(Daily Finance
) Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYS: HOT) today announced that its rapidly expanding Aloft brand has arrived in Panama, one of the most important travel markets in the Americas. Aloft Panama is the fourth Aloft hotel to open in Latin America, since the brand made its debut less than two years ago. It is owned and operated by Nuevos Hoteles de Panama S.A. under a franchise agreement. Aloft Panama offers 139 spacious loft-like rooms, tech forward innovation and a buzzing, social atmosphere. By 2014, it will offer an additional 186 rooms as part of an expansion phase.
“Aloft’s growth in Latin America over the last two years reflects the appeal of the design led focus and vibrant social scene among people who travel to the region for business or pleasure,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “We are excited about Aloft’s continued momentum as we open hotels in important travel markets like Panama.”
Panama is one of the most dynamic travel markets in the Americas, with a high-demand of business travel and an increasing number of leisure tourism. Strategically, Panama is an important market for Starwood. Following this opening, Starwood will operate five brands in the country, including Aloft, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien and Westin, and will extend its footprint to eight hotels.
“2013 has been a record-year for us in terms of openings, and we are thrilled to continue to grow Starwood’s presence in Latin America by bringing the Aloft brand to Panama,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, Co-President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Americas. “Panama is one of the region’s most important financial centers and business travel destinations. Aloft Panama is an ideal addition to our robust portfolio in the country as it caters to the next generation of travelers, who are looking for a vibrant alternative in the mid-market segment.”
“Panama is going through a moment of great momentum and Aloft Panama is arriving with a new ultra-modern concept that will be a perfect fit for executives who are looking for a hotel where they can stay connected, at an accessible price point that also has a great social vibe with its W XYZ bar,” said Jorge Liakópulos, Vice-president of Nuevos Hoteles de Panamá. “We know the potential of the market, and are certain that the new generation of travelers will not want to miss the Aloft Panama experience.”
Aloft Panama is adjacent to Sheraton Panama and Convention Center and strategically located across the city’s ATLAPA Convention Center and is approximately 5 KM from downtown and the financial center, making it an ideal choice for savvy business travelers. Amenities include an outdoor SplashSM pool, W XYZsmbar, RE:FUEL by Aloft, its 24/7 pantry for self-service light meals and snacks with healthy options, and RE:CHARGE, Aloft’s 24/7 gym, and nearly 5,800 square feet of flexible meeting space ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings.
Pioneering initiatives in music, design, and technology have positioned Aloft as a must-have brand for the next generation of travelers. Aloft has reported consistently high guest satisfaction scores since launch, reflecting the success of its modern and vibrant design at an affordable price point.
The opening of Aloft Panama will mark Starwood’s fourth Aloft hotel in Latin America following the opening of Aloft Cancun, opened in July; Aloft San Jose, Costa Rica in 2012 and Aloft Bogota in 2011. Four more hotels are slated to open, including Aloft Guadalajara in 2013; Aloft Merida in 2014; and Aloft Montevideo and Aloft Asuncion in 2015.