Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, which currently operates about 50 hotels in the Middle East, has signed an agreement with BCD Company to manage a new-build Sheraton hotel in Erbil, scheduled to open in 2015.

The Sheraton Erbil Hotel will mark the re-entry of Starwood in the country after 20 years.

Located in the new part of the city, approximately 10 minutes from Erbil International Airport, the Sheraton Erbil Hotel is situated along the new ring road offering easy access to the city and its key attractions such as the historic Citadel, Sami Abdul Rahman Park, the largest green area in the region, and downtown Erbil.

“We are delighted to partner with BCD as we re-introduce Starwood to Iraq with Sheraton, our most iconic brand,” said Roeland Vos, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East.

“The opening of the new Sheraton Erbil Hotel further underlines Starwood’s commitment to growth and expansion in the region.”

Saad Aldoski, partner, BCD Co. said: “We are excited to work with Starwood and the Sheraton brand on our first hotel development in Erbil. We believe that our partnership with a globally recognised hotel operator such as Starwood will set new hospitality milestones in Iraq and that Sheraton’s strong reputation will assist in further supporting Erbil as the country’s commercial hub.”

The new Sheraton Erbil Hotel will comprise 221 guest rooms and 39 suites. The hotel will also feature extensive dining, conference and leisure facilities as well as signature Sheraton amenities including the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, a Sheraton Club Lounge and Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance as well as a signature spa, including an indoor and outdoor pool.

The hotel’s business facilities will feature a 720-square metre ballroom, a conference centre, four meeting rooms and a business centre including six private offices. The hotel will also feature Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft, a unique communications hub delivering the technology modern guests expect and require while on the road.

Located in northern Iraq, Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Autonomous Region and is emerging as the country’s commercial hub. The city is served by Erbil International Airport with a growing number of international airlines connecting through Erbil. – TradeArabia News Service