By Alexander Britell

Part of a growing trend of hotel investment in Jamaica’s capital, Hilton has announced the planned opening of a new Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel in Kingston.

The new 168-room ROK Hotel, owned by PanJam Investment Limited, is slated to open its doors in 2020 in a multi-purpose complex on the Kingston waterfront.

The wider project will include retail, entertainment and commercial office spaces.

“Strategically focused on our expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America, we value the opportunity presented with Tapestry Collection by Hilton,” said Juan Corvinos, vice president, development, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “With Tapestry Collection, we open the door to owners with unique, upscale hotels, who seek to maintain their property’s distinctive character, but also seek the benefits of the Hilton engine and our award-winningHilton Honors program.”

Kingston, Jamaica at sunset.

Hilton said the project was part of a broader push in Jamaica’s capital to revitalize the Kingston waterfront.

It’s part of a transformation of the former Oceana Hotel that first opened in 1977.

“Following a year of impressive growth since the brand’s launch, including the signing of our first two properties in Peru, we are energized by our expansion in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Jenna Hackett, global head, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. “With its deep roots in the community, the ROK Hotel, Kingston will offer guests an authentically local experience coupled with the warm and welcoming hospitality of Jamaica.”

The property will feature an “expansive” pool deck on its first floor, along with other amenities like a fitness center, a restauarant, a bar, a lounge area and a cafe.

It will also include flexible meetings and event space.

“As Hilton continues to expand its presence throughout the Caribbean, we are excited to have the opportunity to support their growth and debut the Tapestry Collection brand in the region,” said Stephen Facey, chairman and chief executive officer of PanJam. “We recognize the value in collaborating with a well-respected global hospitality company such as Hilton, particularly as we work together to introduce travelers to authentic Kingston experiences, while offering them the brand’s upscale accommodations.”

It becomes one of several major hotel project currently underway in Kingston, most notably the AC Marriott that is the product of a partnership between Sandals and Marriott along with a 220-room Wyndham-branded hotel.

And it’s yet another new project for Hilton, which has been rapidly expanding its Caribbean footprint so far in 2019.