In response to yesterday's events in Baghdad, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide said that the Sheraton Baghdad hotel in Iraq has no direct or indirect association with Starwood's Sheraton brand since the Iraqi government confiscated the property after the first Gulf War.
International news agencies reported on April 14 that a rocket hit the Sheraton Hotel in Baghdad, breaking glass but causing no casualties. Many foreign contractors and journalists stay at the hotel.
"The Sheraton name, in this instance, is currently being used without our permission, and the hotel has not been part of Starwood's portfolio for more than ten years," said the statement. "We look forward to the day we can safely return to Iraq and continue what was a long term and successful history before the first Gulf War."
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 740 properties in more than 80 countries. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including St. Regis, the Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
