The American flag is flying once again in Cuba as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide on Wednesday announced the opening of Four Points Havana, representing an historic moment in the hotel business as this hotel is the first in Cuba to be managed by a U.S.-based hotel company since the 1959 revolution.
The Four Points Havana, owned by Cuba’s largest hotel company, Grupo Hotelero Gaviota, will be followed in late August by the repositioning and rebranding of the state-owned Gran Caribe Inglaterra to Starwood’s Luxury Collection soft brand.
The refurbishment of the new 186-room Four Points Havana, formerly the 5th Avenue Hotel, will be ongoing for several months. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, business facility and a fully equipped spa. It also offers Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Since the agreement was signed, Starwood has made significant life and safety upgrades to the property to ensure that it meets the company’s global standards. As of Wednesday, reservations at the property can be made through the Starwood’s booking channels globally and SPG members may earn points for staying at the hotel and redeem points to stay.
“As one of the most successful brands in the Latin America region, the Four Points brand’s aggressive footprint—18 hotels in 9 countries—caters to business travelers from around the world,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Starwood’s senior vice president and chief of Latin America operations. “We are confident that it will be a perfect fit for this dynamic market.”