Just a few steps from the award-winning beach of Isla Verde and 5 minutes from San Juan International Airport (SJU), the first Residence Inn by Marriott in Puerto Rico officially opened its doors yesterday, May 11, 2022. This new addition to the Marriott International portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands is the company's first extended-stay hotel in Puerto Rico.
With an investment of around $60 million, the new Residence Inn by Marriott Isla Verde is a 100% local project run by Interlink, a development, construction, and property management company. Interlink has a proven track record that includes an extensive portfolio of world-class developments and renowned construction projects and are partners in the following hotels: Sheraton Puerto Rico, The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, AC Hotel San Juan, Hotel El Convento, Hotel Palacio Provincial, Embassy Suites San Juan Hotel & Casino, and the now inaugurated Residence Inn by Marriott Isla Verde.
Interlink Construction, the general contractor of the project, was joined by multiple local subcontractors and suppliers. The architectural design of the hotel and its interiors was carried out by the well-known firm Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón (AD&V).
Likewise, the local financing of the project was led by FirstBank and had the participation of the Cooperative Bank of Puerto Rico and the Corporation for Hotel Development.
In addition, the hotel has a management team composed entirely of local professionals from the hospitality industry, which is led by experienced hoteliers Sem Cuevas and Reynaldo Fernández from Highgate.
As intertwined into Interlink's DNA, this was a Green Project, eco-friendly and sustainable, which considered electricity efficiency and water consumption, and installation of LED lighting, among others.
Also, in the space occupied today by the hotel on Isla Verde Avenue and which was previously a disused parking lot, an extensive frontal grove was preserved, and an additional green strip was planted with tropical plant gardens.
"We are very enthusiastic and excited about the opening of the Residence Inn by Marriott Isla Verde, the first hotel in its category to open its doors in Puerto Rico, and a new alternative for the local tourism industry. As in every Interlink project, the development of this hotel involved a thorough process to ensure quality in every detail and fulfill our goal of building with innovation and sustainability as the main pillars," said Federico J. Sánchez Ortiz, president, and chief executive officer of Interlink, who added that the new inn will be generating over 100 direct jobs, in addition to the 350 jobs generated in its design and construction phase.
The Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi, said that with this establishment the tourist offer of the Island is consolidated, particularly in the metropolitan area between San Juan and Carolina.
“The growth of the tourism sector in Puerto Rico is testimony to our competitiveness as a destination. Interlink has been a key player in the expansion of our hotel sector and the arrival of the innovative Isla Verde Residence Inn under the Marriott flag is another big step in continuing to expand our offer on the Island. Tourism is a pillar of our economy, and we will continue to encourage projects like this one all over the island”, Pierluisi pointed out.
“The Puerto Rico Tourism Company remains steadfast in its mission to assist investors and promote the growth of Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure development through guidance and technical assistance and congratulate the Residence Inn by Marriott Isla Verde for its official inaugural event”, said Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “The market entry of this hotel offers an excellent alternative for visitors looking to book a lengthier stay on the Island and adds 231 rooms to the local inventory while increasing the appeal of our offer and the contribution of Tourism to the Island’s economy. We thank Interlink and the Marriott’s Residence Inn hotel brand for their vote of confidence and applaud their commitment to Puerto Rico’s hotel and tourism industry”.
The new hotel welcomes business travelers, as well as families, with an exclusive design and architecture that improve the guest experience with open spaces to combine relaxation and enjoyment, making the most of their stay.
With a contemporary facade, the design of the building maximizes the use of space and welcomes visitors entering from the south, while the north side is built near the sidewalk to emphasize the walkability of the area.
The design of the hotel focuses on the creation of unique spaces and provides a pleasant walking experience, while formalizing the block of the street and creating economic opportunities in a previously abandoned lot in Isla Verde.
Managed by Highgate, who also manages AC Hotel San Juan and the Embassy Suites San Juan Hotel & Casino for Interlink, the Residence Inn offers 231 suites, with fully equipped kitchens with refrigerator, stove, microwave and sink, a work area with desk and a separate living room, either with a King bed and a sofa bed, or two Queen beds; and amenities such as: two swimming pools, one of them for children with a playground, fountains and slides; two bars, gym equipped with Technogym gear, complimentary breakfast, meeting space, and free Wi-Fi.
The culinary offer includes the Sobao restaurant, a renowned Puerto Rican bakery, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. It features a large terrace under a grove, while maintaining a relationship that began in 2017 at the AC Hotel San Juan as a winning formula.
Contributing to the tourist experience of the area through works of public art by Puerto Rican artists, the sculptural work of the artist Luis Torruella, Quimera de mar, (25'x 65'), made of aluminum and painted in shades of blue, has been installed on the exterior wall of the hotel. Likewise, Aguadilla’s textile artisan Aleida Cárdenas, will have her macramé works permanently exhibited in the hotel lobby, while sisters Gabriela and Patricia Urrutia of the Dos Pinceles duo will have about five artworks located at the entrance to the hotel lobby. Ensuring that there is a sense of place and that, unequivocally, it is a Residence Inn in Puerto Rico, the interiors of the hotel will also embrace the culture and spirit of the local community.
Meanwhile, the vibrant Isla Verde Avenue, one of the most frequented places in Puerto Rico, also houses beaches and excellent places to enjoy food, fun, culture, and community, offering relaxation and entertainment within walking distance.
Keeping the promise of Residence Inn to provide visitors with an experience that gives them the freedom to travel the way they live, on their terms and without restrictions, the hotel offers spaces with possibilities to live experiences that everyone can make their own.
