The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, along with regional conglomerate Gilinski Group, today announced new management plans for two hotels in Bogota. Following extensive updates and renovations, the historic Hotel Casa Medina Bogota will re-open as the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota, and the contemporary Hotel Charleston Bogota will welcome guests as the Four Seasons Hotel Bogota. Closed as of December 15, 2014 for renovations, both properties plan openings later in 2015. The Gilinski Group is a Colombian conglomerate owning several businesses, including Colombian bank GNB Sudameris.

“As travel to and within South America for both business and leisure continues to increase among luxury travelers 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.”“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.”

Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota – Rendering Post-Renovation

Located in the financial and commercial center of Bogota, the Hotel Casa Medina has a long history as a business travel destination. The unique French and Spanish architectural elements of this historic property will be preserved through the renovation while being augmented by contemporary features.

Hotel Charleston Bogota will re-open as Four Seasons Hotel Bogota, featuring renovated rooms and suites. It will also include a high-end dining experience to complement Bogotás already eclectic local culinary scene. A Japanese robata concept will offer an authentic menu featuring traditional grilled meats and seafood, sushi and a large bar stocked with sake, Japanese beers and cocktails.

Four Seasons also announced the appointment of Luis Argote as the General Manager of both the 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 travelers, 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 will now head Four Season’s entry into Bogotá’s high end business travel market.

Photo rendering credits: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts