GARCIA REQUEJO creates lighting solutions for the first five-star hotels in Cuba

Although at this time nobody knows how Trump’s foreign policy will affect the economy of the Caribbean Island, tourism in Cuba has continued to grow starting from 2012, registering an average increase of visitors by +13% per year, according to Cuban government sources. At the moment, the estimated number of hotels in Cuba is 366, comprising 69,286 hotel rooms – 69% 63% operated by 20 international chains such as Kempinski, Meliá and Iberostar.

The Gran Manzana Kempinski Hotel, Havana. Cuba

While reforming its economic model, Cuba keeps on working hard at attracting more foreign investors to take over the management of aging properties as well to expand the number of rooms with new hotel projects. As a result, by 2030 the number of hotel rooms is expected to increase to 100,000.

Gran Packard Iberostar Hotel, Havana. Cuba

Lighting product specialist GARCIA REQUEJO landed in Cuba a few years ago as part of their strategy aimed at increasing their presence in Latin American markets. In that context, the company made contact with the corporation that manages the hotel sector in Cuba and, up to now, the firm has supplied the lighting and furniture to many hotel chains operating in the island.

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski>>

One of the most emblematic luxury hotels in La Habana, the Kempinski Manzana, has been equipped with made-to-measure lighting solutions from the Spanish brand, such as floor lamps and charming table lamps for the hotel rooms. All the lighting items utilizes LED technology to deliver low heat dissipation, low power consumption and create warm yet sustainable atmospheres.

Image: Hotel Room. Source: Kempinski.com

Ideally located in the heart of Old Havana and surrounded by the main UNESCO World Heritage buildings of this vibrant city, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, which comprises 246 luxurious rooms, was built at the turn of the last century as part of the city’s first European-style shopping arcade. It was completely restored in 2015 and in 2018, it received the Prix Versailles for architecture during a ceremony held in Santiago de Chile.

Image: Lounge Room. Source: Kempinski.com

Grand Packard Iberostar Hotel>>

After this successful collaboration, GARCIA REQUEJO has been chosen as supplier of bespoke lighting solutions for another five-star plus hotel in Havana, the Grand Packard Hotel, which was inaugurated in September 2019. On this occasion, the Spanish firm provided the 321 luxurious rooms and the common areas with exclusive lamps and pendant lighting.

Image: Hotel Reception. Source: Iberostar.com

The Packard, that it is said to have hosted Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and American actor Marlon Brando in the 1950s, is the second five-star plus hotel to be inaugurated in Cuba, following the refined Gran Hotel Manzana that opened in June 2017.

Image: Hotel Restaurant. Source: Iberostar.com

Located in the Paseo de Martí (Prado), one of the most iconic streets in Old Havana, the new building’s most remarkable feature is its unique way of blending the old colonial façade with a modern architectural twist, designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, head of the restoration project.

Thanks to their specialization in contract lighting and bespoke lighting solutions, at GARCIA REQUEJO they can easily adapt their designs to the need of the clients. This fact, in addition to the high quality of their products, make of the Spanish company the first choice of architects and interior designs in Spain and overseas.

For more information: www.garciarequejo.com