Last month’s Waldorf Astoria Cancun opening marked the 200^th Hilton hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America, and HSM was honored to play an integral role in the OS&E procurement and operational support for this milestone property. Set among the verdant mangroves of the Yucatan Peninsula, the 173-room luxury resort is Mexico’s second Waldorf Astoria and the brand’s first location within the Mexican Caribbean. HSM Mexico, under the leadership of Anani LeFevre, partnered closely with the resort’s development, operations and regional Hilton Managed Services teams from project signing to grand opening to ensure this exquisite property is perfectly appointed and responsibly sourced.

In 2019, the HSM Mexico team was involved in procurement and pre-opening support for the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, awarded #1 resort in Mexico by Travel + Leisure Co., before supporting OS&E procurement for the luxury resort in Cancun. Our team hit the ground running on sourcing needs for this unique hotel and remained engaged in the resort’s development for the 2.5+ years to completion. In addition to their involvement on all pre-opening and dedicated operations calls, the HSM Mexico team worked closely with Hilton Managed Services on sourcing needs ranging from audio visual services to local printers for the resort’s promotional collateral. HSM Mexico also established training programs for the property’s F&B, Culinary and Housekeeping teams.

Wherever possible, our procurement experts sought out local resources and local suppliers to support the region’s newest property. Artisanal bracelets reflecting—and supporting—the local community and culture were woven into the Waldorf Astoria’s aesthetic, and for F&B purchasing, preference was given to local suppliers offering organic, farm-raised commodities. Our F&B Category Management and Brand Engagement teams also played significant roles in the outfitting of the resort’s five dining venues, from the chic Peacock Alley Lounge to the resort’s signature restaurant, Malpeque. Tasked with sourcing table sets for F&B outlets spanning the resort’s 100-acre footprint, HSM’s F&B experts browsed over 6,000 line items among 100+ brands before arranging a tabletop trunk show featuring a dozen top-tier suppliers.

In total, HSM engaged hundreds of suppliers—including a many local partners new to our network—and conducted dozens of site visits to ensure the resort’s product quality and OS&E aesthetic met the highest standards at the projected price. The HSM Mexico team did an outstanding job anticipating the needs and desires of guests at this property in paradise, and we look forward to future partnership opportunities with developer Parks Hospitality Holdings.

“We are honored and excited to extend our successful partnership with Hilton with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Cancun. We believe Mexico’s unique combination of people, culture, gastronomy and natural wonders make it the best global destination for tourism,” said Charles El Mann Fasja, Waldorf Astoria Cancun developer and Parks Hospitality Holdings CEO.  “We are committed to developing hotels of the future while also sourcing locally, building sustainably and honoring our country's craftsmanship, which is what truly sets us apart.”

If you have a conversion or new property in the pipeline and want to discuss responsible sourcing options with our OS&E procurement experts, contact HSMx@hilton.com or reach out to your Strategic Accounts advisor.