By James Wilkinson
Starwood has confirmed to HM the company will no longer manage Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa from June 12, 2016, after 27 years running the property.
In a statement received by HM, Starwood said: “Starwood has enjoyed a long and proud association with the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and will continue to stand behind its high standards of service and exceptional guest experiences at Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa until the transition with the owner is complete, and all bookings will continue to be honoured.
“The company remains focused on its aggressive growth strategy in Australia and is committed to exploring opportunities to further expand the Sheraton brand, as well as its other brands, in the region. Starwood currently operates nine hotels in Australia including Sheraton on the Park, Sydney; Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane; Four Points by Sheraton Perth; Sheraton Port Douglas Resort and Spa; and Sheraton Melbourne.
“In the past three years, Starwood accelerated its growth by signing seven new deals including W Brisbane, The Westin Brisbane and Four Points Melbourne Docklands,” Starwood said.
Prior to confirming to HM the management agreement would come to an end, HM received an email to a guest booked at the resort from Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) of the news, which suggested AccorHotels would be taking over the property, something that has not been confirmed.
In the email obtained by HM, SPG said: “As a valued Starwood Preferred Guest member, we are writing to inform you of a change in the status of the Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa.
“As of June 13, 2016, the property will no longer be part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide or the Sheraton brand and will no longer participate in the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program.
“The new name of this hotel will be Sofitel Noosa,” the email said.
The hotel was purchased by Arthur Laundy in late 2014 for AUD$110 million and he already has a strong relationship with AccorHotels through his ownership of Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific.
HM has sought comment from the owner’s representative regarding the possible change of management to AccorHotels, however a response was not received at the time of publication.
The SPG team went on to say: “We are pleased to advise you that the hotel will honour your reservation and room rate as it was originally confirmed.
“However, since the hotel will no longer be affiliated with the Starwood system, you will not earn Starpoints for any eligible charges incurred, nor will you receive any of your Starwood Preferred Guest membership amenities or benefits.
“We realize this may be disappointing but we hope we can count on your understanding.”