PRISA Group, the developers of The District San Juan, Puerto Rico’s premier entertainment destination, today unveiled the flag for its lifestyle-focused hotel at the Convention Center District in Miramar. Federico Stubbe, Jr., CEO of PRISA Group, announced that Aloft Hotels will make its Caribbean debut as part of the new $125 million-dollar entertainment project, injecting the local scene with a new sense of style, innovation, and energy.

According to Stubbe, “Aloft Hotels is the perfect match for The District. Its modern, cutting-edge design and vibrant social atmosphere cater to a new generation of travelers, young in age and young at heart, who appreciate style and a buzzing social scene – all at competitive rates. The Aloft guest and experience fit perfectly with the fun and festive atmosphere we envision for The District.”

Stubbe indicated that Aloft Hotels in Puerto Rico introduces an urban-inspired gathering place and hot spot that will complete the offering of The District, making it an ideal destination for travelers as well as locals. “It will be the perfect place for individuals who value self-expression, bold design and connectivity.”

“We are excited to be joining The District, bringing Aloft Hotels’ eclectic, social vibe to locals and guests alike,” said Bridget Higgins, Senior Director, Aloft Hotels. “From the W XYZ bar to our Live at Aloft Hotels music program, Aloft San Juan offers a standout hotel option with unparalleled experiences for those looking to enhance their experience in this beautiful Caribbean destination.”

The hotel, which has already broken ground and is expected to open the second half of 2019, will feature 175 loft-like guestrooms over seven stories with a variety of open spaces that are alive with activity and integrating the latest, innovative technology, including:

• the Re:mix lounge, an area for innovative programming and can’t-miss events;
• the Re:fuel café, the next-generation foodie fix from Aloft Hotels, offering made-to-order fresh, nutritious and grab-and-go food options from morning to midnight;
• the anchor of the hotel’s vibrant social scene, the W XYZ® bar is always lively. Mix, meet and mingle over music and cocktails. Guests can watch live acoustic concerts, part of the Live at Aloft Hotels events, while snacking on sharable plates and sipping on seasonal cocktails;
• Infinity pool and bar area with a 1,152 square foot fitness center on the second level offering fantastic views of the Convention Center and its fountains, and
• 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting space

The Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. A hotbed of innovation, Aloft has piloted programs such as the world’s first emoji-only room service menu, the world’s first robotic butler, the industry’s first keyless entry system and a groundbreaking streaming solution for guests to stream their favorite content direct to their rooms. Aloft San Juan will bring this tech-forward experience to The District.

“This new hotel concept, along with District Live!, portrays the Convention District we all envision. It will surely enhance our visitors’ destination experience, which in turn will increase our competitiveness in the groups and convention market”, said Omar Marrero, Executive Director of the Conventions District Authority.” It is a commitment of the Governor, Dr. Ricardo Rosselló, to develop all of our venues in order to enhance Puerto Rico’s economic growth. There is no doubt that we will accomplish that statement by positioning the Island as a main convention destination”.

José Izquierdo, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, indicated that tourism is booming locally and the arrival of brands such as Aloft, shows the confidence the international tourism industry has on the Island as an appealing and growing market. “The arrival of Aloft will have a strong impact in the industry and the local economy. It will add more rooms to the Island’s portfolio, appealing to a different kind of visitor who values the vibrant ambiance it offers. We strongly believe that Aloft will be a key player in the success of The District and together they will be an indisputable center of entertainment for locals as well as for all who visit Puerto Rico”, stated Izquierdo.

The Aloft San Juan will boost the local job market, creating 364 direct jobs in construction and operations. “Establishing Aloft in Puerto Rico is a clear vote of confidence on the Island’s potential as a world-class travel destination. PRISA and its partners are more committed than ever to Puerto Rico’s social and economic recovery,” said Stubbe.

ABOUT THE DISTRICT SAN JUAN

The District’s $125 million development makes it the region’s most exciting destination for live entertainment and hospitality, featuring:

• a state-of-the-art concert/event/performance venue with a capacity of up to 6,000 spectators to be managed by AEG Facilities;
• an eight-screen premium Cineplex managed by Caribbean Cinemas;
• a 175-room Aloft Hotel by Marriott;
• a 23,000-square foot “day and night” club;
• television and radio broadcast studios overlooking the central plaza;
• a unique urban attraction created by renowned “zip line” operators Toro Verde; and
• more than 15 bars, lounges, fast casual eateries, full-service restaurants and other entertainment experiences.

The entire project will be oriented around a 44,000-square foot central plaza with the Caribbean’s largest LED screen and an outdoor presentation stage integrating the latest in lighting and technology, which will serve as host to a variety of programming, including daily lighting and technology shows, art festivals, fashion shows, music performances and other extraordinary events. The District is currently under construction and expected to open during the second half of 2019.

The District is being developed in a partnership between PRISA Group, McConnell Valdes, LLC and the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority. Costa Rica’s Caribe Hospitality is a partner in the hotel component.

About Aloft Hotels

With more than 125 hotels now open in nearly 20 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. Aloft is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®. Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,200 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 125 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitterand Instagram.

About PRISA Group

PRISA Group (“PRISA”) is a family-owned developer and builder of residential, resort, hospitality, gaming and entertainment projects in Puerto Rico and Florida. PRISA is developer/builder and partner in the $1.5 billion, 1,400-acre Dorado Beach Resort. During the last four years, the firm has completed over $800 million in tourism-related projects on time and on budget, including the $340 million Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Residences, three Hyatt Place hotels, one Hyatt House hotel, and two casinos. PRISA’s Hyatt portfolio resulted in it being named Hyatt’s 2014 Americas’ Developer of the Year. In addition, the firm has six residential projects in various stages of construction, generating approximately $75 million in annual sales.

At present, PRISA is developing three Marriott select service hotels in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, all currently in construction and expected to open early 2018. In addition, PRISA has recently started construction of The District, a $125 million urban entertainment district in San Juan incorporating a 175-room Aloft hotel, a 6,000-person performance hall, cinemas, nightclub, an urban zip-line attraction and over 15 bars, lounges, fast casual eateries, full-service restaurants and other entertainment experiences. The District is expected to open Summer 2019.

Future projects include the 362-key J.W. Marriott Dorado Beach, a $110 million, 128-bed hospital in association with a reputed U.S. brand, and an Element by Westin hotel in Orlando, FL. For more information: www.prisagroup.com.

About Caribe Hospitality

Caribe Hospitality (“Caribe”) is a Central American capitalized company focused on the development of hotel projects in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Throughout its 15-year history Caribe Hospitality has completed the development of ten hotels under the brands Courtyard by Marriott y Residence Inn by Marriott in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Barbados, Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad & Tobago. Caribe is currently building the Fairfield Inn by Marriott hotel in El Salvador, and will soon begin construction of the AC by Marriott hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica in Q1-2017. The company also has many other developments planned, including full-service hotels in Nicaragua and along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A pioneering company since the beginning, Caribe Hospitality developed the first Residence Inn by Marriott hotel in Latin America, as well as the first LEED Silver hotel operated by Marriott in the region. As a result of their past successes and focus on sustainable development, important international financial institutions such as the International Finance Corporation and the Inter-American Development Bank have participated as partners with Caribe in several of their projects. For more information: www.caribehospitality.com

About McConnell Valdes Consulting, Inc.

McConnell Valdes Consulting, Inc. (McVC) is a Puerto Rican corporation specializing in the planning, financing, development and marketing of hospitality and mixed-use real estate projects in Puerto Rico. McVC personnel have over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and real estate industries and have advised local and international clients in designing and executing complex hospitality and real estate projects in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Spain. McVC is an affiliate of McConnell Valdés LLC. This affiliation provides the continuity and support of one of the nation’s most respected Hispanic-owned law firms combined with the hospitality and real estate expertise and transactional track record of the professionals at McVC.