"We are thrilled to expand our hotel portfolio in the Caribbeanwith the addition of a Crowne Plaza in San Juan," says Crowne PlazaHotels & Resorts VP Gina LaBarre. "Puerto Rico has long beenconsidered a mainstay for international leisure and business traveland we look forward to providing guests with this brand's industryleading amenities."

Part of a 26-acre compound, the Crowne Plaza is slated forcompletion in 2009. The surrounding mixed-use complex will includea 559,000-sf shopping mall and pair of 11-story office buildingstotaling 430,000 sf. The hotel will be constructed in twoconnecting towers with direct access to the shopping mall.

Hotel rooms will have views of the Atlantic Ocean, and thefacility is situated close to such venues as the Puerto RicoConvention Center, historic San Juan and the new Jose MiguelAgrelot Coliseum. The Crowne Plaza will be the fourth IHG propertyoperating in the city, joining such offerings as theInterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino, a Holiday Inn and aHoliday Inn Express.