DUSHANBE, January 8, 2015, Asia-Plus – (BUSINESS WIRE)--Powering ahead in dynamic markets worldwide, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced it has entered Tajikistan with the opening of Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel. Owned by CJSC CHL International, a subsidiary of CHL Limited (BSE:CHL), Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel boasts a central location within Tajikistan’s capital city and features 148 rooms, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, three restaurants and all of the Sheraton brand’s signature amenities and services.

“We are thrilled to mark Starwood’s entry into Tajikistan with the launch of our iconic Sheraton brand in Dushanbe, in partnership with CJSC CHL International,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East.  “Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel brings to the city a new level of upper-upscale luxury and supports the development of Tajikistan as a new travel destination.”

“This landmark opening in Tajikistan highlights the Sheraton brand’s long legacy of reaching new markets first and building meaningful relationships with owners and developers,” said Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.  “Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel will serve as a gathering spot for both travelers and area residents and enhance the global appeal of Tajikistan’s capital city.”

Mr. Gagan Malhotra, Executive Director, CHL Limited, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Starwood Hotels & Resorts through our locally based subsidiary CJSC CHL International, and to introduce the internationally acknowledged Sheraton brand to Tajikistan. We believe that this partnership will have a great impact on the development of the hospitality sector in Dushanbe, add a new landmark to the city, and will also set a new benchmark for quality of service.”

Strategically located just five minutes from Dushanbe International Airport, the new Sheraton offers easy access to the city’s central business district, government offices and embassies.  Nearby attractions include the National Museum of Ancient Art, National Palace, Victory Park, Botanical Garden and several traditional tea houses.  All guestrooms, including the top-floor Presidential Suite, boast the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® bed, Shine Spa for Sheraton™ bath amenities, a 42" screen LCD television, in-room safe, well-designed work station and high-speed Internet.

An ideal venue for high-profile conferences, corporate events and galas, Sheraton Dushanbe Hotel provides more than 18,000 square feet of function space, including a grand ballroom with panoramic city views, a multi-purpose hall, six meeting rooms and an expansive outdoor terrace. A complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks and a variety of beverage options are available at the Sheraton Club Lounge – a rooftop space complete with a private meeting room.

Sheraton helps guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in nearly 70 countries around the world.  The brand recently completed a $6 billion global revitalization and is now in the midst of an $8 billion global expansion over the next three years.  Sheraton is owned by and is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties.  Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®.  The Company boasts one of the industry''s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands.