$13.5M Aloft Hotel Marriott breaks ground in Ponce
Gov. Ricardo Rosselló was on hand Wednesday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the future Aloft hotel in Ponce.
Public and private sector representatives broke ground Wednesday on what will be Puerto Rico’s first Starwood Aloft Hotel Marriot in Ponce. The property will entail a $13.5 million investment, officials said.
During a news conference that drew participation from Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, Ponce Mayor María “Mayita” Meléndez and other officials, it was informed that the construction project will generate some 100 jobs. After the hotel is operational, it will generate 150 new direct jobs.
The five-story, 100,000 square-foot property will house 150 rooms and will cater to the business sector and related activities in the southern part of the island, where it is expected to promote further investment and economic development.
“I am convinced that the success of Aloft in Ponce will be replicated in other island municipalities under this new economic development path we have undertaken,” Rosselló said.
“Puerto Rico is ready to do business and to prove it’s the best in customer service. Thanks to Aloft for trusting Puerto Rico,” said Rosselló.
Businessman Joel Rodríguez, also president of the JRC Tax & Accounting firm, owns the project. The hotel will also have a pool, activity room, gym, spa, at least two restaurants, and a terrace with a view of the town of Ponce.
The hotel is expected to be completed in 24 months, company officials said Wednesday.
