Meliá expands presence in Cuba, announces new hotels

Meliá Hotels International has announced four new hospitality projects in Cuba as it continues to boost its presence in the country. 

In addition, the new Meliá Trinidad Peninsula and Sol Caribe Beach are due to open this season on the island, which is expecting to welcome 3.5 million tourists this year.

The news was shared this week at the FIT Cuba tourism fair, where Vice President and CEO, Gabriel Escarrer, shared some details, according to a press release. 

“We have no doubt that Cuba will recover to pre-crisis levels and will be in a better state than ever before," Escarrer stated. "For this reason, it is essential for us to continue improving our portfolio of hotels on the island, promoting new quality experiences in line with an increasingly demanding demand.” 

In this context, Meliá Trinidad Peninsula will open next autumn. It's slated as the first five-star hotel in the colonial town of Trinidad, which is declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. 

Located a few minutes from the city and the Topes de Collantes natural park, the hotel for families and couples promises to be a starting point for guests hoping to discover one of Cuba's most charming regions. 

It extends to the foot of Maria Aguilar Beach, on the Ancon Peninsula, with views of the Caribbean waters and the Escambray Mountains. 

It has more than 400 modern rooms, some with direct pool access. The Level area, Meliá Hotels & Resorts' VIP concept, is a private space for those looking for that little bit extra, offering exclusive services and personalized attention.

Sol Caribe Beach is Meliá's new hotel in Varadero, which has also just opened its doors. Located on the seafront and with easy access to the urban centre and shopping hubs, this hotel is especially designed for families. 

Four new projects 

Escarrer announced four further projects for the island, that will begin this year as part of the company's portfolio. 

The first of these will be the INNSiDE Habana Catedral, an entirely new 50-room hotel that brings INNSIDE by Meliá to the capital. 

This is one of the group's lifestyle brands, where the most adventurous travellers will find an affordable proposal, adapted to their lifestyle, spontaneous, informal and creative. 

The hotel, located in the central Cathedral Square, aims to connect the tourist community with the city, so that it is part of their discovery experience.

The second project is the Hotel Plaza in Havana, which has 188 rooms. 

The iconic hotel which first opened in 1909 is famous for its neoclassical architecture and its triangular floor plan. 

It will join the exclusive Meliá Collection portfolio, the group's newest luxury brand, and Meliá says the hotel will retain its "traditional essence while incorporating luxury services and amenities demanded by our most exclusive and experienced guests." 

Also in Havana, the company will take over the management of the historic Hotel Sevilla, located by the Paseo del Prado. 

This heritage property joins the Affiliated by Meliá network, with 178 rooms, a sophisticated gastronomic proposal and multiple spaces that will leave guests with indelible memories of their time in the Cuban capital.

Finally, in Holguín, Meliá will manage the Sol Turquesa Beach hotel, a 531-room property located in the middle of a magnificent natural landscape, in Yuraguanal beach. 

Its design simulates a late 19th century Spanish ranch and stands out for its comfortable rooms and gastronomy. Its waterfall pools pools offer a "unique experience in this beautiful East Cuba resort." 

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