Sheraton to open its chain hotel in Aktobe

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide said it has signed an agreement with Akcept Contraction to open Sheraton Aktobe, the first internationally-branded hotel in the rapidly emerging province of Aktobe in Kazakhstan next year.

Sheraton Aktobe will mark Starwood's entry into Kazakhstan in line with its strategic expansion plan to open more than 60 Sheraton hotels around the world in the next three years. Commenting on the deal, Roeland Vos, the president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East said, "Reaching out to new frontiers is a focus of our expansion strategy and Sheraton Aktobe marks a significant milestone in our continued growth throughout Eastern Europe."

Situated in a prime central location in the city, the Sheraton Aktobe will feature 177 rooms, an all-day dining venue, a signature restaurant and two bars, including one with panoramic city views. The Sheraton Aktobe will offer extensive modern meeting and function spaces, including a ballroom for special events.

Signature Sheraton experiences will include the luxurious all-white SweetSleeper beds, the Sheraton Club Lounge, the Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft® and the Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance.

The hotel will also offer the signature Sheraton Shine Spa and an indoor swimming pool. Samat Urmagambetov, owner of the hotel said, "It is a great honour for me to work with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to bring the first Sheraton hotel to Kazakhstan. This hotel will begin a new era for the hospitality industry in the country."

Sheraton Aktobe will offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® programme, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. It offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel programme.  

"With the largest footprint among Starwood's portfolio and as one of the world's most recognized hotel brands, Sheraton continues to be a popular choice for owners and developers in both primary and secondary markets," remarked Bart Carnahan, senior VP (Acquisitions & Development), Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

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