WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., May 4 / Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. HOT has announced the opening of the Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel and Towers, a luxury five-star property located in Jordan's capital of Amman.

"The spectacular Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel and Towers occupies an extraordinary place on Starwood's Middle East roster," says Sami Zoghbi, president Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., Africa, India and Middle East. "This property in Amman makes Starwood the only chain with a hotel in every major city and commercial center in the Middle East," says Zoghbi. "It's something our competition simply cannot match."

Industry veteran Richard Fossett, former general manager of the Sheraton Bahrain, is at the helm of the Amman property. He anticipates the Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel and Towers will be primarily favored by commercial clients although it will work closely with the Jordan Tourism Board to promote tourism. According to Fossett, "The property will focus more on the traditional Sheraton market of the business traveler, but tourism is of vital importance to Jordan and we will be doing everything we can to bring tourists to the country and ensure they have the best possible time while they're here."

The 283-room hotel will have 42 towers rooms plus six Classic suites, five Towers suites, one Diplomatic suite, and one Royal suite. All rooms are bright and airy with delightful interiors from well-known Paris-based designer Pierre Yves Rochon. The hotel boasts a pillarless 900-square meter ballroom and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities that include audiovisual equipment with satellite conferencing services.

"The satellite conferencing facilities are a first for this market," says Fossett. "This hotel will be the industry benchmark in Jordan. It will certainly set the standards in service." Fossett added, "Starwood is filling a gap in the market in one of the most important destinations in the Middle East."

Restaurants and bars range from the informal Spice Garden overlooking the lobby, to Italian and Pan-Arabian restaurants. The Green Lounge will serve afternoon tea and cocktails, the Bar has been given a club atmosphere. The health club has indoor and outdoor swimming pools plus steam rooms and the latest gym equipment.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.