Starwood announce Middle East expansion
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced several additions to its hotel portfolio in the Middle East, and is set to reach 100 hotels by 2020.
The announcement follows five new deal signings and hotel openings in 2016 that will add over 1,200 guestrooms in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
“[The] Middle East continues to be one of Starwood’s fastest growing markets and we are immensely committed to the trust that owners have in our world-class brands,” says Michael Wale, President of Starwood, Europe, Africa and Middle East: “Our long-established presence in the region, and the value we deliver, has set us ahead to further expand our footprint and strengthen our guest loyalty.”
Starwood will double its current portfolio in Qatar and diversify its brand presence with The Luxury Collection and Le Meridan hotels set to open in Lusail by the end of 2018.
Owned by United Developers Company, the two hotels will add 650 guestrooms and become part of a Parisian inspired mixed-use development, Place Vendôme. The hotels will be directly connected to a shopping center featuring more than 400 different fashion and food and beverage outlets.
The Luxury Collection hotel will mark the entry of the brand into Qatar, offering global explorers a unique gateway to this visionary destination. Meanwhile, Le Méridien hotel will be the second property from the Parisian-born brand in Qatar and will showcase signature features such as Le Méridien Hub, an innovative reinterpretation of the traditional hotel lobby.
Scheduled to open in 2020, the Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah will be the first Four Points to open in the city. The hotel will feature 180 guestrooms and will be ideally located close to Tahlia Street, Jeddah’s upscale shopping district. The hotel will appeal to leisure and business travellers with over 3,000 ft2 of meeting space and fitness facilities, including an outdoor pool.
Starwood will make its debut into Unaizah in Saudi Arabia with the signing of Four Points by Sheraton Unaizah. Signed with Unaizah Investment Company, the hotel will open in 2020 and provide an urban-resort aesthetic with 130 guestrooms including chalets and villas, health and recreation facilities with multiple swimming pools, a spa and nearly 9,000ft2 of meeting space.
Starwood continues to expand its footprint in the UAE with its first hotel in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah set to open in 2019. Signed with Hamarain Real Estate LLC, Four Points by Sheraton Ras Al Khaimah will offer 300 guestrooms and serviced apartments including four food and beverage outlets. The signing underlines Ras Al Khaimah’s plan to enhance the destination and diversify its hotel portfolio.
All three Four Points by Sheraton properties will offer the brand’s defining touches, including the signature Four Comfort bed, free Wi-Fi in all public areas, breakfast facilities and amenities, the brand’s signature Best Brews programme, as well as food and beverage outlets.
“The new deal signings represent the immense development opportunities this region continues to offer for our 10 distinct lifestyle brands in established and fast-growing markets,” expresses Neil George, Senior Vice President Acquisition & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa & Middle East: “In particular, our mid-markets brands continue to capitalise on the strong demand for affordable hospitality in the region and we also continue to see steady growth across our luxury and upper-upscale brands, allowing us to strengthen and diversify our brand portfolio in the Middle East.”
