During the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) in Miami last week, Hilton Worldwide announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Caribbean-based Sterling Developments to build an Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel on the island of St. Kitts & Nevis, making it the first Hilton property in the territory. The 226-suite hotel is currently under construction and plans to open its doors in Q1 2017.
“The signing of Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Kitts furthers Hilton Worldwide’s goal to serve any guest for any trip occasion anywhere in the world, and underscores the confidence we place in the Caribbean as a top tourism destination,” said Ted Middleton, senior vice president, development, Latin America, Hilton Worldwide.
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Kitts will be located in Pelican Bay, which is an exclusive private cove nestled on seven acres of gently sloping land, cascading down to a private beach on the Caribbean side of the island. Once complete, the hotel will offer easy access to the area’s main roads and downtown attractions, and is only 10 minutes away from Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
“St. Kitts is one of the hidden gems of the Caribbean and the Embassy Suites by Hilton brand is a perfect fit for our beachfront development at Pelican Bay in St. Kitts,” said Charles Ross, Chairman, Sterling Developments (SKN) Ltd. “Adding a Hilton branded hotel to the island will bring a big boost to local tourism, and we look forward to Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Kitts becoming a destination of choice in the Caribbean.”
Miami based Trust Hospitality has been appointed as the property’s management company. “We are excited to partner with Hilton and Sterling Developments in the launching of this world-class hotel, and become part of the game-changing landscape in this incredible part of the world,” said Richard Millard, CEO & Chairman, Trust Hospitality. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
This condo-hotel complex will be financed via the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizen by Investment program. It will include six towers, 3,847 square feet of meeting space, an infinity pool, a fitness center, spa, and kids’ club. The new hotel will offer the brand’s signature amenities including its free made-to-order breakfast and complimentary Evening Reception with snacks and beverage.
Restaurant facilities on the resort will include a three-meal restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a pool and beach bar. It will also provide guests Embassy Suites by Hilton’s signature spacious suites equipped with a separate living area, private bedroom and wet bar fitted with a microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker. All rooms will have direct views of the Caribbean.
“We look forward to introducing the Embassy brand to beautiful St. Kitts and Nevis,” said John Rogers, global head, Embassy Suites Hotels. “The prime location of this resort, coupled with Embassy’s full service offerings, ample space and guest-desired inclusive amenities will drive this hotel’s leisure travel appeal and strengthen the area’s accommodation options.”
Hilton Worldwide currently has 20 hotels open or in the pipeline throughout the Caribbean.