Starwood is set to return to the Brisbane market for the first time in nine years with today’s (Nov 13) signing of a management agreement to operate a 246-room Four Points by Sheraton hotel in the heart of the Queensland capital.
Set to open in January 2014, Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane is being developed by Felicity Hotels and the property will mark a welcome return to the city, according to Starwood Pacific Hotels and Resorts’ Regional Vice President, Sean Hunt.
Starwood formerly operated the Sheraton Brisbane until early 2005 when it covered to become the Sofitel Brisbane Central.
“We are delighted to announce this new partnership and opportunity with Felicity Hotels, a local Queensland identity, which will see our internationally popular, select-service Four Points by Sheraton brand introduced into the Brisbane market for the first time in its history,” he said.
“The new hotel will provide international and domestic visitors with a well-known and trusted lifestyle brand, offering them comfortable and stylish living as well as value for money when visiting the city.”
Felicity Hotels Managing Director Paul Chong said the 32-story hotel would fill a hole in the Brisbane market.
“This project is very exciting for us as we know that it is the only purpose built corporate hotel of its kind currently under development in Brisbane,” he said. “As we regularly travel the world, we could see that the Brisbane market was lacking a hotel of this kind.
We are property investors, not developers and our task was to build and own a modern business hotel which has been designed with the customers in mind, complete with state of the art technology, comfort and style, all at a value proposition.
Chong said his company chose Starwood due to a number of synergies between the two organisations.
“We found that Starwood’s and Felicity Hotel’s commercial objectives were closely aligned and we believe that Four Points by Sheraton is the perfect brand for this market,” he said.
The property is being designed by Brisbane-based Noel Robinson Architects and will also include two food and beverage outlets, a gymnasium, 200 square metres of function space and parking. Complimentary wireless internet access will also be available.