Katara Hospitality, a global hotel operator based in Qatar, has acquired the Westin Excelsior Rome from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for €222 million ($251 million).

As part of the deal, the historic hotel will be renovated in the next five years, including a top-to-bottom transformation of all guestrooms, as well as upgrades to the hotel’s public areas.

The property will continue to be operated by Starwood under a new long-term management agreement.

Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, chairman of Katara Hospitality, signed the agreement for the new property with Michael Wale, President – Europe, Africa, and Middle East Starwood Hotels & Resorts at The Westin Excelsior Rome.

“This agreement marks our third property in Italy. The Westin Excelsior Rome is the epitome of what Katara Hospitality looks for in a hotel,” said Al-Thani. “Its grand and statuesque appearance is the ultimate in luxurious hospitality. The hotel is a welcome addition to our growing global portfolio of iconic properties, and we are delighted to be continuing to set the standard for luxury hospitality the world over.”

Wale said: “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Katara Hospitality, owner of both Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Centre and The Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Milan. We look forward to working together on the continued success of The Westin Excelsior, an architecturally stunning property and one of the most iconic hotels in Rome.”

Opened in 1906, The Westin Excelsior Rome boasts a premium location on Via Veneto, one of Rome’s most celebrated streets. Nestled between the Spanish Steps and the Borghese Gardens & Gallery, the award-winning, 316-room hotel is adjacent to the American Embassy and close to all of Rome’s leading attractions, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel.

Hotel amenities include two restaurants and a bar, a WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Kami Wellness Centre, an indoor pool and a 24-hour business centre. With 14,000-sq-ft of elegant meeting space, The Westin Excelsior Rome is a leading venue for wedding banquets, government delegations and meetings.

Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, chief executive officer of Katara Hospitality, said: “For more than a century, this legendary hotel has provided exceptional hospitality and hosted dignitaries and celebrities, as well as business and leisure travellers. We look forward to making further improvements to The Westin Excelsior Rome and continuing its long-standing tradition of excellence.”

The acquisition brings Katara Hospitality’s portfolio of properties in operation or under development to 35 and marks its third property in Italy. – TradeArabia News Service