Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has officially expanded its footprint in Latin America with the opening of its first two hotels in Argentina, a milestone achieved through its new partnership with AKEN Hotels & Resorts. With this alliance, Sonesta strengthens its growing presence in Latin America, blending its global reputation with AKEN’s regional expertise in creating distinct, luxury-driven guest experiences.
As of September 2025, two properties in Córdoba—La Urumpta Hotel & Spa, AKEN MIND in Río Cuarto and Böden Hotel & Spa, AKEN SOUL in Villa General Belgrano—have joined the Sonesta portfolio. These openings mark the beginning of a larger regional strategy aimed at expanding Sonesta’s influence across Argentina and beyond.
La Urumpta Hotel & Spa: Wellness in Río Cuarto
Located just minutes from both the city center and airport, La Urumpta Hotel & Spa has built a reputation as a serene wellness retreat. With 60 modern guest rooms, the property strikes a balance between functionality and elegance, offering business and leisure travelers a welcoming base in Río Cuarto.
The highlight of the hotel is its AKEN Spa & Wellness center, designed to create a haven for rejuvenation. Guests can also enjoy a restaurant that blends local Argentine flavors with international influences, ensuring every dining experience feels both authentic and contemporary.
Joining the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program gives La Urumpta guests added benefits, including access to member-only rates, point redemptions, and accelerated status recognition. With nearly 8 million members globally, this integration enhances the property’s appeal to international visitors seeking both wellness and rewards.
Böden Hotel & Spa: A Luxury Escape in Villa General Belgrano
Set against the scenic backdrop of Córdoba’s mountains, Böden Hotel & Spa offers 70 elegantly styled rooms, each featuring private balconies with sweeping views of landscaped gardens. Its prime location—just two minutes from the Golf Club and a short walk from Villa General Belgrano’s lively town center—makes it ideal for both relaxation and exploration.
The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant emphasizes a creative blend of Argentine specialties and international dishes. Guests can also enjoy the AKEN Spa & Wellness facilities, perfect for unwinding after a day spent hiking or exploring the alpine-inspired streets of Villa General Belgrano.
With its unique design, luxury amenities, and integration into Sonesta’s portfolio, Böden Hotel & Spa brings a refined yet approachable hospitality experience to the region.
Loyalty at the Core: Sonesta Travel Pass
Both new properties are now part of Sonesta Travel Pass, which continues to attract millions of travelers worldwide. Members can earn and redeem points across Sonesta’s 1,100 properties, access exclusive rates, and enjoy personalized perks.
For travelers in Latin America, this integration means more ways to maximize loyalty benefits, whether staying in Argentina or venturing to Sonesta’s global network. The program strengthens Sonesta’s ability to appeal to frequent travelers seeking consistent rewards without sacrificing local authenticity.
AKEN Hotels & Resorts: A Regional Innovator
Founded in Miami, AKEN Hotels & Resorts has developed a fresh approach to luxury hospitality by giving property owners the ability to retain local character while benefiting from global management expertise. Rather than homogenizing hotels into one mold, AKEN emphasizes individuality, design, and cultural authenticity.
Already established in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Mexico, AKEN is rapidly growing, with 10 new projects in the pipeline. By aligning with Sonesta, the brand accelerates its expansion while maintaining its signature focus on regionally inspired hospitality.
Sonesta’s Global Ambitions
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation now operates across nine countries with nearly 1,100 properties under 13 distinct brands. Ranked as the eighth-largest hotel company in the United States, Sonesta has become a major force in global hospitality.
Its entry into Argentina underscores a commitment to Latin America as a key growth region. Tourism in the continent has rebounded strongly, with Argentina attracting travelers for its mix of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and urban experiences. By partnering with AKEN, Sonesta ensures that its expansion reflects both luxury standards and local authenticity.
The Importance of Argentina’s Córdoba Region
Choosing Córdoba for its Argentina debut highlights the region’s increasing appeal. Known as a cultural and economic hub, Córdoba offers both vibrant city life and access to natural wonders, making it ideal for business and leisure travelers alike.
Río Cuarto provides a mix of commerce and culture, while Villa General Belgrano is famous for its alpine architecture and German heritage festivals. By situating its first hotels in these destinations, Sonesta taps into a diverse tourism base while setting the stage for further national growth.
Looking Ahead: Future Expansion
Sonesta’s expansion into Argentina marks only the beginning of a broader plan for Latin America and the Caribbean. The company aims to build a stronger presence in these regions, which continue to show robust tourism growth.
Through its partnership with AKEN Hotels & Resorts, Sonesta will bring more properties online in the coming years, offering travelers the combination of upscale comfort, cultural immersion, and loyalty rewards. Future openings are expected to deepen the brand’s footprint not only in Argentina but also across Latin America’s most dynamic destinations.
Conclusion
The debut of La Urumpta Hotel & Spa and Böden Hotel & Spa under the Sonesta brand is a significant milestone for the company’s global strategy. By aligning with AKEN Hotels & Resorts, Sonesta strengthens its commitment to delivering personalized, design-forward, and culturally inspired hospitality in Latin America.
For travelers, this means new opportunities to experience the beauty of Argentina while enjoying the consistency and rewards of a global hospitality leader. For the industry, it signals a growing emphasis on Latin America hospitality as a vital component of the international tourism market.
With these new additions, Sonesta sets the stage for a new era of expansion, bringing its distinctive blend of luxury travel, loyalty benefits, and local character to even more destinations worldwide.
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