On the sidelines of Barack Obama's historic trip to Cuba, two American hotel groups - or should we say one, since they are finally in the process of merging - have also expressed their desire to open up to the island. Starwood Hotels will be the first to set up shop in Havana, with the addition to its Luxury Collection of the city's iconic Hotel Inglaterra by the end of the year, after renovation work, followed by another historic establishment, the Hotel Santa Isabel. For its part, the Hotel Quinta Avenida will become part of the mid-range Four Points by Sheraton brand.
As airlines increase their services between the two countries, more and more American tourists are expected to visit Cuba. Marriott, whose CEO Arne Soreson accompanied the US President on his trip, is also in talks with local partners.
