Sheraton Expands Into Russian Federation
Sheraton to Open in 2011 in Sochi, Host City for 2014 Winter Olympic Games
WHITE PLAINS, NY, November 6, 2008. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced plans to open a new Sheraton hotel in the Russian Federation. Sheraton Sochi Hotel will open in 2011 in Sochi, a popular Russian vacation spot recently selected to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Starwood has signed a long-term agreement with the Russian Megapolis Group to manage the newly constructed, 212-room hotel, which will be the brand's second property in the Russian Federation. The upcoming opening of Sheraton Sochi Hotel is part of the most aggressive growth plan in the Sheraton brand's history, with one new hotel opening every three weeks in dynamic markets across the globe.
"We are thrilled to grow the Sheraton portfolio in the Russian Federation and are pleased to work closely with Megapolis Group to offer world-class lodging in Sochi, as the city prepares to welcome athletes and visitors to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games," said Roeland Vos, President Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "Sheraton Sochi Hotel will create a sense of community for its guests by offering an interactive and engaging atmosphere, enhanced by superior service and the full host of Sheraton signature comforts."
Sheraton Sochi Hotel will be ideally located at the center of Sochi, a beautiful city sprawled along the Black Sea coast renowned for its mineral springs, dramatic seascapes and stunning views of the Caucuses Mountains. Sheraton Sochi Hotel will feature 188 comfortable guest rooms and 24 spacious guest suites all outfitted with the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(R) bed and the full range of Sheraton signature amenities. The hotel will also offer five restaurants and four bars, including a spectacular rooftop bar overlooking the Black Sea.
"We are proud to be collaborating with industry leaders such as Starwood on this exciting project," said Grigory Popandopulo, Director General of Megapolis Group. "We believe the iconic Sheraton brand is the ideal fit for a destination like Sochi and we are confident that the Sheraton brand will attract the international travel community while becoming a point of reference for the local community."
The heart of the lobby at Sheraton Sochi Hotel will be the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft, an inviting communications hub where guests can stay connected with their loved ones, check email via complimentary Internet, read the paper, watch television or order snacks. The hotel will also offer more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. Additional facilities will include an indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, tennis court, and spa with eight treatment rooms.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
