San Salvador: Capital Undergoing Hotel Transformation
El Salvador is experiencing exceptional tourism growth. According to official data from the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), the country welcomed 3.9 million international visitors in 2024, a 17% increase from 2023 and 81% from 2019. This places El Salvador 2nd worldwide in tourism growth according to UN Tourism, behind Qatar.
The capital San Salvador is transforming with massive hotel investments. International chains like Marriott, Hilton and Holiday Inn are joining new local boutique hotels.
Official 2024 Tourism Figures (Source: MITUR)
- 3.9 million international visitors in 2024
- 431,674 visitors in December 2024 (record month)
- +206% increase in international tourism revenue vs 2019
- 2.5 million people at Historic Center Christmas Village
- 417,000 visitors to public beaches
- 185,000 visitors to public cultural sites
- 20,000 visitors to protected natural areas
JW Marriott San Salvador: $80 Million Flagship Project
Luxury Hotel by Grupo Poma
The most ambitious project is JW Marriott San Salvador, developed by Grupo Poma and Real Hotels & Resorts with Marriott International. Investment: $80 million.
Features
- 186 rooms over 16 floors (standard, double, suites)
- 3 exclusive gourmet restaurants
- Full spa with private pool and wet areas
- Outdoor pool with bar
- Gym with cutting-edge technology
- Executive Lounge on 15th floor
- Ballrooms for banquets and conferences
- 354 spaces underground parking
Design
Architectural design by CallisonRTKL (Netherlands/USA). Interiors by Watermark, luxury hotel specialists.
Location & Timeline
Located in Multiplaza complex. Construction started July 2025, 30-month duration. Opening late 2027.
Grupo Cardedeu: Salvadoran Hotel Empire
Cardedeu Centro Histórico ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Opened March 2025, this 5-star hotel represents $6-7 million investment. Housed in the emblematic Edificio Colón, a 100+ year historic building (former theater).
Features
- 31 rooms including 6 suites with Historic Center views
- Safe, free WiFi, air conditioning
- 24-hour room service
- Free private parking
Restaurants
- Silvestre Centro Histórico: Varied menu (appetizers, burgers, pasta, meats, pizzas)
- CEACHE Rooftop Gastrobar: Panoramic views, local ingredients
Rates
From $179/night. Check-in 3 PM, check-out 12 PM.
Contact: +503 7856 6504 | reservas@cardedeuhotels.com
Other Cardedeu Hotels
- Cardedeu Lago de Coatepeque: LakeView, LakeFront and Residence
- Cardedeu Suites San Benito: 15 rooms
- Cardedeu Express San Benito: Budget option
- Cardedeu Volcán: El Boquerón views
- Cardedeu Residence Cangrejera: Beach experience
Casa Lúmina - Hotel Boutique y Spa
San Benito Zen Oasis
Intimate boutique hotel in upscale San Benito. Perfect for couples and business travelers.
Features
- 5 rooms with refined decor
- Spa with hot tub (9 AM-5 PM, by reservation)
- Tropical garden and terrace
- Air conditioning and flat-screen TV
- Coffee machine in each room
- Free private parking (by reservation)
- Continental breakfast included
Location
Address: Calle Circunvalación 236, San Benito, San Salvador
5 min from La Gran Vía and Monumento al Salvador del Mundo.
Rates & Contact
From $95-98/night
Phone: +503 2223-3494 | info@casaluminahotel.com
City Express by Marriott: 4 New Hotels (440 rooms)
Marriott signed with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu:
- City Centro San Salvador: 31 rooms, Historic Center - late 2025
- City Express Aeropuerto: Near airport - 2026
- City Express Santa Elena: Pan-American Highway - 2026
- City Express Plus San Benito: Superior category - late 2027
Hampton by Hilton: First Airport Hotel
First hotel at the international airport. Innovative blockchain financing (HILSV token on Bitfinex Securities).
Holiday Inn Express: 2 Hotels for 2027
Salvador Hotel Corporation investing $20 million:
- Holiday Inn Express San Miguel: First international chain in eastern region - early 2027
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Comalapa: 72 rooms (27 suites), 3 km from airport - H1 2027
Why This Hotel Boom?
Security Transformation
Homicides: 6,656 in 2015 → 114 in 2024. Only one homicide in December 2024. US travel advisory now Level 2.
Historic Center Renovation
Most visited destination: 745,000 visitors in 2024.
Practical Tips
Book in Advance For
- December: Holidays and Christmas Village
- March-April: Holy Week
- August: Patron saint festivals
Recommended Neighborhoods
- San Benito: Nightlife, restaurants (Casa Lúmina, Cardedeu)
- Historic Center: Culture (Cardedeu Centro Histórico)
- Multiplaza: Shopping (JW Marriott 2027)
- Airport: Transit (Hampton, Holiday Inn)
Conclusion
San Salvador is positioning as premier Central American hotel destination. Over $100 million in investments announced. Country target: 4.2 million visitors in 2025.