Gilinski Group And Four Seasons Announce Plans To Breathe New Life Into Two Iconic Bogota Hotels

Luis Argote appointed as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota and Four Seasons Hotel Bogota, which will introduce a new standard of luxury to the city

BOGOTA, Colombia, Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gilinski Group, a leading banking, real estate, and industrial conglomerate in the region, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world leader in luxury hospitality and service, announce plans for the management of two hotels in Bogota. Following meticulous renovations, the historic Hotel Casa Medina Bogota will re-open as Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota and the contemporary Hotel Charleston Bogota will welcome guests as Four Seasons Hotel Bogota. Closed as of December 15, 2014 for renovations, both properties will be ready to welcome guests later in 2015.

"We are excited to partner with Four Seasons in these unique hotels and look forward to a long-term relationship," said Gabriel Gilinski, Principal at The Gilinski Group. "This project would have been unthinkable only ten years ago, and bringing Four Seasons to Bogota is a testament to Colombia's progress. We feel fortunate to be a part of it."

"As travel to and within South America for both business and leisure continues to increase among luxury travellers from around the world, we've been looking for the right opportunity to enter the Bogota market," said Allen Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "This represents a significant step in continuing to grow our footprint in South America and we're thrilled to be working with The Gilinski Group on the conversion of these two properties and to introduce a truly extraordinary luxury experience in Bogota."

Four Seasons will be bringing a uniquely global perspective to new dining experiences at both properties – an important part of the guest experience in a city that has built a reputation for being a dynamic culinary destination. From Spanish tapas to Japanese robata, each Four Seasons property will deliver a new and progressive experience to delight the sophisticated palates of guests and locals alike.

Located in the financial and commercial centre of Bogota, the Hotel Casa Medina has long been a preferred choice among luxury travellers to the city. The unique French and Spanish architectural elements of this historic property will be preserved through the renovation while being augmented by contemporary features. Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota will create an authentic experience with all the modern amenities guests have come to expect from Four Seasons including re-imagined room design concepts and meeting facilities.

Hotel Charleston Bogota will re-open as Four Seasons Hotel Bogota and greet guests seeking a new standard of luxury right in the shopping and gastronomic heart of the city. Elevating each element of the property from top to bottom, the renovations will include stylishly redesigned rooms and suites. It will also include a new world class dining experience to complement the eclectic local culinary scene. A Japanese robata concept will offer an authentic menu featuring traditional grilled delicacies, sushi and a large bar stocked with sakes, Japanese beers and cocktails.

Four Seasons is also pleased to announce the appointment of Luis Argote as the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota and Four Seasons Hotel Bogota.

"With a career at Four Seasons spanning 15 years, Luis has a proven track record for innovative leadership focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences," said Chris Hart, President Hotel Operations - Americas, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "With his commitment for meeting the needs of the most discerning travellers, I have no doubt that Luis and his team will establish our first properties in Colombia as the leading purveyors of luxury hospitality in the market."

A native of Venezuela, Argote is fluent in Spanish, French and English. After working at Four Seasons properties in Toronto, Houston, Mexico, Costa Rica and Dallas, he is well positioned to lead the introduction of a new standard of luxury in the Colombian market at the helm of these two properties.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Founded in 1960, Four Seasons continues to define the future of luxury hospitality with extraordinary imagination, unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, and the most genuine and customized service. Currently operating 95 hotels and residences in major city centres and resort destinations in 39 countries, and with more than 60 projects in development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.

Four Seasons Contact:
Laura Zanzal
Zeno Group
New York, New York
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts