STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts has confirmed it is set to open Birmingham’s first five-star hotel.
The US hotel operator has entered into an agreement to open the 198 bedroom Westin Hotel &Spa at Ballymore’s Snowhill scheme in early 2010.
Jonathan Haigh, Ballymore director, said: "We are delighted to be working with a world-class operator of Starwood’s calibre to create a new five star hotel and spa at Snowhill.
"Their experience and track record in the luxury end of the market is exceptional and this project will further add to Birmingham’s growing status as a global city."
Michael Wale, senior vice president, director of operations, North West Europe, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, said: "Birmingham has become one of the UK’s key cities for corporate, meetings and incentive business and there is strong demand for a brand like Westin to establish a presence in the region."
The Westin Birmingham is the first Westin hotel in England and second in the UK joining the Westin Turnberry Resort in Ayrshire, Scotland.
The new hotel is the 10th property Starwood Hotels & Resorts has snapped up in the UK, joining sister properties under the Sheraton, Le Meridien, St Regis and Luxury Collection brands in London, Heathrow, Edinburgh and Ayrshire.