Just north of the upscale Hacienda Santa Barbara shopping mall in Bogotá’s Usaquen area, a new Hampton Inn is under construction, at the corner of Ave. 7 and Calle 119.

The new Hampton Inn, a Hilton Worldwide brand, is geared to serve Bogotá’s cosmopolitan north side, which is undergoing a construction boom with new shopping, office, and medical facilities going up at a record place. For example, the hotel is just two blocks from Cisco Systems’ new high-tech Colombia headquarters, and walking distance from both the Unicentro and Hacienda Santa Barbara shopping malls.

The new hotel, at Carrera 7 no. 118-30, includes Wifi at no extra charge, 40 inch HDTVs, in-room safes, hot breakfast included, and a 7th floor fitness center and meeting room.

Finance Colombia was able to catch up with Juan Corvinos, Hilton Worldwide’s director of development for the Andean Region, for a brief Q&A regarding the new Hampton Inn, and Hilton Worldwide’s plans.

Finance Colombia: Why did Hampton Inn feel there was a need for a hotel of this type in Bogota’s burgeoning business and commercial district of Usaquen?

Corvinos: Hilton Worldwide is always looking for the right opportunity to grow our brands and to do so in markets that demonstrate viability. Bogota is such a market, presenting a great opportunity for growth in the hospitality sector. The Northern area of the city, where the Hampton by Hilton hotel will be located, offers ideal access to a number of nearby cities and businesses, including hospitals.

Finance Colombia: What other properties does Hampton Inn have in Colombia?

Corvinos: Hilton Worldwide currently has seven hotels in Colombia, of which three are Hampton by Hilton properties in Barranquilla, Cali and Cartagena. The company also has plans to open an additional nine hotels in Colombia, including four Hampton by Hiltons in Usaquen, Yopal, Valledupar and Bucaramanga.

The new hotel is under construction at the corner of 7th Ave. and 116th St. on Bogotá’s north side.

Finance Colombia: What does this say about Hampton Inn/Hilton’s view on the Colombian hospitality market?

Corvinos: Hilton is committed to our continued growth in the country. Colombia’s strong economy, coupled with its developed infrastructure and presence of major businesses, represents a great opportunity for our industry. With our portfolio of brands, we can offer a consistent and quality accommodation experience in both primary and secondary cities across the country, and look forward to welcoming travelers to all that Colombia has to offer.