Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is rapidly expanding its presence in South America, with the recent announcment of plans for three new properties in Peru. Starwood will open its first Westin hotel in South America in Lima, Peru and two Luxury Collection properties: one in Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and the other in the sacred valley of Urubamba, near the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Both properties will aim to integrate local customs and culture into the guest experience.
The Cusco property, Palacio del Inca Libertador, will undergo renovations prior to its opening in 2009. Palacio del Inca Libertador will feature 192 rooms, including 14 suites, as well as two restaurants, a spa and more than 1,900 square feet of meeting space.
The second Luxury Collection hotel will open in early 2010 in Urubamba, Peru, a small town located just one hour outside of Cusco. Valle Sagrado Libertador will offer 128 guestrooms and over 4,200 square feet of meeting space.
Lima's hotel will be a new build, located in San Isidro, in the heart of the city's financial district. Scheduled to open in early 2010, the Westin will feature 311 guestrooms, more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space, a lobby bar, two restaurants and the Westin brand's signature amenities and services including The Westin Heavenly Bed. Visit [http://www.starwoodhotels.com]. (JP)