Sonesta Executes Strategic Agreement with Aken Hotels & Resorts

NEWTON, MA – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced that it has entered a strategic alliance agreement with AKEN Hotels & Resorts LLC, a premier hotel group with a growing portfolio across South America and the Caribbean to join the Sonesta system. The agreement represents a major milestone in Sonesta’s international growth strategy and will significantly expand opportunities for Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program members to earn and redeem points across new destinations. The companies intend to finalize a definitive agreement by mid-year.

This is a significant agreement in Sonesta’s international expansion. Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America represent tremendous potential for travel demand, guest loyalty and engagement. Collaborating with AKEN allows us to scale quickly in a high-growth region while aligning with a brand that shares our commitment to exceptional service and guest experience. Sonesta’s approach to growth has three pillars - to be Fast, Friendly and Flexible, and we see this as the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship. Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s Chief Development Officer

As travelers continue to look for authentic experiences, this agreement represents a unique opportunity for Sonesta to create a strategic alignment with AKEN, a brand recognized for its experience in ecotourism and conscious luxury. Latin America offers both cultural richness and untapped growth opportunities, and AKEN Hotels is an ideal collaborator with local insight and operational excellence. This relationship will bring Sonesta immediate critical mass in this new luxury market. Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s EVP and President of Franchise & Development

The strategic alliance will integrate AKEN’s properties into Sonesta’s global loyalty ecosystem, offering members new destinations for redemption and deeper regional access. The collaboration is designed to drive mutual value and elevate the guest experience across markets.

We’re thrilled to begin a relationship with Sonesta to bring the spirit of South American hospitality to a broader global audience. This collaboration allows us to amplify our reach, strengthen our global sales distribution and accelerate our growth while remaining true to our roots—offering guests immersive local experiences, thoughtful service, and beautifully designed stays. Together, we are creating new pathways for discovery, loyalty, and growth—both for our guests and our teams. Luis Gallotti, co-founder and co-CEO of AKEN Hotels & Resort

At AKEN, we believe that true luxury is found in conscious living, where Lifestyle and Wellness are seamlessly integrated into every guest experience. Partnering with Sonesta allows us to share our philosophy of mindful hospitality with an even wider global community, redefining what it means to travel well. Lisandro León Liguori, co-founder and co-CEO of AKEN Hotels & Resorts

About Sonesta International Hotels

Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. according to Smith Travel Research (STR) with approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in nine countries. Sonesta owns, manages and/or franchises under The Royal Sonesta; The James, Classico Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises; MOD Collection by Sonesta, Sonesta Select; Sonesta Essential, Sonesta ES Suites, Sonesta Simply Suites, Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites by Sonesta; Signature Inn by Sonesta; Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta and Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta. Redefining hospitality through its award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, Sonesta offers guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points for unparalleled value and personalized experiences. Sonesta Travel Pass members receive the best rates, earn immediate points towards free nights, and accelerated status progression based on stays. For more information about Sonesta, visit Sonesta.com or call 1.800.Sonesta. For information about how to join Sonesta's portfolio visit Franchise.Sonesta.com, email [email protected] or call 1.617.658.1596.

Lorie Juliano
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation
+1 617 421 5429
Sonesta