Starwood first to enter Cuba; signs three hotels

Starwood has signed three hotel deals in Cuba, becoming the first U.S.-based hospitality company to enter the market in nearly 60 years.

Long-time Havana icon, Hotel Inglaterra, will join The Luxury Collection and Hotel Quinta Avenida will become a Four Points by Sheraton. Both hotels will undergo renovations before raising their new brand flags later this year.

The company has also signed a Letter of Intent to convert the famed Hotel Santa Isabel into a member of The Luxury Collection.

Thomas B. Mangas, Starwood’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “With Cuba’s rich history, natural beauty and strong culture, there is no question the entire U.S. hospitality industry has watched Cuba with great interest, and we are thrilled to lead the charge and bring our sophisticated, high-end brands into the market at this inflection point.”