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Tag: starwood hotels resorts worldwide inc

  • The St. Regis Mauritus Resort celebrates official debut

    St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, component to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, proudly celebrated the highly-anticipated official opening of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, marking the brand’s first hotel in Africa and the 30th St. Regis hotel on the earth.

    The official opening ceremony was inaugurated by the Prime Minsiter of Mauritius, Dr The Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam within the presence of Mr. Ashok Uttamchandani and Mr. Ashish Nurani, owners of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, Mr. Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Hassan Ahdab, Vp Africa and Indian Ocean and Mr. Bernard de Villèle, General Manager. The celebration was attended by greater than 350 influencers and guests from Mauritius.

    Hosted on the exclusive St. Regis Mauritius Resort across the Manor House, the festivities were designed to celebrate St. Regis hotels from 1904 to 2013 and opened with a dance performance and speeches by the Prime Minister and van Paasschen. The evening event included cocktails and an epicurean tour, followed by a spectacular fireworks show and live musical performances.

    The St. Regis Mauritius Resort follows recent openings in Hainan and Shenzhen in China; Doha and Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi within the Middle East; and Bal Harbour within the U . s . a ., all in the last twelve months. Having greater than doubled its portfolio in only five years, St. Regis continues its dynamic global growth, further strengthening Starwood’s lead in luxury hospitality, offering guests exceptional levels of service and delightful experiences in exciting destinations all over the world.

    “As we add new, must-visit destinations to our global portfolio of hotels and resorts, the hole of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort truly marks a great milestone for the logo,” says Paul James, Global Brand Leader St. Regis, The posh Collection, and W Hotels Worldwide. “Celebrating Mauritius’ rich and numerous cultural heritage, we glance forward to welcoming guests to the good address at the island, offering bespoke service and refined elegance both befitting of the destination and true to the St. Regis legacy.”

    “We are excited to introduce a brand new luxury travel experience to Mauritius with the outlet of the highly-anticipated St. Regis Mauritius Resort,” adds Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “It is our first St. Regis hotel in Africa and an important addition to our growing portfolio of luxury hotels world wide.”

    Island Sanctuary

    Situated on one of the crucial privileged locations at the southwestern tip of island, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is found at the pristine white natural beaches on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne, bordered by a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s backdrop of Mauritius’ iconic Le Morne Brabant Mountain is defined by a lush green patchwork of sugar cane fields encircling a sequence of lofty peaks that overlook the Indian Ocean.

    Designed by Stauch Vorster Architects with interiors by Trevor Julius of celebrated design firm dsgn, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is modelled on a Victorian sugar-baron’s manor house set in a historical estate. With vast terraces, sumptuous rooms and colonnades, the resort provides guests with an idyllic island sanctuary similar to the destination’s unique colonial past.

    The resort features 172 elegant guestrooms and suites, starting from 700 to 2300 square feet, all with expansive terraces and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The lavish beachfront St. Regis Villa includes a private entrance, four luxurious bedrooms with private pools and gardens, stylish entertainment and dining areas, an infinity pool, a bar and personal spa consultation room. The resort features the famed hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, including signature St. Regis Butler Service.

    Exquisite Culinary Experiences

    The resort’s signature restaurant, Simply India, promises an unforgettable fine dining experience created by Michelin-starred celebrity chef Atul Kochhar and gives a latest interpretation of authentic Indian cuisine.  Led by Executive Chef Olivier Belliard, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort offers six other distinct gastronomic experiences starting from Le Manoir Dining Room with a menu inspired by a mix of French and standard Mauritian cuisine, to the trendy Asian menu at Floating Market, and a chilled beachside spot for informal oceanfront dining on the Boathouse Bar & Grill.  Inspired by the legendary St. Regis Ny Hotel which opened in 1904, The 1904 Bar offers elegant rum cocktails and vintage whiskeys alongside the St. Regis ritual of champagne sabering.

    Luxury Leisure and the 1st Iridium Spa in Africa

    The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is home to the region’s first Iridium Spa, offering 22,730 square feet of blissful surroundings including an entire-service salon, relaxation lounge, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, in addition to a dedicated men’s grooming salon and a 24-hour fitness club. Featuring 12 treatment rooms with ocean views, the Iridium Spa works with renowned beauty and skincare brands Valmont and Bella Luccè to indulge guests with bespoke spa treatments.

    The unique conditions at the windward side of the island allow for a variety of aquatic activities, including the exhilarating sports of wind and kite surfing in world-class conditions, in addition to deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and diving amid fascinating coral reefs. With direct access to 1 of the foremost sought-after kite surfing spots, “One Eye” at Le Morne, the resort offers the world’s first Club Mistral Prestige Kite Surf Club where guests gets expert assistance and an enhanced sporting experience. Other water recreational activities and facilities include the dive centre, canoeing and kayaking, in addition to catamaran and sunset cruises.

    The Kite Flyers Club offers complimentary childcare services for kids from four to twelve years old, including recreational highlights corresponding to beach bonfires and kite-making, in addition to facilities like indoor and outdoor play areas, the children’s kitchen corner and a swimming pool. Optional activities include guided excursions to the zoo and sugarcane museum, cooking classes and horseback riding.

    Situated inside the heart of the resort, the manor house comprises seven luxurious suites with in-room spa facilities, a non-public 24-seat cinema, a Drawing Room for indoor entertainment and games, a swimming pool, in addition to a library and conservatory. Other leisure facilities on the resort include a beachside swimming pool, a tennis court and a resort boutique. For personal celebrations, the Astor Room may be booked for events hosting as much as 100 people.

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  • W New Orleans – French quarter sold for $25.5 million

    Chesapeake Lodging Trust announced today that it has purchased the W New Orleans – French Quarter from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc for $25.5 million. The Trust has entered right into a long-term management contract with Starwood to continue to function the Hotel.

    “We are very excited to expand our Starwood relationship with our third W hotel and fourth Starwood-branded hotel, including the Le Meridien San Francisco,” stated James L. Francis, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. “This Hotel is in a superior location and is in exceptional condition following Starwood’s recently completed comprehensive renovation program. With the Hotel’s first four diamond rating in its history, we believe this is often the ideal asset for Chesapeake to go into the rebounding New Orleans marketplace.”

    The W New Orleans – French Quarter is found on Chartres Street, just steps from Jackson Square and the numerous retail and jazz clubs of the French Quarter. The valuables features 97 well-appointed guestrooms, including four carriage house studio suites. The renovation program ended in the addition of a brand new SWEAT state-of-the-art gymnasium, and SoBou, a modern Creole cuisine restaurant that was named some of the top 10 new restaurants by Esquire Magazine.

    The renovation program was influenced by the wealthy history and culture of recent Orleans. There are two distinct guestroom themes; Jazz, with vibrant golden yellow walls and a floor-to-ceiling brass image modeled after a horn and Tarot, which was inspired by the recent Orleans’ voodoo queen, Marie Laveau. Rooms feature a 40” LCD flat screen, signature W brand bedding, iPod docking station and Bliss bath amenities.

    “From the hot Front room lobby to the enormous outdoor, tree-lined courtyard with its heated pool, the W New Orleans – French Quarter is the ideal place to enjoy all that New Orleans has to give,” continued Mr. Francis. “This is another outstanding addition to our growing portfolio of high-quality lodging assets.”

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  • Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel now officially open

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc and Majid Al Futtaim Properties today celebrated the hole of Sheraton® Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel. With this opening, Starwood now operates 14 hotels in Dubai, representing the very best concentration of Starwood hotels in any one city outside of recent York.

    Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel is directly connected to Dubai’s leading shopping destination, Mall of the Emirates, which features greater than 560 international retail brands and can be home to the long-lasting Ski Dubai snow dome.

    “Sheraton has an extended history within the Middle East, spanning over 50 years and it remains one of the sought-after hotel brands inside the region,” said Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “With the hole of Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel, our brand portfolio inside the region is stronger than ever and globally, we’re anticipating record-breaking growth with plans to open our 500th Sheraton hotel by 2015.”
    Peter Walichnowski, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “Sheraton’s international standards and bold track record within the region make it an ideal fit for Mall of the Emirates, which houses a singular range of high-end retail, leisure and entertainment concepts. The hotel may be an excellent addition to our hospitality portfolio and should complement our offerings at Mall of the Emirates, which was ranked because the seventh most lucrative shopping center on this planet by the International Council of Shopping Centres.”

    Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel comprises of 481 guest rooms, including 94 suites, in addition to as regards to 9,000 square-feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space. The hotel offers four restaurants and lounges, including: Sanabel, a Mediterranean restaurant; Sodabox, an American retro 1950s café; Vantage, a modern urban lounge; and Sanctuary Pool Lounge, boasting panoramic views.

    As the most recent Sheraton hotel inside the region, Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel offers an unrivalled signature experience. This includes all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Beds in all guest-rooms, the Sheraton Club Lounge, the administrative business centre – The Link@SheratonSM Experienced with Microsoft® and Sheraton Fitness Programmed by Core® Performance, with state-of-the-art gym equipment and coaching. Guests may also pamper themselves inside the Sanctuary Spa with its wide selection of innovative spa treatments.

    Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel is conveniently located half-hour from the Dubai International Airport and 20 minutes from Dubai World Trade Centre. This opening marks Starwood’s 16th Sheraton hotel inside the Middle East because the debut of the corporate within the region with the Sheraton Kuwait in 1966.

    “The addition of Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel into the Sheraton and Starwood portfolios is a testament to the arrogance owners have in Starwood and our brands,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vp Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The Sheraton portfolio and pipeline is the strongest it has ever been and we glance forward to both new-build and conversion opportunities for the logo within the Middle East.” Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel offers the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) programme, which provides guests a big gamble to earn Starpoints™ to avail more choices, flexibility and benefits including exclusive redemption options, free nights and access to award-winning properties. Starwood’s SPG® loyalty program recently offered members the chance to witness the Dralion™ by Cirque du Soleil®, for which Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel was the official hotel partner.

  • News: MENA to have 50 New Starwood Hotels in next five years

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc is strengthening its position because the leading hotel operator around the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region with an existing portfolio of 82 hotels, representing nearly 22,000 guest rooms, the vast majority of that are operated under Starwood’s world-renowned Sheraton and Le Méridien brands. The corporate announced today that it’s going to increase its MEA portfolio by greater than 60% with nearly 50 new hotels set to open over the subsequent five years, adding greater than 14,000 guest rooms to the region while creating thousands of local employment opportunities. With over 20 hotels expected to open by the tip of 2015, Starwood is on course to succeed in a milestone 100 hotels across MEA. Further underscoring the significance of the region as one in every of Starwood’s fastest growing hotel and travel markets, earlier this month the corporate relocated its global headquarters from Stamford, Connecticut to Dubai for a month-long immersion.

    “Dubai epitomises the changing face of travel, and we predict this relocation will deepen our relations with partners, associates and customers. The insights that come from experiences like this move make us more agile in today’s rapidly changing world.”

    “Starwood continues to look demand for growth of all of our brands around the Middle East and Africa despite economic and political uncertainty in some parts of this incredibly diverse region,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes, a growing middle class and ever greater global connectivity are driving new travel patterns and insist for travel, and this region is on the center of those trends and a key focus of our growth strategy.”

    With greater than 70% of the world’s economic growth coming from fast-growing markets over the following couple of years, Starwood is concentrated on expansion in developing MEA markets inclusive of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa and Nigeria. The corporate could also be inquisitive about growth opportunities in key emerging markets including Iraq, Pakistan, Angola, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and East Africa.

    By 2017, Starwood will operate greater than 130 hotels in MEA, marking some key milestones, including:

    *  Portfolio growth of over 60% within the UAE with 12 new hotels, including six in Dubai, bringing Starwood’s portfolio to greater than 30 hotels around the country. Starwood’s growth plans within the UAE also include expansion into Sharjah and Ajman.
    *  Rapid expansion across Saudi Arabia with six new hotels slated to open by 2015 bringing Starwood’s portfolio to fifteen hotels on this key developing market.
    *  The re-entry of Starwood into Iraq with the milestone signings of 3 hotels across three brands inside the city of Erbil, located inside the re-emerging Kurdistan area of the rustic.
    *  Momentum in Nigeria with two new Starwood hotels, under the company’s Four Points by Sheraton brand.
    *  Addition of 2 new hotels in Algeria with a brand new Sheraton hotel in Annaba and 4 Points by Sheraton in Oran.
    *  The launch of Starwood’s Aloft Hotels brand in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Aloft may also open its second property within the UAE within the emirate of Sharjah.
    Starwood Strengthens Luxury Portfolio

    In 2011, Starwood introduced its ultra-luxury St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand within the region with the outlet of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by last year’s debuts of The St. Regis Doha and The St. Regis Mauritius, marking the entry of the logo into Qatar and Africa. This year, Starwood will unveil a second St. Regis hotel on Abu Dhabi’s vibrant Corniche, making it the one city on earth to boast two St. Regis hotels. The logo will soon enter the Egyptian market with the outlet of The St. Regis Cairo.

    Starwood can also be seeing rapid growth of its contemporary, design-led W Hotels brand. Following the successful launch of the logo within the region with the outlet of W Doha in 2009, Starwood has plans to open six more W Hotels across MEA in key markets, including three in Dubai and one each in Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Amman by 2017.

    “Our long-established presence, local teams, and robust relationships within the region remain a competitive advantage, and position us well to use the various opportunities for future growth,” said Simon Turner, President of worldwide Development & Acquisition, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We have a healthy pipeline of recent hotels under development inside the Middle East and Africa, and expect our growth to continue in 2013 as we glance to expand in markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

    Conversion Opportunities in MEA

    In addition to new hotel openings, Starwood is seeing increasing opportunities for hotel conversions in MEA. Earlier ten months, Starwood has signed three conversion deals inside the region, including Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates, which opened last month.

    “Thanks to Starwood’s nearly 50 year history within the MEA region and the proven strength of our brands, the corporate is easily positioned to take full good thing about growth,” said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We are seeing a sizable landscape of independent hotels ripe for flags within the region and we think to capture greater than our justifiable share of conversion opportunities across all of our brands. The new conversion of the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates is a testament of this strategy.”

    As Starwood continues its extensive expansion across MEA, the corporate is additionally excited about upgrading its existing portfolio of hotels within the region, primarily under the Sheraton and Le Méridien brands.

    Starwood Relocates Global Headquarters to Dubai

    Earlier this month, Starwood President & CEO Frits van Paasschen and the company’s top executives relocated to Dubai where they’ve been conducting day-to-day business from this increasingly important global destination and travel hub. Following the company’s successful relocation to China in June 2011, this second leadership move reflects Starwood’s innovative management way to cultivating a more global culture by understanding, appreciating and leveraging different societal perspectives and approaches to business and hospitality.

    “With 80% of Starwood’s pipeline coming from rapidly growing markets, it’s miles simply impossible to steer a really global business from a boardroom in Connecticut,” said van Paasschen. “Dubai epitomises the changing face of travel, and we think this relocation will deepen our relations with partners, associates and customers. The insights that come from experiences like this move make us more agile in today’s rapidly changing world.”

  • MENA to have 50 New Starwood Hotels in next five years

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc is strengthening its position because the leading hotel operator around the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region with an existing portfolio of 82 hotels, representing nearly 22,000 guest rooms, the vast majority of which can be operated under Starwood’s world-renowned Sheraton and Le Méridien brands. The corporate announced today that it’s going to increase its MEA portfolio by greater than 60% with nearly 50 new hotels set to open over a higher five years, adding greater than 14,000 guest rooms to the region while creating thousands of local employment opportunities. With over 20 hotels expected to open by the top of 2015, Starwood is on target to arrive a milestone 100 hotels across MEA. Further underscoring the significance of the region as one in every of Starwood’s fastest growing hotel and travel markets, earlier this month the corporate relocated its global headquarters from Stamford, Connecticut to Dubai for a month-long immersion.

    “Dubai epitomises the changing face of travel, and we think this relocation will deepen our relations with partners, associates and customers. The insights that come from experiences like this move make us more agile in today’s rapidly changing world.”

    “Starwood continues to work out demand for growth of all of our brands around the Middle East and Africa despite economic and political uncertainty in some parts of this incredibly diverse region,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes, a growing middle class and ever greater global connectivity are driving new travel patterns and insist for travel, and this region is on the center of those trends and a key focus of our growth strategy.”

    With greater than 70% of the world’s economic growth coming from fast-growing markets over the following couple of years, Starwood is concentrated on expansion in developing MEA markets corresponding to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa and Nigeria. The corporate could also be concerned with growth opportunities in key emerging markets including Iraq, Pakistan, Angola, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and East Africa.

    By 2017, Starwood will operate greater than 130 hotels in MEA, marking some key milestones, including:

    *  Portfolio growth of over 60% within the UAE with 12 new hotels, including six in Dubai, bringing Starwood’s portfolio to greater than 30 hotels around the country. Starwood’s growth plans within the UAE also include expansion into Sharjah and Ajman.
    *  Rapid expansion across Saudi Arabia with six new hotels slated to open by 2015 bringing Starwood’s portfolio to fifteen hotels on this key developing market.
    *  The re-entry of Starwood into Iraq with the milestone signings of 3 hotels across three brands within the city of Erbil, located within the re-emerging Kurdistan area of the rustic.
    *  Momentum in Nigeria with two new Starwood hotels, under the company’s Four Points by Sheraton brand.
    *  Addition of 2 new hotels in Algeria with a brand new Sheraton hotel in Annaba and 4 Points by Sheraton in Oran.
    *  The launch of Starwood’s Aloft Hotels brand in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Aloft may also open its second property inside the UAE inside the emirate of Sharjah.
    Starwood Strengthens Luxury Portfolio

    In 2011, Starwood introduced its ultra-luxury St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand within the region with the outlet of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. This was followed by last year’s debuts of The St. Regis Doha and The St. Regis Mauritius, marking the entry of the emblem into Qatar and Africa. This year, Starwood will unveil a second St. Regis hotel on Abu Dhabi’s vibrant Corniche, making it the sole city on earth to boast two St. Regis hotels. The emblem will soon enter the Egyptian market with the hole of The St. Regis Cairo.

    Starwood can also be seeing rapid growth of its contemporary, design-led W Hotels brand. Following the successful launch of the logo within the region with the hole of W Doha in 2009, Starwood has plans to open six more W Hotels across MEA in key markets, including three in Dubai and one each in Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Amman by 2017.

    “Our long-established presence, local teams, and robust relationships within the region remain a competitive advantage, and position us well to exploit the numerous opportunities for future growth,” said Simon Turner, President of world Development & Acquisition, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We have a healthy pipeline of recent hotels under development within the Middle East and Africa, and expect our growth to continue in 2013 as we glance to expand in markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

    Conversion Opportunities in MEA

    In addition to new hotel openings, Starwood is seeing increasing opportunities for hotel conversions in MEA. Previously ten months, Starwood has signed three conversion deals within the region, including Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates, which opened last month.

    “Thanks to Starwood’s nearly 50 year history inside the MEA region and the proven strength of our brands, the corporate is definitely positioned to take full benefit of growth,” said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We are seeing a big landscape of independent hotels ripe for flags inside the region and we predict to capture greater than our justifiable share of conversion opportunities across all of our brands. The new conversion of the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates is a testament of this strategy.”

    As Starwood continues its extensive expansion across MEA, the corporate can be serious about upgrading its existing portfolio of hotels within the region, primarily under the Sheraton and Le Méridien brands.

    Starwood Relocates Global Headquarters to Dubai

    Earlier this month, Starwood President & CEO Frits van Paasschen and the company’s top executives relocated to Dubai where they’ve been conducting day-to-day business from this increasingly important global destination and travel hub. Following the company’s successful relocation to China in June 2011, this second leadership move reflects Starwood’s innovative management method to cultivating a more global culture by understanding, appreciating and leveraging different societal perspectives and approaches to business and hospitality.

    “With 80% of Starwood’s pipeline coming from rapidly growing markets, this is simply impossible to guide a very global business from a boardroom in Connecticut,” said van Paasschen. “Dubai epitomises the changing face of travel, and we predict this relocation will deepen our relations with partners, associates and customers. The insights that come from experiences like this move make us more agile in today’s rapidly changing world.”