The first new-look Sheraton hotels are open …. and look good

For the past few decades, Sheraton has been struggling under a reputation that the New York Times called “beige” in a 2019 article. Many Sheraton hotels are tired and dated, and the better hotels are siloed in the ‘Sheraton Grand’ sub-brand as a way to distinguish them.

It was back in 2015 when Rob wrote an article called ‘How do you solve a problem like Sheraton?‘, and not a lot has happened since. That said, we do hugely rate the refurbishment of the Sheraton Grand Park Lane in London, now restored to its art deco glory.

Marriott was aware of this when it acquired Starwood in 2016. Two years later it announced a comprehensive refresh of the brand that it hoped would give it relevance with a new generation.

Marriott is now ready to deliver on that promise and has unveiled six hotels that showcase its vision for Sheraton going forward. It doesn’t look too bad, although you will need to travel quite a way to try them out.

Lobbies are turning into WeWork-style workspaces

One of the most visible changes, apart from a massive change in style, is the move towards offering more flexible workspace for guests.

Going forward, new Sheraton hotels will include signature design elements such as the “Community Table” that will “anchor” each hotel’s lobby and offer a spot to sit and work, eat and drink.

Soundproof booths will also be located around the lobby, allowing for private phonecalls to clients, friends or family.

You’ll also be able to book flexible meeting room-style spaces called “The Studios” which can cater to business meetings or private dining.

New Sheraton hotels will also feature a hybrid coffee bar, combining bar, coffee shop and mini-market.

Combined, these elements seem remarkably similar to our WeWork office and sound like welcome additions that create a usable public space for business and leisure guests alike.

The rebrand isn’t just skin deep – it is a complete refurbishment of all elements, top to bottom, including the guest rooms.

Instead of beige, the new Sheraton look will feature “light wood tones accentuated with black metal accents” and feature height-adjustable desks, integrated power and charging as well as layered lighting that you can adjust depending on the hour.

Sheraton will continue to feature the Sheraton Sleep Experience platform bed.

Which hotels feature the new look?

Six refurbished Sheraton hotels are now welcoming guests into their brand-new rooms and public spaces, but unfortunately you will need to fly for at least five hours to get to one:

• Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, USA
• Sheraton Denver Downtown, USA
• Sheraton Tel Aviv, Israel
• Sheraton Grand Dubai, UAE
• Sheraton Guangzhou, China
• Sheraton Mianyang, China

40 hotels are expected to follow by 2022, but it will take quite a while for the new brand to roll out across the 450 hotels currently under the Sheraton badge.

Rolling out a refurbishment across an entire brand like this is difficult since Marriott does not own most of the hotels. It did buy the Sheraton Grand in Phoenix for $255 million in order to remake it as a blueprint for the brand’s new vision.

Exact timings will depend on the contract agreed between Marriott and the hotel operator, and some hotels may even choose to switch to a lower-end brand rather than make the required investment.

You can find out more about the new Sheraton look on this dedicated page of the Marriott website.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (September 2024)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (40,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 22nd October 2024, the bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased to up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points, worth 80,000 Avios. You will receive 8 points per £1 spent for the first three months, on up to £10,000 of spending. Click here to read our full card review. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 22nd October 2024, the bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased to up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points, worth 40,000 Avios. You will receive 4 points per £1 spent for the first three months, on up to £10,000 of spending. The card is FREE for your first year. Click here to read our full card review. Click here to apply.

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)