the rooftop infinity pool that faces the Habana Bay and the San Salvador de la Punta Castle, one of the three key forts in Habana. The property, owned by Grupo de Turismo Gaviota, one of the most important tourism companies in the Caribbean, will offer exclusive features that will make this hotel the ideal place for all types of discerning travelers. “This new addition to our portfolio is a major milestone to our company and the region,” mentioned Mohamad Fawzi, Managing Director for Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba. “Royalton Habana will allow us to evolve in city tourism with a hotel focused on luxury with which we will be able to make our clients enjoy great experiences. We are convinced that it will become a benchmark hotel for both Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba and the region,” he added. Although this hotel will not be the first city hotel managed by Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba, Royalton Habana will be the first city hotel within the Royalton Luxury Resorts portfolio. Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba is consolidated throughout the Caribbean as the fastest growing hotel chain, now with 36 properties in its portfolio and more than 10,000 rooms. The company has experienced considerable growth this year. Only a few weeks ago, Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba announced that it will exclusively manage the touristic region of Cayo Largo del Sur.”

“About Blue Diamond Resorts: Since its inception in 2011, Blue Diamond Resorts has curated an impressive portfolio encompassing 45 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in ten countries. Taking a proactive approach to differentiating brands under each market’s demands, the resort management company caters to a range of budgets and interests from adult-only elegant getaways to fun-filled family vacations. Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts offers signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, modern Sports Event Guarantee™, and in-suite wellness elements. Royalton Luxury Resorts’ adults-only sub-brands include Hideaway at Royalton, an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations, plus the stylish lifestyle resort, Royalton CHIC, located in the Caribbean’s best beachfront locales. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril provides those over 21 with an upscale and luxurious naturist vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed to impress the entire family, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value for customers in convenient locations. Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports. Mystique by Royalton, a boutique-style resort collection, offers personalized vacations in strikingly beautiful locals full of endless adventures.”

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