Haiti's Karibe Hotel Names J/Brice Design International for New Wing to Double Capacity, Foster Post-Quake Tourism
BOSTON, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Haiti's premier hotelier Richard Buteau has commissioned J/Brice Design International to design a new wing for The Karibe Hotel & Spa that will include 100 luxury guestrooms, as well as an upscale eatery and entertainment venue with rooftop terraces and commanding sea views.
Though a portion of The Karibe (http://www.karibehotel.com) was damaged by the earthquake, the Port au Prince property quickly reopened after being retrofit by Miyamoto International, the California-based earthquake-engineering firm. In the aftermath, The Karibe accommodated international celebrities, TV and print journalists and dignitaries who flew to Haiti in to focus attention on the devastation and bring relief to its 11 million people.
Conceived in 1996 by owner Richard Buteau, The Karibe was completed in 2008 and continues to be family-owned and operated without the imprimatur of an international brand. The Karibe boasts a luxury spa and lush courtyard. The new wing, scheduled for mid-2013 completion, will double guestroom capacity to accommodate demand for this premier destination in the capital city.
Jeffrey Ornstein, CEO and founder of J/Brice (http://www.jbricedesign.com) who turned his Boston firm into an international powerhouse by winning contracts throughout the USA, Middle East and Asia, notes, "The Karibe is the very essence of a boutique hotel. It is a one-of-kind intimate hideaway that reflects the nation's culture and the exacting vision of its prominent local owner family."
He adds, "Our design scheme will reflect the style and aesthetic of Haiti's architecture, art, fashion and remarkable sunsets – natural tones with bold pops of color that include turquoise, coral, azure and the metallics."
Buteau is also vice president of the Haiti Tourism Association. He says, "Over the last 25 years, every time we mentioned tourism, people would say, 'Tourists? Haiti?' " This is despite the fact that the country was attracting 300,000 tourists annually during the 60's and early 70's; a number that slipped to 100,000 just before the 2010 quake. As Haiti's premiere hotel, The Karibe development project will figure prominently in revitalizing tourism.
Buteau says, "We have one big advantage now. By starting from scratch, we can learn from our mistakes and shape Haiti's image for the 21st century traveler," adding, "Partnering with J/Brice Design will shine a light on The Karibe and Haiti as the chic new destination in the Caribbean."
Contact: Pirozzolo Company
Dick Pirozzolo
781-235 9911
email: [email protected]
SOURCE J/Brice Design International
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