US-based Carlson Hotels has signed on to take over the Sheraton Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.
As of May 1 the property will be rebranded as a Radisson, marking Carlson’s entry into Brunei.
The company takes over operation of the property from Starwood Hotels and Resorts which has managed it for 29 years.
The 142-room Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam will open after undergoing renovations, which will include a refurbishment of 130 standard rooms, 10 junior suites, an executive suite and a presidential suite.
An all-day dining and speciality restaurant will also be created. The hotel has a club lounge, health club, outdoor swimming pool and spa and meeting and conference rooms.
“We are continuing to grow Radisson as a vibrant and dynamic brand throughout Asia,” said Jean-Marc Busato, managing director, Asia Pacific.
He said the upgrade was expected to attract increased visitors to the hotel and added that the deal is part of Carlson’s strategy to expand in key cities in Asia.
The Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam is within walking distance of some of the city’s famous tourist attractions such as the Jame’ Asr Mosque, Brunei’s largest mosque; Kampong Ayer, the world’s oldest over-water village and the Ulu Ulu Resort, a national park and home to the near extinct proboscis monkey.
The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Brunei International Airport.
The opening supports Carlson’s plan to add another 250 hotels globally in key target markets and emerging markets such as Brunei over the next five years as part of its ‘Ambition 2015’ strategy.