US-based Starwood Hotels and Resorts has confirmed plans to open two hotels in London and Manchester under its W Hotels brand.
The London 194-room hotel will open on the site of the former Swiss Centre building, which is being developed by McAleer and Rushe.
In Manchester, the brand will operate a 160-room hotel at West Properties’ Origin scheme in Manchester city centre.
Both schemes feature spa and fitness facilities and a restaurant, while Manchester also includes a 4,000 sq ft ballroom.
Michael Wale, senior vice-president of Starwood, said: “W Manchester will offer escape, exclusivity and innovative design in the heart of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhood, further expanding our fast-growing global portfolio.”
Starwood is also believed to be targeting other regional cities for the brand, which has 23 hotels around the world and plans in place to open in excess of 30 more.
Its current focus is on European expansion, with work underway on hotels in Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Milan and St Petersburg.
Starwood also owns the Sheraton, Le Méridien, St Regis, Westin and The Luxury Collection brands, which already operate in the UK.
david.quinn@rbi.co.uk
