Originally Posted by
RafKa
Last time I checked, South Africa was in the middle of a double-dip recession, and already has a fair stock of high-end properties, so a StR may be far away.
No doubt. Perhaps wishful thinking on my part, since I absolutely love South Africa. I've actually always thought Cape Town was perfect for a W. St Regis would be most appropriate for Jo'burg, most likely.
Also in recession, but an easier case would be Sao Paulo, Brazil. It's an even bigger financial center than Mexico City, and besides the Park Hyatt (which is poorly located) there are only a handful of independent high-end properties (Emiliano, Fasano, and the Unique although the latter is more of a W competitor). The city only has a subpar SPG property, which is an old Sheraton reflagged from a Melia, in an inconvenient location. Also, no planning restrictions whatsoever, and falling interest rates may mean hotel investments become attractive again.
Agreed. As much as we tourist types might love to see a St Regis in Rio, Sao Paolo is far more likely due to its important business climate. The economic conditions might also suggest a W.
Buenos Aires shelved its plans for a StR, it would be great to see that revived (the site has been developed into an office block), although the economy is still far from recovery.
BA is a city where I'd love to see a St Regis. But it will take some serious economic revival to see anyone build for it...
There will be another StR in the Caribbean (besides Puerto Rico), when the StR Riviera Maya opens in 2018.
Absolutely. I just think St Regis could do with another Caribbean island property, perhaps in a place like St. Barth's, BVI, or Grenada. But perhaps the Riviera Maya property is the (only) answer.
Personally, I'd prefer there to be another St Regis on Maui and/or the Big Island of Hawaii...but that seems doubtful for now.