Starwood Hotels expand in Saudi Arabia

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc recently announced signing of an agreement with Saudi Real Estate Company (Al-Akaria) to open two new hotels in Riyadh. 

The two properties are scheduled to open in 2022, The Westin Riyadh and Element Riyadh will feature a combined 632 rooms. These signings mark return of the Westin flag to Saudi Arabia and the first Element in the country. The properties will be a part of a mix-use development in the vicinity of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh.

“Saudi Arabia remains one of our strongest growth markets in the region and we are thrilled to be strengthening our presence with two new hotels together with Al-Akaria,” says Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East.  “As one of the Middle East’s key business hubs, Riyadh is a destination for regional and international travellers and a great choice for the expansion of our Westin and Element brands.”

The Westin Riyadh will showcase 388 rooms and serviced apartments and will feature the signature amenities and services, including the Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath experience. The hotel will also feature four food and beverage outlets. While the Element Riyadh will offer 244 studios and one and two bedroom suites. The hotel will also feature an all-day dining outlet.

The Westin Riyadh and Element Riyadh will be a part of a mix-use development which will also feature retail space. Starwood operates 53 hotels and resorts across the Middle East under eight of the company’s ten lifestyle brands including: The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft. With a pipeline of over 40 hotels, the company is on target to operate 100 hotels in the Middle East by 2020.  Saudi Arabia remains Starwood’s second largest market in the region with 10 operational hotels and 13 properties in the pipeline.