Starwood Hotels & Resorts continues expansion in Russia and CIS with thedebut of Aloft Hotels in Kiev
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the signing of Aloft Kiev, which will mark the entrance of Aloft Hotels into Ukraine when it opens in 2015. Created to shake up the staid and traditional mid-market hotel sector, Aloft is redefining the category with its different by design approach to style and a vibrant social guest experience, at an affordable price point.
“We are excited to grow Starwood’s presence in Eastern Europe as we bring the Aloft brand to Ukraine,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “As one of the region’s most important industrial, educational and cultural centers, Kiev has seen steady increase in foreign tourist arrivals over the years and has become an attractive leisure and business travel destination. Aloft is the perfect match for a vibrant city like Kiev as it provides an entirely new, stylish and affordable approach to hospitality within the mid-market segment.”
Aloft Kiev will be centrally located in the Central Business District (CBD), in close proximity to numerous business establishments, and public, retail, sports, culture and entertainment venues.
Pioneering initiatives in music, design, and technology have positioned Aloft as a must-have brand for the next generation of travellers. Aloft has reported consistently high guest satisfaction scores since its launch in 2008 and is gaining market share and building traveller loyalty, reflecting the success of the brand’s unique positioning.
“Aloft has become a popular choice for owners and developers around the world looking to fill the void in the mid-market hotel category,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Europe, Africa and Middle East Division, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “The signing of Aloft Kiev underlines Starwood’s continued commitment to expanding our portfolio of mid-market brands throughout Europe, with a focus on primary and secondary markets throughout Russia and CIS.”
The new-build Aloft Kiev will comprise 310 guest rooms and 10 executive suites all featuring the brand’s signature high ceilings, oversized windows and an ultra-comfortable platform bed as well as large walk-in showers with complimentary Bliss Spa® products.
The hotel will also feature the brand’s signature Re:mixSM lounge and W XYZSM bar, providing guests with buzzing, atmospheric public spaces where they can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends. The Re:chargeSM fitness centre will offer an opportunity to re-energise and the unique Re:fuel by AloftSM will introduce a convenient deli option for guests on the go, with an array of sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and drinks available 24 hours a day. The hotel will also offer an all day dining restaurant and for meetings and events, the hotel will offer eight creative meeting spaces and one ballroom, all equipped with the latest generation of audio-visual hardware, as well as parking facilities. The hotel is located very close to public transportation, allowing for easy access to the city’s business and historical center, and is also within walking distance of various cultural sites, shopping and entertainment facilities.
The opening of Aloft Kiev will mark Starwood’s third hotel in Ukraine following the opening of a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Zaporozhye in 2011 and the signings of Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection hotel in Odessa, which is due to open in 2014, and a new Sheraton hotel in Kiev, which is scheduled to open in 2016.
Source : Company