2015.12.06
Sun Marina Hotel to become Sheraton
Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the operators of Sheraton and Westin hotel chains worldwide, announced officially on Dec. 2nd a plan to renovate Sun Marina Hotel in Onna Village, and re-open the hotel as the ‘Sheraton Okinawa Sun Marina Resort’ in June 2016.
This marks the first time in 24 years for Sheraton to make a foray into Okinawa since they closed Sheraton Okinawa in Kitanakagusuku in 1992. The former Sheraton Hotel is currently the EM Wellness Resort Costa Vista Okinawa Hotel & Resort.
The renovation at Sun Marina is scheduled to start in January. The plans include constructing a new tower on the property that will open in 2017.
Ishin Hotels Group which owns and manages the Sun Marina Hotel, will continue to own the property, and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts will manage and design the new hotel.
The CEO of the Ishin Hotels Group, Michael Nigitsch, commented the deal, stating, “Okinawa has attracted the attention of tourists from across the world. We would like to meet the needs of tourists in cooperation with Starwood Hotels & Resorts.”
Marriott International announced on Nov. 16 that it would buy Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide for $12.2 billion, creating the world’s largest hotel chain.