PHOENIX, Arizona—BWH Hotels is expanding current offerings in the Latin American region through a series of new development projects in the pipeline. BWH Hotels is comprised of three families of hotels—WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels. With properties all over the world, there are 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, allowing BWH Hotels to impact the hospitality sector in Latin America.
Industry projections indicate a growing demand for hotels in this region over the next several years. Mexico estimated that 29,000 new hotel rooms were expected over the next four years. Similarly, Brazil leads Central and South America’s development pipeline with over 17,000 rooms expected by 2027, which is 14,000 rooms more than the next closest country, Peru.
Growth Within Best Western Hotels & Resorts
BWH Hotels is focused on being a driver of development in the region across its brands. From the traditional hotel brand to extended-stay or boutique and upscale options, the company currently offers 76 active properties within Latin America with 30 slated for development over the next two years. The company recently added the first Aiden in the region to its portfolio, Aiden by Best Western Black Hotel Boutique, in Mexico City, Mexico, which offers 70 guestrooms and suites, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and a rooftop. In Chile, another Best Western was added near the Chilean Patagonia, Best Western Patagonia, a property located close to Torres del Paine and surrounded by natural landscapes. Most recently, the Best Western Salvador Hangar Aeroporto opened its doors on Dec. 1, 2023, and offers 275 apartment-style rooms. The hotel is a part of the new Hangar Business Park complex, a project that consists of a multi-purpose business center with multiple hotels, 1,274 commercial business rooms, and 74 stores.
Looking ahead, BWH Hotels continues to introduce upcoming projects, specifically with Aiden by Best Western. Aiden hotels have neighborhood-centric designs and offerings. Aiden hotels can be found in cities across the world and will soon debut its first hotels in Latin America beginning in 2024. Added to the property in Mexico City, the brand will open three additional hotels throughout the region, including a 55-room Aiden Quito in Ecuador’s commercial area, a 138-room Aiden Georgetown in Guyana set to open in the second quarter of 2024, and a 40-room Aiden in El Salvador is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Across other brands, BWH Hotels signed three additional hotels in Guyana. With recent attention on the country due to oil sector expansion, these new properties are expected to open by 2026.
Expanding the WorldHotels Portfolio
WorldHotels provides a portfolio of independent hotels and resorts around the world. WorldHotels’ four brands—Luxury, Elite, Crafted, and Distinctive—each provide a specific travel experience. With 160 properties, the company’s growth in Latin America has been intentional. Hotel Madero, WorldHotels Elite located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers 197 rooms and 25 suites, a spa, on-site dining, and meeting and event capabilities. With properties currently in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, WorldHotels will soon debut the first property in Mexico next year. Located in Zapopan, Andares in Guadalajara, and currently under construction, the forthcoming hotel will have 104 rooms. The opening is slated for 2025.
“BWH Hotels has always been passionate about growth and development in the Latin America region, which is an area that we believe is yet to be maximized in our portfolio,” said Ron Pohl, president of international operations at BWH Hotels and President of WorldHotels. “Many factors go into these decisions, including identifying which countries and cities in which we are seeing the most demand, what brand makes the most sense for a specific market, whether a conversion or new construction is better suited for the owners and brands success. We are excited to see how the region continues to develop and are eager for BWH Hotels to be a driving force in Latin America.”
