Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has recognized ten hotels with its Sheraton Grand status—a new, premier tier designation that recognizes destinations and high design.
“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,” says Adam Aron, Starwood’s interim CEO.
Properties that have been recognized thus far include Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel – Brigade Gateway in India; Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel; Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai; Sheraton Grand Edinburgh Hotel in Scotland; Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort in Miyazaki, Japan; Sheraton Grande Walkerhill in Seoul; Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel; Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok; Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel; and Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel and Resort in Rio de Janeiro.
The company is aiming to designate more than 50 sites with the top-tier status by the end of the year and 100 altogether by 2017. The properties will encompass resorts, convention properties, and urban hotels.
“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 experience in our new premier tier,” says Dave Marr, global brand leader for Sheraton. “The worldwide network of Sheraton Grand will promote growth and lure more high-end travelers to the Sheraton brand globally.”
The launch of Sheraton Grand is one of the company’s recently announced Sheraton 2020 initiatives.
General amenities of Sheraton Grand properties will include high-end restaurant concepts, fitness centers, Sheraton Club lounges, an array of spa options, and event space.