Benchmark Hospitality International has been named the "Hispanic Hotel Management Company of the Year" by the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association by bestowing its first ever Estrella Awards, which were launched this year by the association to spotlight outstanding Hispanic achievements within the lodging industry.  The competition included multiple entry opportunities within two major areas:  The “Hispanic Owned and Operated or Managed Hotels” category, and the Hispanic “Pillars of Excellence” category, recognizing outstanding professionals and Hispanic organizations within the lodging industry.  The nominees were reviewed by an independent panel of judges. “This year’s winners, including Benchmark Hospitality International, exemplified the best of the best in our industry and have set the standard for future Estrella nominees,” said Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, president of the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association. “It is HHOA's goal to recognize those who exceed industry expectations and set a new standard of excellence both foreign and domestic within the hospitality industry.” Founded in 1980 by Burt Cabañas (pictured above, with the Estrella, who was born and raised in Cuba, Benchmark Hospitality International has become one of the top hospitality management companies in the United States, with a portfolio of 30 luxury properties located coast-to-coast, in Hawaii, Japan, and Panama City, Panama.  Within the past year, Benchmark Hospitality has actively expanded into Latin America, establishing offices in Santiago, Chile, adding projects in Panama, and is developing opportunities in Chile and Costa Rica. Benchmark Hospitality International was selected as the manager/operator of Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida, which opened earlier this year. The property is owned by Latin Music Superstar, Five-time Grammy Award-winning Gloria Estefan, and her husband, producer Emilio Estefan, Jr. “This is a tremendous honor for our company,” said Cabañas. “To receive this award from our Hispanic lodging colleagues is a tremendous honor for me and for the entire team at Benchmark Hospitality. We are grateful for this recognition.”