City Express by Marriott Expands its Reach into New Markets
City Express by Marriott, a member of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, is set to make its mark in the Caribbean and Latin America, including countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru. This expansion comes with plans to establish eight new hotel properties over the next three years, further strengthening Marriott's footprint in the affordable midscale segment.
Following Marriott's acquisition of City Express in 2023, the brand has witnessed remarkable growth and expansion. This momentum is expected to continue as the City Express brand performs strongly across the CALA region, notably in its home country, Mexico. With a current portfolio of 153 hotels and 17,777 rooms in the area, City Express is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand for affordable yet quality accommodation options.
As part of this ambitious expansion strategy, Marriott signed contracts for 12 City Express hotels in 2024, comprising over 1,200 new rooms, a significant step for the brand as it aims to reach new heights in hospitality.
New Locations and Developments
The planned launch of hotels in Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru aligns with Marriott's strategic focus on tapping into secondary and tertiary markets. Below are some highlights of the upcoming properties:
Argentina
- - City Express by Marriott Iguazu: Located in Puerto Iguazu, this hotel will feature 87 rooms and is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2025. Its proximity to the renowned Iguazu Falls makes it a prime location for tourists.
- - City Express by Marriott Añelo: Set in the Neuquén Province of Patagonia, this property will house 100 rooms and is anticipated to open in 2027, catering to the burgeoning oil and gas sector in the Vaca Muerta region.
Bolivia
- - City Express by Marriott Santa Cruz de la Sierra: Slated to break ground in early 2025, this hotel, with 100 rooms, will be in Bolivia’s largest city, which serves as its economic core. The expected opening is in early 2027.
Nicaragua
- - City Express by Marriott Managua: A conversion project scheduled to open in Q3 2025, this hotel will feature 100 rooms and is part of a mixed-use development near a shopping center and a convention center.
- - City Express by Marriott Estelí: Set in Estelí, this 49-room hotel targets business travelers and will also be part of a mixed-use development project.
- - City Centro by Marriott La Recolección: Located in downtown Leon, this 50-room hotel is expected to cater to both tourists and business clients, with opening plans in Q3 2025.
Peru
- - City Express Plus by Marriott & City Express Suites by Marriott, Casma: Both hotel types are forecasted to open in 2027 as part of a dual-brand facility in a vibrant tourism project dubbed the 'Peruvian Miami Beach'. City Express Plus will offer 120 rooms, while City Express Suites will provide 80.
Commitment to Affordable Accommodation
Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer at Marriott International for the Caribbean and Latin America, expressed excitement about the brand's expansion into these dynamic markets. With an emphasis on affordable, high-quality lodging options, he affirms Marriott's commitment to offering diverse experiences tailored to the needs of all travelers.
As City Express by Marriott rolls out these new properties, it continues to set the standard in affordable hospitality. Travelers can expect unique stays that blend comfort with convenience, all while enjoying the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy, the company's esteemed travel program.
Conclusion
This strategic expansion into Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru marks a pivotal moment for City Express by Marriott. As the hospitality landscape in Latin America evolves, the brand's approach aims to meet the increasing demand for gracious and economical accommodations without sacrificing quality. With a bright future ahead, City Express by Marriott is on track to redefine midscale lodging in the region.