Sheraton to open new resort in Hua Hin, Thailand

Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Grande Asset Development Public Company Limited have announced an agreement whereby Starwood will manage the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort in Thailand. This newly built 250-room Sheraton Hua Hin Resort is scheduled to open in September 2005.

"With its cultural attractions, great cuisine, beautiful beaches and warm friendly people, Thailand is a top destination for business, leisure, conference and incentive delegates from around the world. Travelers can select from a range of fine Starwood properties in the capital city of Bangkok, northern resort city of Chiangmai, lush province of Krabi, resort haven of Phuket, popular beach destination of Pattaya and soon in Hua Hin, also known as Thailand's royal paradise, a pristine beach and golf resort," said Miguel Ko, President, Asia- Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide Inc. "We are honored to partner with Grande Asset Development Public Company Limited to establish the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort which will be a significant addition to our collection of resorts," added Ko.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts expanded its portfolio in Thailand significantly over the last year with the addition of Sheraton Krabi Resort, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok and Sheraton Pattaya Resort. 

Hua Hin is located 200 kilometers south of Bangkok, just two hours' drive from the capital city. With the completion of a 92-kilomter highway linking the two cities in 2008, visitors will be able to travel to Hua Hin in just one hour. Hua Hin has a 50 year lead on other emerging tourist destinations in Thailand, being known as the preferred destination for royalty and the country's top echelon as a vacation retreat. Hua Hin combines the attractions of a modern holiday destination with the charm of its spectacular natural scenery. Besides its beautiful beaches, Hua Hin is also a golfer's paradise, providing world class golf courses. Hua Hin attracts families, leisure and corporate groups with its extensive sports facilities, daytrips, island tours, wildlife and amusement parks, golf courses, waterfalls and caves as well as lush botanical gardens, providing a variety of leisure attractions and entertainment for everyone.

Located in northern Hua Hin, the resort will feature 250 rooms including 80 lagoon villas, with each deluxe room measuring 49 square meters in size. The resort facilities will also include three dining outlets, sports and recreational facilities, extensive spa and health club with 9 treatment rooms, and retail center. The resort also offers 800 square meters of meeting and function space, suitable for small to medium sized meetings or group activities.