Hilton Announces New Panama City Properties

Hilton Hotels Corporation announced its return to Panama with the signing of four multi-year agreements in Panama City, Panama –two management agreements for a new Hilton and new-build Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel, one franchise agreement for a Doubletree by Hilton conversion and one franchise agreement for a newly built Hilton Garden Inn. Each hotel will represent the first in the country for each brand.

The 351-room Hilton Panama will be developed by Star Bay Group, Inc., and Hilton Hotels Corporation will operate the hotel under the terms of a multi-year management agreement.

Led by F&F Properties and its president, Saul Faskha, construction of the Hilton Panama has begun and completion is scheduled for 2011. Located in Panama City’s financial district, the hotel marks the Hilton brand’s return to the capital. Just 13 miles from Tocumen International Airport and five miles from the Panama Canal, the Hilton Panama will boast an array of recreational facilities including an 8,200-square-foot fitness center, a 10,750-square-foot world-class spa, outdoor terrace swimming pool, and a Las Vegas-style casino.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City will be developed by Sabadell Investment Inc. and Hilton Hotels Corporation will operate the hotel under the terms of a multi-year management agreement. Construction of the 306-room upscale, all-suite full-service Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City is scheduled to begin in 2009 with an estimated completion date of October 2011.

The Doubletree by Hilton Panama City will be developed and operated by Blue Star Hospitality, S.A., under a franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. The 213-room property is undergoing an extensive renovation to re-brand as a Doubletree by Hilton hotel in spring 2010.

Developed by Metropolitan Hotels SA, the Hilton Garden Inn Panama will feature 163 spacious guestrooms and seven suites offering the Garden Sleep System bed; ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller; complimentary wired and Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access; high-definition flat-screen television; and MP3-capable clock radio.