New Hotels in Panama City Reinforce Company’s Commitment to Grow inCentral AmericaBEVERLY HILLS, Calif.-
Hilton Hotels Corporation announces its return to Panama with the signing of four multi-year agreements inPanama City, Panama: two management agreements for a brand-new Hilton andnew build Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel, one franchise agreement for aDoubletree by Hilton™ conversion and one franchise agreement for a newly built Hilton Garden Inn. Each hotel will represent the first in the country for eachbrand.“We are truly excited about these developments in Panama City and being backin such a great city,” commented Daniel Hughes, senior vice president ofoperations, Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation.“These newest additions reinforce our commitment to add a number of properties to our Central America portfolio and to have a presence in one of the region’sfastest growing destinations. We’re looking forward to being part of a thriving city that continues to offer some of the best tourist attractions in the region.”
The 351-room Hilton Panama will be a first class property developed by StarBay Group, Inc., and Hilton Hotels Corporation will operate the hotel under theterms of a multi-year management agreement. Led by F&F Properties and itspresident Saul Faskha, construction of the Hilton Panama has begun andcompletion is scheduled for 2011. Located in Panama City’s financial district, thehotel marks the Hilton brand’s return to the capital. Just 13 miles from TocumenInternational Airport and five miles from the Panama Canal, the Hilton Panamawill boast an array of recreational facilities including an 8,200 square-foot fitnesscenter, a 10,750 square-foot world-class spa, outdoor terrace swimming pool,and a Las Vegas-style casino. The property will have more than 22,000 squarefeet of meeting space, including a 7,500 square-foot ballroom. Dining options willinclude an upscale specialty restaurant, a three-meal restaurant with outdoorterrace and ocean views, and lobby bar. The 27-floor hotel will form part of a 68-floor mixed-use complex with 650,000 square feet of office space.The Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City will be developed by SabadellInvestment Inc. and Hilton Hotels Corporation will operate the hotel under theterms of a multi-year management agreement. Construction of the 306-roomupscale, all-suite full service Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City isscheduled to begin in 2009 with an estimated completion date of October 2011.
Located in the prime financial district of Panama City, the hotel is approximately12 miles from Tocumen International Airport and will feature a number ofrecreational facilities including fitness center, spa, outdoor swimming pool, giftshops, and casino. The property will offer a business center and more than15,500 square feet of meeting space, including a 12,750 square-foot ballroom.Dining options will include a signature restaurant, a lounge bar, complimentarybreakfast and evening reception area, and Flying Spoons outlet. The 21-floorhotel will be part of 71-story building with premier office space.The Doubletree by Hilton Panama City will be developed and operated by BlueStar Hospitality, S.A., under a franchise agreement with Hilton HotelsCorporation. The 213-room property is undergoing an extensive renovation to rebrandas a Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Spring 2010. The eight-story hotel isstrategically located at one of the city’s most important intersections in thebusiness district - Via España and Avenida Federico Boyd - across from thearchitecturally striking Iglesia del Carmen. The Doubletree by Hilton Panama Citywill offer a rooftop fitness center, pool and spa, retail outlets, 2,000 square feet ofmeetings space, and a full-service restaurant.
Developed by Metropolitan Hotels SA, the Hilton Garden Inn Panama willfeature 163 spacious guestrooms and seven suites offering the Garden SleepSystem® bed; ergonomic Mirra® chair by Herman Miller; complimentary wiredand Wi-Fi high speed Internet access; high definition flat screen television; MP3capable clock radio. The hotel also features a complimentary 24-hour businesscenter; a comfortable lounge area to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning orunwind at the end of the day with a refreshing beverage; and a total of 160square meters of flexible meeting space -- ideal for business meetings, socialevents and wedding receptions. For dining options, the hotel will feature theGreat American Grill® restaurant offering freshly prepared breakfast and dinner;evening room service and the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience mart with aselection of beverages, snacks, and sundries. Recreational facilities at the hotelwill include an outdoor rooftop heated whirlpool; complimentary fitness centerfeaturing Precor® cardio and strength equipment; and Stay Fit Kits® that can bechecked out from the hotel front desk and enable guests to do yoga, Pilates andcore workouts in the privacy of their guestroom or in the workout facility.All properties will participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards programthat allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeempoints for free nights with No Blackout Dates.Ted Middleton, senior vice president, development, the Americas, for HiltonHotels Corporation commented, “Hilton’s expansion in Panama City is part of ouroverall plan to grow our portfolio of properties in the Caribbean and LatinAmerica. Owners and developers understand the value of our brands and we arevery optimistic about our growth opportunities in the region.”Panama City is the political and cultural center of Panama, and the financialcenter of Central America. Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal,the city is well known as the home of some of the tallest skyscrapers in LatinAmerica. Tourists can explore a variety of attractions including the famous Bridgeof the Americas spanning over the Panama Canal, tropical forests, and the city’sold quarter featuring a waterfront promenade, theaters, museums, restaurants,and the presidential palace.
