The highly anticipated US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at Timehri – the country’s first airport hotel – was commissioned Wednesday, adding 150 rooms to Guyana’s accommodation capacity, with plans already underway for an extension.
Located near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, the six-storey hotel accommodates a host of modern amenities for which the world-renowned United States-based Marriott brand is known.
Built by Cardinal Investments Inc on 2.5 acres of Government-leased land, it is Guyana’s first major airport hotel, which will target airline crew, diplomats, business travellers and transit guests.
According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cardinal Investments Inc. and Managing Director of the Bassoo Group, Roy Bassoo, there are already plans in place to expand the hotel to meet growing demands.
“With surging demands from airlines and travellers, we anticipate this hotel will be fully booked from its first day,” Bassoo stated, adding, “…so promising is this beginning [that] we are ready to expand… We are in advanced discussions with the Marriott team to add 75 rooms adjacent to this property.”
The businessman explained that in addition to more rooms, the extended building will also house an entertainment complex that will feature fast food restaurants, an Irish pub and rooftop bar, ATMs and potentially, a casino.
The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel was constructed in response to calls from the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government for the local private sector to capitalise on incentivised investment opportunities to expand the country’s hospitality sector.
New IHG hotel
Even with this brand-new hotel at the CJIA, the Basso Group continues to heed the push for added rooms in the country with the acquisition of another international hotel franchise, this time under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
“The Bassoo Group has secured the franchise for the Staybridge Suites Hotel under the InterContinental Hotels Group,” the local businessman announced on Wednesday.
With the lease for land along the Heroes’ Highway already obtained to build the new 130-room hotel, Bassoo said construction will commence in early 2026.
InterContinental Hotels Group, marketed as IHG Hotels & Resorts, is a British multinational hospitality company with more than 3000 hotel properties around the world, primarily under the Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental brands.
As a renowned local contractor with experience in the education, healthcare and security sectors, Basso has called on other Guyanese investors, both big and small, to follow in his footsteps and seize similar opportunities.
Meanwhile, President Ali, delivering the feature address during Wednesday’s opening, recognised Bassoo as an ultimate trailblazer in Guyana’s development.
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