– following signing of agreement between Marriott, joint venture
Marriott International, in collaboration with H-Towers Incorporated and other international partners, has signed an agreement that will bring the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts brand to Georgetown, Guyana, by 2025.
The Sheraton Hotel that will be built
The signing was announced on Monday, between Marriott, H-Towers (a Guyanese-owned company), and its US-based partners, The Triwest Financial Group, Inc and Black Pearl Holding Co. According to a statement, the project is expected to include a 200-room Sheraton Hotel and 224 residences, marking the brand´s debut in the market.
The two-tower new-build project will expand the company’s existing portfolio in the country and is expected to break ground by the end of the year. Chief Development Officer for Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America, Laurent de Kousemaeker, was quoted in the statement lauding the initiative.
Executive Directors of H-Towers, Kerwin Bollers and Rawle Ferguson along with GO-Invest Chairman Peter Ramsaroop during the signing of the agreement
“We are pleased to expand our presence in Guyana and bring a new brand to this exciting destination. The signing of this new project is a significant moment and the brand’s rich heritage is an excellent fit for this growing market,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of H-Towers, Kerwin Bollers made it clear that they “are very honoured to be given the opportunity to bring such a recognisable brand to the market, knowing the impeccable standards Guyanese and international guests alike will enjoy.”
The hotel, which will occupy one of the two towers, is located in close proximity to downtown Georgetown in the suburban city of Providence. It is expected that the 200-room hotel will feature a mix of king and double rooms and several suites, including a Governor’s Suite and a sophisticated Sheraton Club Lounge.
In addition, planned amenities for the hotel include a swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, specialty restaurant, meeting and conference rooms, state-of-the-art spa, and the brand’s signature bar, coffee, and market concept.
The up-and-coming neighbourhood features residential, commercial, and retail centres, offering guests a variety of experiences to explore.
The intention is for the hotel to serve as a community hub for locals and visitors alike, creating a holistic experience with spaces to connect, be productive, and help travellers feel connected to the local community.
“In addition to seamless technology integration and an elevated food and beverage philosophy, the layered design balances a sense of timelessness with a fresh and modern feel, that aims to make guests feel comfortable and at ease, whether working, meeting or relaxing,” a statement from HJ Entertainment said.
Given Guyana’s growing demand around accommodation for visitors, the project came to life when the Government of Guyana, through its GO-Invest Office, launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) in 2021 for hotel developers.
The project includes a residential component, as well, and 224 residences will be housed in the second tower, connecting with the hotel via a sky bridge. Construction for the two towers is slated to begin at the end of the year.
It has already been said that over the next few years, Guyana will see the construction of at least eight hotels. Last year, the sod was turned for a US$15 million boutique hotel under the Aiden brand to be constructed in the heart of Georgetown. The hotel, which would feature 101 “smart rooms”, is being constructed as part of the Best Western Hotel and Resorts franchise.
Globally recognised hotel brands like the Hyatt, Hilton and Radisson hotels have also expressed an interest in investing in Guyana. In 2020, the Government of Guyana, through the Tourism and Commerce Ministry and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with investors for a US$90 million Hilton Hotel to be constructed at McDoom, Greater Georgetown.
The investors in the luxury hotel are part of a joint initiative among 658 Guyana Holdings, GREC Investment Group and TOTALTEC Oilfield Services Guyana Incorporated.
It was also announced that the 289-room branded hotel would be constructed in the already busy area which is home to many businesses such as Gafoors, Pritipaul Singh Investment, Guyana Shore Base Inc, Farm Supplies, and Schlumberger. Construction was slated to begin in January 2021 and was expected to last for two years.
Around the same time, Chairman of the Giftland Group, Roy Beepat, announced plans to construct a US$100 million Radisson Blu Hotel as part of an international chain of hotels in several destinations around the world. According to Beepat, the agreement has already been finalised to offer this five-star package to Guyana.
