Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the signing of a management agreement for Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort, a conversion property owned by Kiroro Resort Holdings Co., Ltd. Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort is part of a dual signing with The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido, both of which are scheduled to open in December 2015.
The deal marks the first Sheraton ski resort in Japan, the brand’s re-entry in the famed region of Hokkaido, and the first Tribute Portfolio hotel signed in Asia Pacific.
“The signing of Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort builds on the brand’s first mover advantage and Starwood’s commitment to accelerate growth in the region,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President, Acquisition & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “We are excited to partner with Kiroro Resort Holdings Co., Ltd to bring the brand to Hokkaido.”
Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort will feature 140 guestrooms, including expansive suites, designed to evoke regional architectural styles. Guests can stay connected in comfort in the Sheraton Club® lounge with its complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and free Wi-Fi. At the all-day dining restaurant, guests can also savor an extensive range of creative Japanese and western buffet style dishes, alongside a grab-and-go cafeteria. The lobby provides further space where guests can relax while enjoying unique cocktails and memorable culinary dishes.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to bring the globally recognized Sheraton brand to Kiroro Resort. Aligning ourselves with this iconic brand will undoubtedly add value to our business and, at the same time, significantly raise the profile of the entire resort,” said Chainid Adhyanasakul, CEO of Kiroro Resort Holdings Co., Ltd.
The property, located in one of Japan’s premier ski destinations, boasts easy access to the slopes at the Kiroro integrated mountain resort area, which is famous for its exceptional powder skiing, 21 well-groomed trails suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, mogul courses, and a children’s snow park. The resort is less than a 90-minute drive from New Chitose International Airport and a 40-minute drive from the port of Otaru via a free shuttle service. Hokkaido is also connected to the island of Honshu by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel.
