By BW Hotelier
STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has introduced Sheraton Grand, a new premier tier that recognizes exceptional Sheraton hotels and resorts. Starwood revealed the first ten Sheraton Grand properties, which span from Bengaluru to Beijing, Dubai to Edinburgh, Miyazaki to Seoul, Taipei to Bangkok, and Tokyo to Rio de Janeiro.
By end of 2015, 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 many initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere. 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.
As part of the burgeoning network, the first Sheraton Grand Hotel in India is Sheraton Grand in Bangalore. Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway is situated in a landscaped 40-acre neighborhood in India's IT capital, the property features a luxurious infinity pool, panoramic views of the adjacent Brigade Lake, and stately guestrooms that blend sophisticated earth tones with plush fabrics.
The other properties recognized as Sheraton Grand Hotel are Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel, Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Sheraton Grand Edinburgh Hotel, Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel, Sheraton Grande Walkerhill.
’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,’ said 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.’
’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.’
Photo caption: Front Row, Left to Right:-Vineet Verma, Executive Director, Brigade Hospitality (Owning company), Nirupa Shankar, Director, Brigade Hospitality (Owning company), Dilip Puri, Managing Director India & RVP, South Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Saurabh Bakshi, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway.