Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced plans to renovate its Sheraton Universal Hotel. The $30 million renovation programme will be completed by mid-summer 2008 and will include upgrades of all guest rooms and certain public spaces, including the new Sheraton park like lobby experience and the Link @ Sheraton, finishing just in time to celebrate the legendary hotel’s 40th anniversary.For nearly 40 years, the Sheraton Universal, located in the Hollywood Hills, has been a central location for guests in the entertainment business and those seeking a welcoming retreat near Universal Studios, CityWalk and countless other diversions.

“We are delighted to invite guests from all over the world to the Sheraton Universal, where they will discover a welcoming environment that is both energetic and interactive, as well as direct access to leading Hollywood attractions,” said Hoyt Harper, Senior Vice President, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

“The Sheraton guest experience is designed to meet the needs of travellers who are seeking comfort and familiarity, providing them with spacious accommodations, thoughtful amenities and superior service.”

Since its opening in 1969, Sheraton Universal has become known as the “Hotel of the Stars,” due to its warm, friendly, discreet staff, and close proximity to Universal and other Hollywood studios. The hotel has also served as a base camp for hundreds of film, television and music entertainers.
Once the revitalization is complete this summer, the property will offer 451 guest rooms, several specialty suites, beautiful poolside Lanai rooms, California’s restaurant, private dining rooms and two bars, semi-private cabanas in the lobby bar and refreshed pool area allow guests to connect socially with friends and colleagues. More than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space and a more extensive pool renovation are slated for 2009.

All guests at the Sheraton Universal will be treated like stars with four-star amenities in a warm, welcoming environment, with service from seasoned staff, some who have been with the hotel for more than 20 years. The revitalized hotel will salute Hollywood’s heyday and feature elements in the Hollywood Regency style inspired by the 1920s through the 1940s. Guest rooms, designed by Beth Mondello of ESM Interiors, feature art deco design complete with dark wood paneling and a color palette of brown, blue and ivory. The new, breathtaking rooftop space and lobby bar, designed by hospitality design shop Intra-Spec, highlights Hollywood’s glamour with semi-private cabanas in the lobby bar and a black and blue themed backdrop beneath a starry sky ceiling in the rooftop space.

Sheraton’s latest, sought-after amenities guarantee even the most discerning guests will feel their best with the help of the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, Shine by Bliss bath amenities, Starbucks 1-cup service, LCD HDTVs, iHome iPod docking station/clock radio, wireless Internet throughout hotel and complimentary entertainment during happy hour in the lobby. Additional services include Sheraton Adventure Club for kids, 24-hour Sheraton fitness center programmed by Core Performance, and in the lobby, the Link@Sheraton communications hub will offer an inviting space where guests can connect with others through the Internet and interact with fellow travelers. The hotel’s Club Lounge will feature amenities and service fit for a studio exec, from the Express Power Breakfast to the Evening Jumpstart, which includes hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

The Sheraton Universal is located adjacent to Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk, one Metro stop from Hollywood & Highland and in close proximity to the heart of Hollywood, L.A.‘s most popular beaches, Rodeo Drive and Pasadena. The Sheraton Universal is located at 333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608. For more information, visit www.sheratonuniversal.com or call 1-800-325-3535.
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