Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort will be among to join the group

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has introduced Sheraton Grand, a new premier tier that recognises exceptional Sheraton hotels and resorts for their enticing destinations, distinguished designs, and excellence in service and guest experiences.

Starwood revealed the first ten Sheraton Grand properties, which span from Bangalore to Beijing, Dubai to Edinburgh, Miyazaki to Seoul, Taipei to Bangkok, and Tokyo to Rio de Janeiro.

By year end, Starwood expects to have 50 newly-designated Sheraton Grand hotels around the world with plans for 100 by early 2017.

Sheraton Grand is one of many initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere.

“Sheraton is Starwood’s largest and most global brand, and as we continue our work to firmly keep Sheraton in the spotlight, we recognise the need to better match guest expectations for the brand around the world,” said Adam Aron, Starwood chief executive on an interim basis.

“Sheraton Grand celebrates our standout hotels and helps us further reinforce Sheraton as a trusted voice in global travel.”

The Sheraton Grand designation signifies an exemplary hotel offering for both guests and local communities, with hallmarks including resorts that offer unrivalled standards of service and outperform guest satisfaction benchmarks.

Also key are dynamic guestrooms and public spaces exhibiting sophisticated design and elevated finishes, or desirable and sought-after locations ranging from primary city settings to spectacular beachfronts.

“We expect many of our Sheraton hotels to achieve the Sheraton Grand designation, and we will work with our owners to open new Sheraton Grand hotels or renovate existing properties to ensure a consistent and exceptional experience in our new premier tier,” said Dave Marr, global brand leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

“The worldwide network of Sheraton Grand will promote growth and lure more high-end travellers for the Sheraton brand globally, and we look forward to welcoming 100 Sheraton Grand hotels by early 2017.”

As Sheraton Grand formally launches worldwide, the tier will also encompass a number of existing properties that historically list Grand or Grande in their title and also demonstrate the best of the brand.