-city still in the dark
Financed by a Qatari group, Georgetown is to have a Hilton hotel and a DoubleTree Suites on a swathe of land along Carifesta Avenue but the city council yesterday remained in the dark on the plans.
The sod for the Hilton-branded venture that will yield 411 rooms was turned in February this year but there has been a tussle between the government and the city over who has control of the land in question.
Yesterday, that did not seem to be an impediment as Hilton in a press release heralded the signing of the dual brand Hilton George-town and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton George-town, as the company’s first hotels in Guyana.
Owned by an affiliate of the Qatar-based Assets Group and managed by Hilton, the properties’ combined 411 rooms will form part of an oceanfront, mixed-use business and entertainment complex in the capital. With this signing, Hilton said it continues its rapid expansion in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region, where it currently has more than 225 open hotels welcoming guests.
“We believe in investing in Guyana, a country poised for significant growth and a promising future in tourism and hospitality,” said Moutaz Al Khayyat, chairman, Assets Group. “Our choice to debut in this emerging market reflects our commitment to investing in high-potential destinations and our confidence in Guyana’s trajectory. These properties are meticulously designed to offer a diversity of high-end experiences.”
“We are thrilled to further our partnership with Assets Group, broadening our combined portfolio from the Middle East and Asia to the Caribbean and Latin America with our planned debut in Guyana,” said Juan Corvinos, senior vice president, development, architecture, design and construction, Carib-bean and Latin America region, Hilton. “Guyana is an important regional business hub and a promising tourism destination, and we are excited to join forces with Assets Group once again to celebrate this impressive project and significant milestone in Hilton’s continued rapid expansion”, he said.
Though Hilton has been a fixture in many parts of the Caribbean, its arrival here will be linked directly to the fortunes of the oil and gas sector.
Easy access
The release said that the Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown will offer easy access to nearby embassies, businesses, and an array of entertainment options, including the scenic National Park and historic sites, all within approximately six miles of the Ogle International Airport. The release said that the hotels will provide the benefit of shared spaces and amenities, while also offering unique property-specific experiences throughout their shared location.
The 11-story Hilton Georgetown will feature an elevated stay experience with 253 guest rooms and suites, and a “striking” lobby bar and signature restaurant with locally inspired menus and handcrafted cocktails. Guests will have access to an outdoor pool with all-day dining options.
The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown will offer 158 contemporary suites with spaces where guests can relax, connect, and feel at home.
“The hotel will bring to life the brand’s feel-good moments which start when guests check in and are welcomed with the brand’s signature, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie”, the release added.
“We are proud to bring the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, which continues to set the standard for travel, and the renowned DoubleTree by Hilton tradition of warm welcomes and upscale comfort to Guyana,” said Gary Steffen, global category head, Full-Service Brands, Hilton. “We look forward to welcoming travelers and bringing Hilton’s iconic hospitality to Guyana through our award-winning brands.”
Assets Group President, Ramez Al-Khayyat said, “We look forward to contributing to the success of Guyana as a destination and working alongside a renowned hospitality leader like Hilton to welcome both international travelers and locals to experience all that our complex will offer. Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown will stand as a testament of our dedication to creating premium and luxurious spaces that cater to the discerning needs of our guests.”
The release added that Guests of Hilton George-town and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton George-town will also enjoy access to a member-only Social Club managed by Hilton that will enhance the stay experience for guests and provide special options for local members. Guests of each hotel and Social Club members will enjoy wellness and recreation amenities including a pool, fitness centre and spa; a coworking space, and a library and boardroom perfectly designed for business travelers. The Social Club will also boast unique food and beverage experiences with two full-service dining options, two bars and a coffee and bakery shop, open to guests, members, and locals alike.
Ballroom
The release said that the complex also features a state-of-the-art conference centre with a 25,900 square foot ballroom and meeting rooms that extend across 10,800 square feet, making the hotels ideal for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events. The facility boasts intuitive technology and seamlessly integrated food and beverage offerings for events of every size and type.
The release added that Hilton’s entry to Guyana builds on rapid growth momentum in the Carib-bean and Latin America region, where the company tripled in size over the past decade adding nine new countries and territories and launching seven new brands to its portfolio.
“With more than 225 open hotels and a robust pipeline of over 170 hotels, Hilton plans to enter eight new countries and territories in the region over the next few years, including Bermuda and Paraguay in 2024 and Guyana in 2027, among others”, the release said.
There was no information in the press release on the timeline for construction.
Asked by Stabroek News for a comment yesterday, Mayor Alfred Mentore said he had heard noting from the Qatari group. The city has laid claim to the land and municipal laws requires it to grant building permissions and other approvals which will be necessary for the project. The government has so far handled these arrangements directly.
Mentore expressed frustration over the lack of updates from the Qatari group, which had been expected to present its development plans to the City Council. “To date, I have not received any formal communication or seen any plans presented before the City Council,” Mentore said, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the issue.
He had previously said: “I am still the Mayor, and all building plans must pass through the City Council”, adding. “I am keenly watching the developments to ensure that nothing is overlooked, especially concerning the ownership and development of the Thomas Lands.”
The ownership of the Thomas Lands has been a point of contention, with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) challenging the City Council’s claim. The GLSC has stated that the land is state-owned, contradicting Mentore’s assertion that it belongs to the City Council.
In an attempt to support his claim, Mentore presented a document during a statutory meeting of the council, which he claims shows that the land was gifted to the City Council by the Hoggs family. However, this document has not been universally accepted as definitive proof of the Council’s ownership.
“I can’t take any action until there is clear evidence regarding the ownership of the Thomas Lands,” Mentore explained. “So far, I have not seen anything that would change my position on this matter.”
On February 18 this year, the sod was turned for the US$300 million resort and convention centre.
President of Power International Holding Ramez Al-Khayyat who disclosed this ballpark figure to Stabroek News said that due to the conducive business climate here, Assets Group was motivated to invest in a project which would be beneficial to citizens.
During his remarks at the sod-turning ceremony, the businessman said that what will emerge is a five-star development with a unique design and outstanding facilities which will have a total of 76,000 square metres of built-up area.
