Sheraton is returning to Iraq

Starwood Hotels and Resorts is set to return to Iraq after a 20 year absence with the signing of the new-build Sheraton Erbil Hotel.

Scheduled to open in 2015, the Sheraton Erbil Hotel will be located in the new part of the city, approximately 10 minutes from Erbil International Airport.

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

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

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 the Link@Sheraton experience with Microsoft, a unique communications hub delivering the technology modern guests expect and require while on the road.

“We are excited to work with Starwood and the Sheraton brand on our first hotel development in Erbil,” said BCD Co. Partner, Saad Aldoski.

“We believe that our partnership with a globally recognised hotel operator such as Starwood will set new hospitality milestones in Iraq and that Sheratons strong reputation will assist in further supporting Erbil as the country’s commercial hub.”

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.