Meliá announces new openings and expansion in Argentina

Meliá Hotels International continues to make progress on its growth objectives, expanding its international presence and, on this occasion, strengthening its offering in Argentina. The hotel chain announces the addition of two establishments to its portfolio, the Almarena Puerto Retiro and the Almarena Madero Urbano, which will open on November 1 under the Affiliated by Meliá brand. Both additions are the result of a new collaboration agreement with the Almarena Group and lay the foundations for future expansion of Meliá in the country.

These two properties, which will operate under the Affiliated by Meliá brand, are located in the modern neighborhoods of Puerto Madero and Retiro in Buenos Aires, famous for their avant-garde architectural development. Once an industrial port, the area now boasts elegant residential areas, trendy restaurants and shops along its docks and a lively atmosphere; an ideal starting point for discovering one of the most vibrant cities in Latin America.

Almarena Puerto Retiro, Affiliated by Meliá is located in the Quartier Puerto Retiro District, with open views of the port and the River Plata. The establishment, which opened in 2023, offers 73 fully-equipped apartments with extraordinary views, as well as a complete spa and wellness area that makes the establishment a true urban oasis. It has an outdoor pool, a pilates room and a spa circuit with saunas, a heated pool and treatment cabins. It also offers different spaces for business meetings, conferences or social events, including a versatile multipurpose room, several meeting rooms and an auditorium.

On the other hand, Almarena Madero Urbano, Affiliated by Meliáis surrounded by the most attractive attractions of Puerto Madero. It has 78 apartments with integrated kitchen, which combine a relaxed and modern design. It also offers a large swimming pool, two jacuzzis, saunas and a large and complete gym, as well as two spacious meeting rooms and a small auditorium.

Meliá already has two iconic hotels in the country: the iconic Gran Meliá Iguazú (voted Best Hotel in Argentina in 2023 by the World Travel Awards), facing the Iguazú Falls, and the Meliá Recoleta Plaza, a boutique hotel in the La Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

With the recent agreement with the Almarena Group, manager of the two establishments that will soon be added to its portfolio, Meliá wants to promote a new stage of expansion in the country, especially in the premium and luxury segment. To do so, it will establish a new expansion plan with a special focus on destinations such as Bariloche, Calafate, Ushuaia, Mendoza and Salta.

For Gabriel Escarrer, President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, “this alliance is not only a significant step towards consolidating our presence in the Argentine market, but also demonstrates the trust that local groups and partners have in us to improve their distribution capacity and benefit from our renowned brands, our leadership and our loyalty program, among other valuable resources.”

Almarena is an Argentine company that is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year in full expansion. Since 2014, it has been consolidating itself as one of the main emerging players at a national level in the hospitality, gastronomy and real estate development industry. It was born with Almarena Apart and Boutique Hotel, a beach complex in Costa del Este, on the Argentine coast, and then added accommodation alternatives in the country’s capital, thus managing to cover the international traveler market as well.

For Juan Ignacio Politi, President of Almarena, “being part of the Meliá family is a source of pride and represents a true milestone in the life of the company. We are confident that working together will help us continue to grow in Argentina, adding excellence to our service and creating new opportunities for the tourism sector.”