Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of Sheraton Tampa East Hotel located across the street from Sabal Park Business Center, one of Tampa’s most attractive office markets.

Owned by a joint venture between Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Waramaug Hospitality, LLC and a private investment group, the former Crowne Plaza hotel completed a comprehensive $9 million renovation prior to re-opening as a Sheraton. Sheraton Tampa East Hotel is the brand’s fourth hotel in greater Tampa.

“We are thrilled to expand the Sheraton brand in Tampa, and we invite travelers to experience the new look and feel of Sheraton ideally situated to premier businesses and attractions,” said Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “Sheraton Tampa East Hotel will feature all the latest signature Sheraton brand offerings, designed to create community and help guests make connections.”

The newly refurbished lobby features the Link@Sheraton(R) experienced with Microsoft® - a social hub where connections, whether face-to-face or webcam-to-webcam take place. All 265 guest rooms are fully renovated and equipped with an oversized work desk, custom-designed ergonomic chair, high-speed Internet, LCD flat panel television, MP3 docking station and the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® bed, designed to meet AAA’s Five Diamond Award® criteria.

Ideal for business and social functions of all sizes, Sheraton Tampa East Hotel provides more than 30,000 square feet of fully renovated meeting and event space, including a 5,000 square foot ballroom and a poolside pavilion for cocktail receptions. Additional amenities include the fully renovated full-service restaurant Panfilio’s Bar and Grille, Sheraton Club Lounge, an outdoor heated pool and upgraded fitness facility featuring the brand’s revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance™, designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner Core Performance.

“We are delighted to fly the Sheraton flag at our hotel, where we proudly offer all of the Sheraton brand’s recently improved amenities and services,” said Paul Nussbaum, Waramaug’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Another key benefit of joining Starwood is the ability to connect with travelers via the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest program, and with the added advantage of comprehensive renovations, the hotel is well-positioned for success.”

Conveniently located off I-75, Sheraton Tampa East Hotel boasts a prime location close to major corporations and within five miles from the Tampa Convention Center and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Just ten miles from downtown Tampa and 16 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA), guests will also enjoy proximity to leading attractions including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Brandon Town Center and Ford Amphitheater.

Starwood has spent the last few years renovating and rebuilding one of the hotel industry’s most iconic brands and Sheraton now stands better than ever with the strongest portfolio in its history. The brand is gaining market share, RevPAR continues to rise, guest satisfaction scores are the highest in the brand’s history and likelihood to return, likelihood to recommend and meeting planner and associate engagement scores are also at all-time highs - signaling that guests are taking notice and rediscovering the new Sheraton.