http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/051117/20051117005695.html?.v=1
Press Release Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Announces a New Sheraton Luxury Resort in Cork, Ireland Scheduled to Open in Spring 2006
Thursday November 17, 1:07 pm ET
Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa Will Be Starwood's Second Irish Property
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2005--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) announces its second property in Ireland scheduled to open in spring 2006, with the newly constructed Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa, Cork. Starwood and property company Fleming Construction have signed a management agreement to develop the 133-room luxury Sheraton resort, on scenic Fota Island in County Cork, located on the southern Irish coast.
The hotel is being constructed on the site of the existing Fota Island Golf Club - home of the Irish Open in 2001 and 2002. In addition to the championship golf course, hotel and lodge, guests will also enjoy the full service destination Spa with 17 treatment rooms, a specialty restaurant, a full-service dining restaurant and Whiskey Bar in one of the most idyllic settings in Ireland. The resort will also ultimately include over 250 luxury residential lodges.
Fota Island is a scenic island in Cork Harbor, just north of the larger island of Cobh. Located 20 minutes from Cork Airport, the new hotel will be a great location from which vacationers to explore southern Ireland, while also taking advantage of all the facilities that are offered to resort guests. The island is also host to Ireland's only wildlife park - as well as Fota House, an historic 18th century hunting lodge renowned for its breathtaking gardens.
"We are thrilled to be opening another hotel in Ireland," said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Europe, Middle East & Africa. "Since the opening of The Westin Dublin in 2001, we have been looking for other opportunities in this market. This hotel increases Starwood's commitment to Ireland, while further expanding on the wonderful resorts we can offer our guests around the world."
"We chose Sheraton because it is a great brand to be working with on this project," said John Fleming, Managing Director, Fleming Construction. "Fota Island is already highly regarded as a golf destination - the new hotel, residential lodge development and extensive spa facilities will really add to the appeal of this part of Ireland for leisure, incentive and conference business. With Starwood already having a presence in Ireland and a proven track record with the success of The Westin Dublin, they make an ideal hotel management partner for us."
In June 2006 Fota Island golf course is hosting the AIB Irish Seniors Open Golf Championship. With the launch of the new resort, the existing PGA-endorsed golf course will be enhanced by the provision of an additional nine holes of championship caliber standards, creating a world-class golf destination, with challenging features to test the skills of any golfer.
The Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa will also offer a world-class destination spa, designed by Dr. Christian Jost, a noted European spa consultant. The spa will include 17 state-of-the-art treatment rooms, a hydropool, walking river, gymnasium, swimming pool and conservatory for post-treatment relaxation.
The hotel is less than six miles from Cork City, which is the current European Capital of Culture. The surrounding corporate business parks house many international companies such as Motorola, Black & Decker, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. For events and meetings, the hotel will offer six meeting rooms, with a capacity to accommodate groups ranging from 6 to 500 people. The hotel's location and stunning views also make it the ideal venue for weddings and gala events.
In addition to The Westin Dublin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operate nine hotels in the UK & Ireland, including The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire; the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh; The Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly; the Sheraton Park Tower, Knightsbridge and the Sheraton Heathrow.
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.