Starwood to open first Aloft hotel in Iraq by 2015

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with BCD to open the Aloft Erbil hotel in Iraq by 2015.

The signing for the mid-market Aloft Erbil is Starwood’s third hotel deal in Iraq this year.

Earlier this year, Starwood announced its return to the Iraqi hospitality market after 20 years with the signing of the Sheraton Erbil and the Four Points by Sheraton. All three hotels are scheduled to open in Erbil in 2015.

“We see great opportunities to grow our Aloft portfolio in emerging markets across the Middle East, such as Iraq, where there is a strong demand for affordable yet stylish and cutting-edge hotel brands,” said Bart Carnahan, senior vice president, acquisitions & development, Europe, Africa and Middle East division, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Aloft Erbil, part of BCD’s mixed-use complex that will also include a Sheraton hotel, will comprise of 200 guest rooms and an all-day dining restaurant.

There will also be the brand’s signature re:mixSM and w xyzSM lounges, the re:chargeSM fitness centre, the re:fuelSM by Aloft deli as well creative spaces equipped with the latest audiovisual hardware for meeting and presentations.

After opening its first hotel in 2008, Aloft has since grown to more than 60 hotels in countries such as the United States, Canada, China, India, Thailand, Belgium and the United Kingdom, while Starwood is planning to open its 70th Aloft hotel next year.

The company currently operates Aloft Abu Dhabi in the Middle East with plans to further expand the brand in key markets of the region such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.