From left, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Greater China at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Wendy Huang, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel Vincent Thong, General Manager of Beijing Jinyu Property Operating Management Co. Ltd. Xu Chuanhui and Vice-General Manager of BBMG Corporation Wang Shizhong at the Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel, the first Sheraton hotel in the Chinese mainland to be recognized as the premier Sheraton Grand tier.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts on Aug 19 introduced Sheraton Grand, a new premier tier that recognizes exceptional Sheraton hotels and resorts for their enticing destinations, distinguished designs, and excellence in service and guest experiences.

Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel is among the first 10 Sheraton Grand properties revealed on Aug 19. By year’s end, Starwood expects to have 50 newly-designated Sheraton Grand hotels around the world, with plans for 100 by early 2017.

Sheraton Grand is one of many initiatives underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere.

"Sheraton is Starwood's largest and most global brand, and as we continue our work to firmly keep Sheraton in the spotlight, we recognize the need to better match guest expectations for the brand around the world," said Adam Aron, Starwood interim CEO. "Sheraton Grand celebrates our standout hotels and helps us further reinforce Sheraton as a trusted voice in global travel."

"We expect many of our Sheraton hotels to achieve the Sheraton Grand designation, and we will work with our owners to open new Sheraton Grand hotels or renovate existing properties to ensure a consistent and exceptional experience in our new premier tier," said Dave Marr, global brand leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. "The worldwide network of Sheraton Grand will promote growth and lure more high-end travelers for the Sheraton brand globally, and we look forward to welcoming 100 Sheraton Grand hotels by early 2017."

As Sheraton Grand formally launches worldwide, the tier will also encompass a number of existing properties that historically list Grand or Grande in their title and also demonstrate the best of the brand.