Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide recently said it plans to expand its presence into Saudi Arabia with a new Sheraton planned in the holy city
of Makkah.
“Makkah has been a particular focus for Starwood growth,
with Sheraton being one of three brands to make its entrance into the market in
the next year,” Michael Wale, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Europe, Africa and Middle East, said. “The property will offer pilgrims the Sheraton
brand’s renowned world-class service and a comfortable hospitality experience
in the holy city.”
The Sheraton Makkah Jabal Al Kaaba, owned by Altayyar Travel
Group Holding Company, will open by the end of 2016. The hotel, to be near the
newly expanded mosque, will offer guests special access and views of
the holy Haram. It will have 414 rooms and branded service apartments.
Additionally, four dining options will be available on-site, as well as large
meeting and event spaces.
“We believe the location of this hotel together with a
strong brand name like Sheraton makes for a winning combination for our first
branded hotel in the holy city,” Abdullah Aldawood, CEO of Altayyar Travel Group, said. “We are confident in Starwood’s ability to provide the finest of its
globally recognized services under the Sheraton brand to pilgrims.”
