The iconic Ritz Hotel may soon return to San Salvador’s Historic Center as part of a broader wave of urban revitalization. According to Manuel Rodríguez Joachín, director of the Historic Center Planning Authority (Aplan), representatives from the Ritz chain have visited the capital with plans to reopen the historic hotel that operated there in the 1970s.

“We’ve held meetings because they’re interested in reopening this hotel. For many Salvadorans, it brings a sense of nostalgia or memory,” Rodríguez said.

The possible comeback of the Ritz is part of more than $25 million in private investment registered in the first five months of 2025. Much of this growth is driven by new restaurants, cafés, and commercial projects, but interest from the hotel sector is also gaining strength.

“Some international hotel chains have visited El Salvador and are interested in opening locations here,” Rodríguez added. Two hotels currently operate in the area, and more lodging projects are under consideration.

Aplan’s vision is not only to boost tourism but also to turn the Historic Center into a vibrant, livable neighborhood, with upcoming cooperative housing and vertical living projects also in the pipeline.