STAMFORD, CT—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has introduced Sheraton Grand, a new premier tier that is designed to recognize exceptional Sheraton properties.
Starwood revealed the first 10 Sheraton Grand properties, which include locations in Bangalore, Beijing, Dubai, Edinburgh, Miyazaki, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. By year-end, Starwood expects to have 50 newly designated Sheraton Grand hotels around the world with plans for 100 by early 2017. Sheraton Grand is one of several initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice.
“Sheraton is Starwood’s largest and most global brand, and as we continue our work to firmly keep Sheraton in the spotlight, we recognize the need to better match guest expectations for the brand around the world,” stated Adam Aron, Starwood CEO on an interim basis. “Sheraton Grand celebrates our standout hotels and helps us further reinforce Sheraton as a trusted voice in global travel.”
According to Starwood, the Sheraton Grand designation signifies an exemplary hotel offering for both guests and local communities, with hallmarks that strive to include: resorts, convention properties and urban hotels that offer unrivaled standards of service and outperform guest satisfaction benchmarks; dynamic guestrooms and public spaces exhibiting sophisticated design and elevated finishes; desirable and sought-after locations ranging from primary city settings to beachfronts; impressive hotel amenities including top-rated restaurant concepts and chefs, superior gyms, unique Sheraton Club lounges, and an array of spa options; and state-of-the-art function space for events, meetings and conferences.
“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,” said Dave Marr, global brand leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “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.”
As Sheraton Grand formally launches worldwide, the tier will also encompass a number of existing properties that historically list Grand or Grande in their title and also demonstrate the best of the brand.