Sonesta Executes Definitive Agreement With AKEN Hotels & Resorts
Jun 30, 2025 4 mins read
NEWTON, MA [June 30, 2025] – Sonesta International Hotels Corporation (Sonesta) today announced the execution of a strategic alliance with AKEN Hotels & Resorts LLC, a distinguished hotel group with a growing presence across South America and the Caribbean. This definitive agreement marks a pivotal moment in Sonesta’s ongoing international growth strategy, with a concentrated focus on the high-potential Latin American (LATAM) region.
Furthering this commitment to growth and enhanced guest experience, initially six AKEN hotels are slated to ally with Sonesta, effective this fall, followed by more AKEN properties following soon after. This transition will integrate these unique properties into Sonesta’s global distribution & loyalty ecosystem, offering a seamless way for members to explore culturally rich destinations.
A key benefit of this alliance for travelers will be the significant expansion of opportunities for Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program members to earn and redeem points across an array of exciting new destinations. Sonesta Travel Pass members will be able to leverage their loyalty at AKEN locations and benefit from the best rates, earn points towards free nights, as well as accelerated membership status.
“Latin America offers both cultural richness and untapped growth opportunities and AKEN Hotels is an ideal collaborator with local insight and operational excellence,” said Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s EVP and President of Franchise & Development. “As travelers continue to look for authentic experiences, this agreement represents a distinctive opportunity for Sonesta to create a strategic alignment with AKEN, a brand recognized for its experience in ecotourism and conscious luxury.”
“Our 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,” said Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s Chief Development Officer. “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.”
Miami-headquartered AKEN Hotels & Resorts, a Conscious Luxury Brand, is celebrated for its distinctive approach to hospitality, emphasizing conscious luxury where lifestyle and wellness are integrated into the guest experience. AKEN currently operates hotels in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
“We’re thrilled to formally begin a relationship with Sonesta to bring the spirit of South American hospitality to a broader global audience,” said Lisandro León Liguori, co-Founder and co-CEO of AKEN Hotels & Resorts. “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.”
“This exciting alliance allows AKEN to quickly 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,” Luis Gallotti, co-Founder and co-CEO of AKEN Hotels & Resorts. “Together with Sonesta, we are creating new pathways for discovery, loyalty, and growth—both for our guests and our teams.”
This strategic alliance is poised to drive mutual value and significantly elevate the guest experience across diverse markets.
About AKEN Hotels & Resorts
Headquartered in Miami, AKEN, a Conscious Luxury Brand, aims to reinvent the hospitality industry’s international brand management and operational practices, offering the flexibility that owners of high-end, luxury, independent hotels are looking for. In contrast to other brands, AKEN disrupts traditional, one-model-fits-all approaches by offering deep flexibility and customization under a single brand umbrella. AKEN currently operates hotels in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, with 10 more projects in development, and plans to further expand in more unique destinations in Latin America, the Caribbean and USA. For more information visit www.akenhotels.com.
ABOUT SONESTA
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 to make a reservation or franchise.sonesta.com to explore joining our portfolio.
