Tapping into trending Iidependent segment, Starwood’s newest brand continues global expansion with Japanese ski resort.
STAMFORD, Conn. – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the debut of its tenth brand, Tribute Portfolio, in Asia Pacific with the opening of The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido. Located in one of the world’s best powder skiing destinations, the 282-room hotel, owned by Kiroro Resort Holdings Co., Ltd is situated at the base of The Kiroro Resort with access to a number of trails and winter activities. The hotel will undergo expansive renovation of its public spaces and guest rooms at the end of the current ski season, completing its refresh by September 2016.
“We are delighted to unveil The Kiroro, Hokkaido as the first Tribute Portfolio hotel in Asia Pacific,” said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader for Tribute Portfolio and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “The Kiroro exemplifies the Tribute Portfolio brand’s independent spirit and is exactly what our highly valued SPG members have asked for when it comes to offering more unique ski destinations around the world.”
The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido features 282 spacious and stylish guest rooms and suites, as well as prime access to the ski resort mountain. In addition to a wide number of nearby dining options, the hotel features four different restaurant and bar destinations where guests can savor a variety of international cuisines, from authentic Italian dishes at the hotel’s signature restaurant, to casual buffet and a la carte dining at the hotel’s cafe. The hotel also boasts over 15,000 square feet of function space, including a grand ballroom and four meeting rooms.
“We are thrilled to be the first property in Asia Pacific to fly the Tribute Portfolio flag,” said Chainid Adhyanasakul, CEO of Kiroro Resort Holdings Co., Ltd. “The hotel perfectly captures the unique essence of this resort area, delivering intimate and unexpected experiences that guests have come to enjoy at independent hotels.”
Situated in the heart of the Kiroro mountain resort area, The Kiroro, Hokkaido is only a few minutes away from the Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort, approximately 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport, the largest airport in Hokkaido, and a 40 minute ride from the city of Otaru via a free shuttle service. Known for its superb powder skiing with 21 well-groomed trails suitable for all levels, the Kiroro Resort features mogul courses, a children’s snow park, a ski academy, snow shoe tours and snow cat tours. The Kiroro Resort also boasts modern facilities, relatively uncrowded pistes and a wealth of year-round amenities, including hot springs and a gaming center.
As with all of the brand’s properties, The Kiroro, Hokkaido will feature a noteworthy selection of #ourlikes, a list comprised of distinct moments found at each Tribute Portfolio hotel that illustrate what guests love about “staying independent.” Beyond the typical hotel brochure, these socially-sourced vignettes highlight the secret spots, must-sees and can’t-miss experiences at each Tribute Portfolio property. The list of #ourlikes for The Kiroro will be announced next year upon completion of the property’s renovations.
Independent by Nature
Tribute Portfolio debuted in April 2015 with its first hotel, the Royal Palm South Beach Miami, and has since opened two additional properties: the Great Northern Hotel in London, UK and the Riviera Palm Springs in Palm Springs, CA. Future locations are slated for Las Vegas, NV; Jakarta, Indonesia; Costa Mesa, CA; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Asheville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Savannah, Georgia; and Charleston, South Carolina. Firmly anchored in the upper upscale category, Tribute Portfolio allows owners of distinct properties to maintain their independent spirit, while benefiting from Starwood’s powerful distribution, loyalty and sales platforms.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
