MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia—Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with Jabal Omar Development Company to open three new hotels in the Holy City of Makkah. As part of the Jabal Omar Development project, Starwood will add 1,496 rooms to the city under the company’s Sheraton, Westin, and Four Points by Sheraton brands when the hotels open in 2015.
“We are delighted to work with Jabal Omar Development Company as we introduce the Sheraton, Westin and Four Points by Sheraton brands to the holy city of Makkah,” said Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Europe, Africa, and Middle East. “As business travel and religious tourism continue to expand in Saudi Arabia, we believe the time is right to expand our portfolio in the country.”
Al Haram, the Jabal Omar Development, is a 230,000 square meter mixed-use development in Makkah comprised of 38 high-rise buildings. With 26 hotels and over 11,000 rooms, the complex is one of the largest hotel developments in the world.
The Sheraton Makkah Hotel will offer 532 guestrooms and suites. The hotel will also feature five food and beverage venues, including two large buffet restaurants to suit the schedules of guests. In addition, the property will provide 2,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Westin Makkah will feature 513 guestrooms and suites. It will also offer two large buffet restaurants for guests, as well as a specialty restaurant, and two lounges. Signature experiences such as the Heavenly Spa by Westin and the WestinWORKOUT will be available as well.
Four Points by Sheraton Makkah will provide 451 guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge, a business center and over 1,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
“This landmark project, featuring three of our lifestyle brands, marks an important milestone for Starwood in the Middle East,” said Bart Carnahan, senior vice president acquisitions and development, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Europe, Africa, and Middle East. “With eight hotels in the pipeline in the next three years, we are set to nearly double our portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Starwood currently operates 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia under the Sheraton and Le Méridien brands.
