Westin Hotels expands its Florida portfolio

STAMFORD, CT – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc today announced that it has broken ground on its first Westin hotel in Sarasota, Florida. Developed by Kolter Hospitality LLC, The Westin Sarasota will open in the summer of 2016 as part of a brand-new development in Sarasota’s vibrant arts district, featuring 255 spacious rooms and spectacular waterfront views.

“This new Westin hotel will inspire well-being in Sarasota, the cultural center of southwest Florida, within close proximity of the city’s best theater, arts and beaches,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin & Le Méridien Hotels. “Here, guests will enjoy all of the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Starwood Hotels to introduce Westin to Sarasota as part of this exciting, new lifestyle development,” said Scott Webb, President of Kolter Hospitality, LLC. “The Westin brand has enjoyed worldwide success with its wellness positioning, and we expect this new hotel to resonate with both business and leisure travelers to Sarasota.”

Overlooking Sarasota Bay, The Westin Sarasota will be part of a newly constructed two-tower development that will also include 141 residential condominium units. Walking distance to nearby theaters, restaurants and art galleries, the hotel will be close to St. Armand’s Circle, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, the Ringling Museum of Art and Siesta Key Beach. Just 10 minutes from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), The Westin Sarasota will also offer proximity to the offices of area businesses, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and several university campuses.

“This new Westin hotel will energize Sarasota’s lodging market and provide visitors with a terrific new choice right in the heart of the lively arts district,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “One of the industry’s most innovative brands, Westin recently crossed the 200th hotel milestone and continues to be a popular choice for new developments in key markets across North America.”

The Westin Sarasota will offer 15,000 square feet of market-leading meeting facilities, ideal for weddings, social galas and business functions. Additional facilities will include a full-service restaurant, a WestinWORKOUT® studio, a Heavenly Spa and a spectacular rooftop amenity incorporating a large pool, ample deck space, lounge area with fire features, a bar and food services all overlooking Sarasota Bay, which has some of the best sunsets in all of Florida.

The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience. All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Sarasota will feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly®Bed – featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access. The hotel will also offer the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRx®menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG® offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.