Meet Melissa Barrera, our Customer Success Manager based in Colombia, who plays a key role in shaping how corporate accommodation is delivered across Latin America. She works closely with corporate clients, relocation partners and hospitality providers to manage accommodation requests, curate tailored housing options, and ensure high-quality stays through AltoVita’s platform.
We recently sat down with her and talked about the realities of LATAM accommodation, from common misconceptions about the region and what it really takes to maintain quality at scale.
"That it’s a one-size-fits-all market. LATAM is incredibly diverse. What works in São Paulo won’t necessarily work in Bogotá or Mexico City. Companies often underestimate the variation in supply quality, pricing norms, and tenant expectations across cities. Local expertise is everything here."
"São Paulo and Mexico City continue to lead. But we’re also seeing a real uptick in Panamá and Quito, as companies diversify their LATAM footprints and look for more cost-effective hubs with strong talent pools."
"It requires boots on the ground and trusted local partnerships. Remote vetting only goes so far... You need people who can physically inspect properties, build relationships with suppliers, and respond quickly when something goes wrong. At Altovita, that local network is core to how we maintain standards across the region."
"Build in more lead time than you think you need. Between regulatory nuances, lease structures, and the pace of local markets, last-minute placements are much harder to execute well here than in other regions. The earlier you engage, the better the outcome for the assignee."