Originally Posted by
bhrubin
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.
Fully agree with you here. If I had to guess, it would most likely happen in Jo'burg, and CT would get perhaps a LC.
Originally Posted by
bhrubin
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.
Who knows... with land prices in Brazil coming down to realistic prices, and a recovery down the road in 12-18 months, this could well happen. My (wild) guess is that Rio may have yet have a shot at a W: the Trump hotel in Barra was deflagged, and is still soft open enough that I can still hope it'll be flagged a W. A W was in the cards before the owners decided to go with Trump, heaven knows why! Another possibility in Rio is teh Marina All Suites Hotel at a prime beachfront spot in Leblon, which is currently being gutted - Marina Hotels were bought by Oskar Metsavaht, creator of lifestyle clothing brand Osklen and a savvy businessman. Hopefully he is talking to operators and I would hope a W (maybe an Edition) could be a possibility.
Originally Posted by
bhrubin
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...
Agree, but Argentineans' appetite for luxury hotels never ceases to amaze me, and it looks like the PH and FS there are thriving, judging by their rates. So you never know!
In any case, we're on the same page on a few things, and definitely on seeing more StR popping up in nice locales around the world.
