First Hotel Set to Open in the Dominican Republic in 2026
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has unveiled plans to significantly expand its presence in the Caribbean, announcing a deal to open five new Sonesta ES Suites properties in the Dominican Republic. This move forms part of the company’s broader strategy to grow its footprint in Latin America.
The first of these properties, an 80-room upscale extended-stay Sonesta ES Suites Elements Jarabacoa, is scheduled to open in early 2026. The remaining four hotels are expected to be completed by 2031, as part of a long-term development strategy.
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“With these new properties, Sonesta is responding to growing demand in the Latin American market for upscale, apartment-style accommodations,” said Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s chief development officer. “This expansion allows us to meet both consumer and franchisee needs in the region.”
The five new hotels will be developed by Almanzar Marte Ingenieros & Arquitectos, a Dominican Republic-based firm with a track record of delivering large-scale residential projects in Santo Domingo. David Almanzar, CEO of Almanzar Marte, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to introduce the Sonesta brand to the Dominican Republic. Our shared values and commitment to family-oriented hospitality make this a perfect fit.”
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Sonesta, currently the eighth-largest hotel company in the U.S., operates properties across Canada, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, and Peru. The new developments in the Dominican Republic will add to its existing Caribbean presence, which includes two all-inclusive resorts in Maho Bay, Sint Maarten.
John Murray, CEO of Sonesta, emphasized the importance of international growth for the company, stating that while their primary focus remains on U.S. operations, there is a strong desire to expand further into the Caribbean and Latin America. In July 2024, the company opened its first hotel in Mexico, the 206-room Costa Sur Resort in Puerto Vallarta.
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This latest deal highlights Sonesta’s commitment to long-term growth in key international markets while maintaining its unique approach to property ownership, in contrast to competitors who are shifting toward an asset-light model.
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