Starwood: spas as mandatory as pools
Starwood Hotels & Resorts says it plans to add more than 150 hotel spas in the coming year, increasing its portfolio of them by more than 50 percent.
The White Plains, N.Y. hotelier — whose chains include Westin, Sheraton and W, among others — made the announcement at the International Spa Association’s annual conference in Washington.
The company said in a statement that the demand for on-premise pampering is there, and that opening new branches will help hotels generate more revenue per guest.
"Like pools in the 1980s and fitness centers in the 1990s, the increased presence of spas at hotels has been fueled by both demand and the perceived quality of hotels with spa facilities," said Mia Kyricos, director of global spa brands and programming, in a statement.
"Spas are no longer considered an amenity; guests expect them. And they’re no longer viewed as an indulgence, but an essential part of the balance and wellness guests seek while on the road."
All told, 75 percent of the company’s hotels have plans to build spas, and 45 percent of Starwood’s’ 1,000 hotels offer spas already, according to the company.
In particular, Starwood will concentrate on spa construction at its Sheraton, St. Regis and Le Meridien hotels.
By David Wilkening
David
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