STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has opened the Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa Hotel, marking the company’s entrance into Bursa, Turkey. Owned by Faik Celik Holding, the two hotels expand Starwood’s rapidly-growing portfolio to nine hotels across Turkey, adding more than 300 rooms to the culturally-charged industrial center. The opening of the Sheraton Bursa Hotel fuels the brand’s growth as it remains on track to celebrate the opening of its 500th hotel by 2015. Aloft Bursa Hotel contributes to the phenomenal growth of the mid-market brand as it is poised to grow by 30 percent in 2013 with its 75th hotel to open later this year.



“We are delighted to be working with Faik Celik Holdings, the owners of the Sheraton and Aloft Bursa, our first Starwood hotels in this important city in Turkey,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Bursa is an emerging metropolitan center of industry, culture, sport and leisure and we believe this combination of our differentiated lifestyle brands with a new city destination will make a compelling offer to global travelers.”



“The opening of Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa marks a milestone in this fast-growing city’s development,” said Baran Çelik, CEO Faik Celik Holding. “We believe that Starwood’s strong global brands will attract international and national travellers as well as local guests.”



Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa are situated in an emerging business and upscale residential area adjacent to the Bursa New Cultural Green Park and upcoming football stadium. Located on the southeast shore of Sea of Marmara, approximately 235 kilometers from Istanbul, Bursa is a rapidly emerging city in Turkey with a young population attracted by opportunities in its textile and automotive industries, as well as the tourism and sports sectors. The city was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, playing an important role in silk manufacturing, and is today the 'greenest' city in Turkey with easy access to Mount Uludag, the country’s prime skiing resort.



Designed to appeal to both business and leisure travellers, Sheraton Bursa offers a vibrant, open atmosphere. Distinct hexagonal elements inspired by the Ottoman Empire are integrated into the design of the spacious lobby where guests can enjoy complimentary wireless Internet access with the signature Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft® experience – a social, technology hub in the lobby where guests can stay connected to what matters most during their stay.



Sheraton Bursa comprises 171 elegant guest rooms, including 10 spacious suites, all equipped with the signature all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, designed using the AAA Five Diamond Award criteria. The contemporary and warm interiors feature light Turkish design accents, providing travelers with a comfortable home away from home. Located on the 13th floor, the Presidential Suite features a spacious living area, a master bedroom, a kitchen, as well as a private whirlpool. — SG