Three new SPG hotels to open in Cuba!
Mar 21, 2016, 7:34 pm
#31
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Starwood Cuba
I am interested in beach resorts...Havana is so run down
Mar 21, 2016, 11:15 pm
#32
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But how to pay? If I understand correctly, US-bank issued credit cards still cannot be used in Cuba.
Mar 22, 2016, 6:52 am
#33
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I've been wondering about that too. Would a prepaid rate be allowed with a USA credit card? Maybe with the lifting of restrictions, we'll still be allowed to use USA credit cards there. Otherwise, i don't know what would be the safe and practical solution. I wouldn't want to carry cash and I wouldn't count on travelers' checks being accepted either.
Mar 22, 2016, 1:13 pm
#34
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Cheers,
Mar 22, 2016, 4:52 pm
#36
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On a more hopeful note, since it looks like end of year for the properties getting renovated there's potentially time to get it changed.
Cheers.
Mar 22, 2016, 6:18 pm
#37
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
However, SPG is a US-based company so it has to abide by US regulations (until they're changed). I'm sure there's fine print in SPG program (well heck, probably all of the programs) re: rules of program are subject to laws of country, etc, etc.
On a more hopeful note, since it looks like end of year for the properties getting renovated there's potentially time to get it changed.
Cheers.
On a more hopeful note, since it looks like end of year for the properties getting renovated there's potentially time to get it changed.
Cheers.
Cheers,
Mar 23, 2016, 9:33 am
#38
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Is SPG going to change its software to accept non-US credit cards/give points in Cuba but not accept US credit cards/don't give points? That could be a mess. Marriott & other US hotel chains that start doing bizness in Cuba could potentially face the same thing (although hopefully once there's more trade btwn US & Cuba, the restriction re: miles/points could be lifted).
Cheers.
Mar 23, 2016, 9:50 am
#39
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,990
Well given Cuba laws that may or may not be a good thing
Is SPG going to change its software to accept non-US credit cards/give points in Cuba but not accept US credit cards/don't give points? That could be a mess. Marriott & other US hotel chains that start doing bizness in Cuba could potentially face the same thing (although hopefully once there's more trade btwn US & Cuba, the restriction re: miles/points could be lifted).
Cheers.
Is SPG going to change its software to accept non-US credit cards/give points in Cuba but not accept US credit cards/don't give points? That could be a mess. Marriott & other US hotel chains that start doing bizness in Cuba could potentially face the same thing (although hopefully once there's more trade btwn US & Cuba, the restriction re: miles/points could be lifted).
Cheers.
As for Cuba, surely it's pretty clear by now the normalization of diplomatic relations with the United States means Americans will no longer have issues doing business in that Country. Cuba's approval of these new Starwood properties in and of itself is clear evidence of that.
Cheers,
Mar 23, 2016, 9:52 am
#40
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Apr 10, 2016, 1:04 am
#41
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So...
The Four Points and Inglaterra are now on the master directory... with dates.
Four Points by Sheraton Quinta Avenida - Opening May 30, 2016
Inglaterra, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Havana - Opening July 1, 2016
No live sites or bookability just yet but hey, dates! Can't wait to have these options available and to see how the renovations will turn these hotels around - especially the beautiful but painfully dated Inglaterra.
khabah
The Four Points and Inglaterra are now on the master directory... with dates.
Four Points by Sheraton Quinta Avenida - Opening May 30, 2016
Inglaterra, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Havana - Opening July 1, 2016
No live sites or bookability just yet but hey, dates! Can't wait to have these options available and to see how the renovations will turn these hotels around - especially the beautiful but painfully dated Inglaterra.
khabah
Apr 10, 2016, 4:18 pm
#42
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I stayed in the Inglaterra one month ago. It needs a lot of renovation, it has the potential to be beautiful. At the moment it's a bit of a disaster.
I'll be fascinated how Starwood instills customer service. Cuba- well for obvious reasons, there's no real concept of customer service. You get what you get and you like it. It's one big project, I hope they make it work.
I'll be fascinated how Starwood instills customer service. Cuba- well for obvious reasons, there's no real concept of customer service. You get what you get and you like it. It's one big project, I hope they make it work.
It says opening date 1 July 2016 ... I will be back on 13-22 July but doubt any real renovations will have started by then, so looks like I will be staying in a three bedroom apartment, high floor, overlooking the Malecon for 90USD/CUC per night.
Someone mentioned The Nacional ... stayed there too. That could be a great Luxury Collection Hotel - after extensive renovations obviously - but oh well.
Jul 30, 2016, 11:44 am
#43
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Inglaterra delayed to November 1st as per the Starwood master directory; based on recent TripAdvisor reviews and whatever photos I could dig up, the place REALLY didn't look ready for Luxury Collection primetime by the August 31st target they had originally set. Let's hope this third delay is a charm.
khabah
khabah
Aug 3, 2016, 8:39 am
#44
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Inglaterra delayed to November 1st as per the Starwood master directory; based on recent TripAdvisor reviews and whatever photos I could dig up, the place REALLY didn't look ready for Luxury Collection primetime by the August 31st target they had originally set. Let's hope this third delay is a charm.
khabah
khabah
I was there two weeks ago and it looked the same when I stayed there four years prior
Three months to bring it up to LC standard - ha ha ha ha ha they are dreaming - we stayed in two nice LC properties on the same trip (Palace SF and Bristol Warsaw) and they are both solid LC properties (hard and soft products). The Inglaterra will nowhere be like those examples, anytime soon. Maybe in 5 years or more .... serious!
Aug 3, 2016, 10:20 am
#45
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Inglaterra delayed to November 1st as per the Starwood master directory; based on recent TripAdvisor reviews and whatever photos I could dig up, the place REALLY didn't look ready for Luxury Collection primetime by the August 31st target they had originally set. Let's hope this third delay is a charm.
khabah
khabah