Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is ready to welcome 2021’s eager travelers as it unveils the initial hotels around the world exemplifying the brand’s new vision across a few properties around the world, including Sheraton Grand Dubai, UAE.
Following Marriott International’s announcement in 2018 of its plans to refresh the iconic brand for today’s travelers, the renovations at these hotels is an important milestone in the brand’s reinvention journey. There is now momentum building for the transformation, with over 40 hotels around the world expected to reflect the new brand vision by the end of 2022.
Drawing on its roots as a community hub for locals and guests at flagship locations globally, the new approach for Sheraton creates an intuitive and holistic experience with places to connect, be productive and feel part of something. The layered design approach, balancing a sense of timelessness with a fresh and modern feel, aims to create an environment where guests feel comfortable and at ease, whether working, meeting or relaxing.
There are currently 446 Sheraton hotels in 74 countries and territories around the world, making it Marriott International’s most global brand. In 2021, Sheraton Hotels will continue on its transformation journey, with the brand expecting to showcase new guest experience programs and complete renovations in locations including Nice, France; Kiev, Ukraine; Nashville, USA; Toronto, Canada; and Xi’an, China.
At the heart of the new Sheraton experience is the lobby. This has been re-imagined as the ‘Public Square’ of the hotel; a holistic, open space that invites people to join together or be alone amongst others, creating a sense of energy and belonging. With a flow that is natural, intuitive and uncomplicated, guests have what they need within arm’s reach, all set against an inviting backdrop that feels warm and comfortable yet refined.
Built into the new design are signature elements such as the Community Table, an inviting, purpose-built workspace that will anchor each hotel’s lobby and allow guests to work, eat and drink while soaking up the energy of the space. Following Sheraton’s philosophy to embrace both form and function, these tables are custom designed with amenities to keep guests productive, including built-in lighting, outlets and wireless charging stations.
The Studios, flexible gathering spaces available to book whenever a guest needs it, celebrate collaborative working and connecting with others in a less formal setting. Built on raised platforms and enclosed with glass, the tech-enabled Studios welcome guests to contribute to the energy of the public space while also providing privacy and focus for everything from small group meetings to private dining experiences. Soundproof booths are also strategically placed throughout the lobby, perfect for a spontaneous phone call to connect privately with friends, family or colleagues from afar.
Built with its global, productivity-focused guest in mind, Sheraton’s new elevated food & beverage philosophy creates a focal point in the lobby experience. Part bar, part coffee bar, part market, the Coffee Bar Bar is a central pillar of the new Sheraton vision, transitioning guests seamlessly from day to night with food & beverage options that are locally-sourced, easy to consume while working and customizable to accommodate all tastes and time schedules.
In the new rooms, guests are welcomed into a bright, well-lit space with warm, residential appeal, composed of soft finishes and light wood tones accentuated with black metal accents. The rooms have been reimagined with new tools for productivity, such as a height-adjustable work table, integrated power and charging and layered lighting; while still retaining some of the classic Sheraton signature amenities, including the luxurious Sheraton Sleep Experience platform bed. The guest bathroom has also been completely redesigned with new and modern walk-in showers and bath amenities by Gilchrist & Soames.
The Sheraton Club Lounge, an exclusive space for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Sheraton Club level guests, has also undergone an upgrade as part of the transformation. The new design ensures the space is welcoming, elevated and purposefully designed for a layered and engaging experience that transitions seamlessly with activations from morning to evening. Guests will find updated food and beverage offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity, and 24/7 access to provide a private environment.
Sheraton Hotels are following Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean protocols, created in partnership with leading experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations. These protocols include mandated mask wearing for all associates within the hotel, and the use of disinfectants recommended by the Centers for Disease Control in the country/region where the hotel operates and the World Health Organization to sanitize surfaces in the hotels.
