Kempinski in the News

GENEVA, 26 September 2019 – With a third hotel on the Caribbean island of Cuba Kempinski Hotels extends its presence in Havana and in the Americas. The European luxury hotel group has once more signed a management contract with Grupo de Turismo Gaviota SA, the owning company of the successful Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana and the soon to open Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski. The new Gran Hotel Bristol is expected to open by the end of the year.

Located one block from the Capitolio and only two blocks from the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, this new jewel is situated in the UNESCO world heritage site of Old Town Havana. With a history of more than 100 years, Gran Hotel Bristol is a full restoration of an ancient building and former hotel, where the vibrant social and artistic scence of Havana used to spent time dancing, drinking and enjoying music in the 1930 and 50’s and where Cuban traders enjoyed a unique “one-day-free” stay. A symbol of the old bohemian life of Havana, the hotel then offered unusual comforts for its time such as private bathrooms and telephones in each room.

While the original façade of the building has been maintained, the interior is laid out in a contemporary design combined with local influences. 162 stylish rooms and suites including a Presidential suite with 135 sq m, five restaurants and bars, two board rooms and a gym cater for the modern traveller in a prime location. One of the highlights of this new property will be undoubtedly the rooftop on the 9th floor with an infinity pool offering a full panorama of most of the historical sights of the city like the Capitolio, the Spanish fortress, the port and Old Havana.

“Partnering for the third time with Kempinski Hotels has an immense meaning for us,” said Carlos Miguel Latuff Carmenate, Executive President of Grupo de Turismo Gaviota. “We value the European high quality standards and long standing expertise of Kempinski and having worked with them for a while by now we count on another fruitful collaboration in the stunning Gran Hotel Bristol.”

“Growing our footprint on the Caribbean island of Cuba with our very reliable long term partner Grupo de Turismo Gaviota S.A. is another important step in our growth strategy in the Americas,” said Martin R. Smura, CEO of Kempinski Hotels and Chairman of the Management Board. “Converting another Havana landmark with an impressive history into a contemporary hotel full of luxury and elegance will strengthen our importance in this part of the globe. Gran Hotel Bristol will be an appealing place to stay for the modern traveller right in the heart of the pulsating city of Havana.”

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