STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it has broken ground on its first Westin hotel in Sarasota, Florida. Developed by Kolter Hospitality LLC, The Westin Sarasota will open in the summer of 2016 as part of a brand-new development in Sarasota’s vibrant arts district, featuring 255 spacious rooms and spectacular waterfront views.
“This new Westin hotel will inspire well-being in Sarasota, the cultural center of southwest Florida, within close proximity of the city’s best theater, arts and beaches,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin & Le Méridien Hotels. “Here, guests will enjoy all of the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Starwood Hotels to introduce Westin to Sarasota as part of this exciting, new lifestyle development,” said Scott Webb, President of Kolter Hospitality, LLC. “The Westin brand has enjoyed worldwide success with its wellness positioning, and we expect this new hotel to resonate with both business and leisure travelers to Sarasota.”
Overlooking Sarasota Bay, The Westin Sarasota will be part of a newly constructed two-tower development that will also include 141 residential condominium units. Walking distance to nearby theaters, restaurants and art galleries, the hotel will be close to St. Armand’s Circle, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, the Ringling Museum of Art and Siesta Key Beach. Just 10 minutes from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), The Westin Sarasota will also offer proximity to the offices of area businesses, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and several university campuses.
“This new Westin hotel will energize Sarasota’s lodging market and provide visitors with a terrific new choice right in the heart of the lively arts district,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “One of the industry’s most innovative brands, Westin recently crossed the 200th hotel milestone and continues to be a popular choice for new developments in key markets across North America.”
The Westin Sarasota will offer 15,000 square feet of market-leading meeting facilities, ideal for weddings, social galas and business functions. Additional facilities will include a full-service restaurant, a WestinWORKOUT® studio, a Heavenly Spa and a spectacular rooftop amenity incorporating a large pool, ample deck space, lounge area with fire features, a bar and food services all overlooking Sarasota Bay, which has some of the best sunsets in all of Florida.
The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Sarasota will feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed – featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel will also offer the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRx® menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG® offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.
For more information on Westin Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.westin.com, Facebook or follow Westin on Twitter and Instagram.
About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts has been a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade. Today, Westin has 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, and is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with nearly 1,200 properties in 100 countries and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com
The Kolter Group LLC
The Kolter Group LLC is a diversified real estate development and investment firm that (together with its predecessors and affiliates) has invested in projects with expected value in excess of $12 billion. Headquartered in Palm Beach County, Florida, and with a Southeast US operational footprint, Kolter’s market and sector knowledge has positioned the firm to capitalize on emerging trends in U.S. real estate. For more information on Kolter, please visit www.thekoltergroup.com.