MUSCAT -- Sheraton Oman Hotel, part of Starwood hotels and resorts worldwide, will undergo a RO 10 million renovation programme that will have a complete face-lift to catch up with the booming tourism industry in the Sultanate, Martin Cramer, General Manager of the Sheraton Oman Hotel, told journalists at a press briefing yesterday. The decision, made by National Hotels Company Limited and The Sheraton Middle East Corporation, was a result of customer expectations, who registered their comments during their stay at the hotel.
Due to the size of the project, the renovation will necessitate a total closure of the hotel from the first week of January 2007, with a schedule of re-opening in time for the October 2007 Eid holidays. "It is my great pleasure to declare that the Sheraton Oman Hotel will be undergoing an extensive renovation of the property during 2007 to upgrade one such Muscat's great landmarks," said Cramer. "In line with Sheraton brand standards, the renovated property will feature spectacular designs and the hottest Sheraton signature products incorporating the latest in technology, art decor and architectural design," he added.
During the renovation time, some of the staff will get the opportunities to work in other Starwood hotels in the neighbouring countries to better their experiences with new ideas in hotel management which will be part of the hotel's strategy to rebuild the staff for the new-look hotel. The hotel, currently with 217 rooms, will have a stunning range of 227 rooms with room types including long stay apartments, classic, executive and suites with newly designed recreation facilities, exotic restaurants that will include a South American Grill House and Sports Bar as well as renovated conference and meeting facilities to cater to the growing conference and wedding markets.
During the renovation period the Sheraton Oman Hotel team will be working with Bovis Lend Lease International Ltd, WS Atkins, the architects of the hotel, Alex Kravitz Design, the interior designers and Hanscomb, the quantity surveyors. To keep abreast with the Sheraton visitors, Qurum Beach property will remain operational throughout 2007. The property has seven bedrooms; male and female health clubs and swimming pool, the Jade Garden Restaurant famous for its Tuesday Eye of The Tiger buffets and Thursday Sushi nights; meeting rooms; Cleopatra nightclub and extensive lawn gardens with access to the beach.
By Shaddad al Musalmy
© Oman Daily Observer 2006
