Azernews.Az

BAKU – Major hotel operator Starwood has signed an agreement with Azerbaijani air carrier Silk Way Airlines to open a Sheraton hotel in the capital Baku this fall.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world, said on its website that the opening of the Sheraton Baku Airport Hotel marks the entry of Starwood into the country and is part of the company's strategic expansion plan to open more than 60 Sheraton hotels around the world in the next three years.

According to Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts for Europe, Africa and Middle East, the hotel marks an exciting milestone for Starwood's continued growth throughout Eastern Europe.

"Reaching out to new frontiers is a focus of our expansion strategy, so we are delighted to partner with Silk Way Airlines as we debut the first Starwood hotel in Azerbaijan," Vos said. "Baku is the main economic hub of the country and one of the most important tourist destinations in the region. Sheraton's strong reputation will assist in further positioning Baku as a destination for the international traveler."

The Sheraton Baku Airport Hotel will be located in front of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the main airport in Baku. The hotel will have 207 guest rooms, including 14 suites, offering the only branded accommodation option in the vicinity of the airport. The hotel will also feature extensive dining, conference and leisure facilities as well as signature Sheraton amenities including the luxurious all-white SweetSleeper beds, a Sheraton Club Lounge and the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft communications hub where guests can socialize and also go online.

"As the country continues to grow economically, Heydar Aliyev International Airport has become more of a focus because it provides travelers with their very first impression of the country. We believe that our partnership with a globally recognized company such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts will have a great impact on the development of hospitality in Azerbaijan going forward," said Jaouad Dbila, Vice-Chairman of Silk Way Holding’s Supervisory Board.

Sheraton recently announced that it has invested more than $100 million into upgrading 120 club lounges around the world. The enhancement to Sheraton Club Lounges - one of the most popular Sheraton signature amenities - is the final chapter of the brand's recent $6 billion revitalization effort, the company said.

Starwood runs more than 400 hotels in 70 countries around the world. It operates 72 hotels in East Central Europe, including three hotels in Moscow and two in Georgia.