Starwood launches Sheraton Grand
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has introduced Sheraton Grand, a new premier tier that recognises exceptional Sheraton hotels and resorts for destinations, designs, and excellence in service.
Starwood has revealed the first ten Sheraton Grand properties, which span from Bangalore to Beijing, Dubai to Edinburgh, Miyazaki to Seoul, Taipei to Bangkok, and Tokyo to Rio de Janeiro. By the end of the year, Starwood expects to have 50 newly-designated Sheraton Grand hotels around the world, with plans for 100 by early 2017. The initiative is one of many currently under way for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify the hotel group’s status as a leading brand.
The Sheraton Grand designation signifies an exemplary hotel offering for both guests and local communities, with varying hallmarks distinguishing the new tier. Hotels given Grand status can be resorts, convention properties, or urban hotels, and located in destinations from beachfronts to cities. The label also celebrates outstanding hotel amenities, be it award-winning restaurant or spa, as well as guestrooms, public spaces, and conference facilities.
Some of the first hotels bestowed with this elevated status include the Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel, located in the heart of Beijing’s business district and boasting 25,000ft2 of function space, and the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, which, by contrast, is positioned on the beachfront, with views of the city’s mountains, landmarks, and tropical surf.
Global Brand Leader for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Dave Marr says: “We expect many of our Sheraton hotels to achieve the Sheraton Grand designation, and we will work with our owners to open new Sheraton Grand hotels or renovate existing properties to ensure a consistent and exceptional experience in our new premier tier.” He adds: “The worldwide network of Sheraton Grand will promote growth and lure more high-end travelers for the Sheraton brand globally, and we look forward to welcoming 100 Sheraton Grand hotels by early 2017.”
