PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti — The first full-service corporate US brand hotel to open in Haiti and the first Best Western Premier in the Caribbean opened on Thursday in Haiti’s capital, Port au Prince.
Located within close proximity to the international airport in Port au Prince, the luxury Best Western Premier Petionville is a $15 million, seven story hotel that features 106 elegant guest rooms with three executive and imperial suites, 42″ flat screen TVs, wireless internet access, versatile meeting facilities, pool, concierge, French inspired restaurant Le Michel, whisky bar, room service, round-the-clock doorman, gym, full-service spa, and private car and van transportation to and from the airport.
“We are very excited and privileged to open the newest full service hotel on the beautiful island of Haiti,” stated Rich Cortese, senior vice president of Caribbean operations and development of Dallas-based Aimbridge Hospitality. “We have hired and trained through the Aimbridge and Best Western training platforms 95 new employees, the majority of them local residents, along with a seasoned management staff.”
“Personalized customer service in a safe, secure hotel with all the modern conveniences is our focus,” added Cortese, a 30 year Caribbean hospitality executive. “Our staff is trained to handle all aspects of your stay, from arrival to departure, and including your logistics while here in Haiti.”
The hotel was designed for the business traveler, and Best Western Premier Petion-Ville, Haiti will also cater to the individual traveler looking for a special hotel experience in Haiti. Located in the chic up-market suburb of Petionville, the local area is resplendent with boutiques, restaurants and European character. Cortese emphasized while this hotel is a city hotel, pristine and undeveloped virgin beaches are as close as one hour from the new hotel.
The $15 million investment in this new hotel opening delivers modern casual luxury with sophisticated Haitian design. The hotel is a blend of mid-century modern furniture and colour, centered on the vivid Haitian artwork. Led by acclaimed Dallas firm of Studio 11 Design in conjunction with well-known Haitian architects, local art was the inspiration for the hotel design elements. In tribute to one of the owners’ late wife who perished in the earthquake, the hotel is a platform for local artisans and proudly features art, photography, design works and fabrics from Haitian artisans and students. The artwork can be purchased, with proceeds benefiting a local foundation for the rebuild of Haiti.
Haiti-based corporation Carabimmo SA principal Kenny Narwani reflected, “The opening of this hotel is a historic moment for Port au Prince, and marks the ongoing revitalization and rebirth of our country. This is a personal triumph for our company, as well for our employees and residents of Port au Prince. We look forward to welcoming our first and future guests to their new home away from home in Haiti.”
The spacious contemporary rooms and suites are reflective of a relaxing Zen atmosphere, with sweeping panoramic views of the tropical mountains or dazzling ocean peaks. Deluxe bedding and premier plush linens and comforters provide a haven and all rooms offer either one king or two queen-sized beds and feature in-room wireless high speed internet, coffee maker, refrigerator, LCD flat screen television, and 24 hour room service.
Best Western Premier Haiti provides close to 2,000 sq.ft. of flexible meeting space, including the intimate Louverture boardroom and the Grand Ballroom, and accommodates from six to 160 guests. A meetings and wedding planner is on staff. Other amenities include outdoor poolscape, private onsite parking, a premier fitness center with Cybex equipment and the tranquil Oxygene Spa, offering facials, massages and body treatments. Babysitting services and an on-call doctor are also available, along with a 24-hour concierge and multilingual employees fluent in English, French, Creole and Spanish.
