Akwa Ibom Government has signed an agreement with American leisure and hospitality company, Starwood International, for the management of its four-point Sheraton Hotel under construction at Ikot Ekpene.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement was signed by the Special Duties Commissioner, Mr Emmanuel Enoidem and Starwood’s Vice-President, Mr Hassan Ahdab on Friday in Uyo.

The new 128 standard rooms, 16 suits, two presidential suits, 12-story hotel under construction and being handled by Renaissance Construction Group, is scheduled for inauguration in March 2015.


“The signing of the agreement is another milestone for Akwa Ibom people and the building of the four-point hotel is to strengthen our hospitality industry in the state.

“The construction of the hotel is already ongoing. We are on the seventh floor now and we are expected to commission the hotel on March 31, 2015,” Enoidem said.

According to him, Ikot Ekpene’s location for the hotel stemmed from its strategic contributions as one of the oldest cities in the state.

“It is not only known as a raffia city but it is an archival centre for Akwa Ibom State.


“The project is sited at where the former Ikot Ekpene Prison was located which we had pulled down and relocated to another area.

“So, the hotel will turn the place of grief to a place of joy because this government came with a determination to turn our sorrow to an uncommon joy,” Enoidem said.

He said the government had decided to create an enabling environment for the private sector to play key role in the economy of the state.

Enoidem said the hotel would be managed by the private sector as a way of turning the state from a civil service to a private sector driven economy.

Earlier, the Vice-President of Starwood international, thanked the government for the trust in his company.

Ahdab assured that the company would continue to support the government for the development of leisure and hospitality industry.

He also lauded Gov. Godswill Akpabio for the massive transformation of the state through infrastructure development.

NAN further reports that the Le’ Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort in the state are currently managed by Starwood International. (NAN)

http://dailypost.ng/2014/06/28/akwa-ibom-signs-new-hotel-management-contract-starwood-international/

above images by http://www.pro-ge.com.tr/

Ikot Ekpene Sheraton Four Points hotel is in AkwaIbom State Sothern Nigeria, The Hotel requires 146 Rooms, 2 presidential suits, 6 suits. This complex includes a 450 capacity ballroom, meeting rooms, boardrooms, and full bussines facilities. There is an outdoor swimming pool, saunas, spa, gym and massage facilities, a lounge area and a bar. It has an elegantly furnished large restaurant with garden terrace banquet areas.

The 12-storey Sheraton Four Points Hotel will consist of restaurants, night clubs, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a rooftop cafe. The total construction area of the project is 13,000 m².

The operator, Four Points by Sheraton, is one of the best-known hotel brands represented in over 24 different countries with around 149 properties worldwide.

current level of construction is at the 7th floor and the hotel is expected to be operational by 1st quarter of 2015

Looks like it will fall down . . .

There is also the 250 rooms 15 floor hilton hotel currently under advanced stage of construction in Uyo Which is expected to be operational by the end of 2014. and the prestigious Le Meridien golf resort which is already operational in the state. this additions will bring the number of internationally branded hotels in Akwa ibom to three.
This is indeed making Akwa Ibom increasingly attractive for investment. kudos to Akpabio and the state government for making Akwa Ibom better with their uncommon transformation vision.

NwaNimo1: Looks like it will fall down . . .

na you go push am down? bad belle peeps!

This is Good. Akpabio is a solid governor, He knows how to put capital projects in his state. his taste in project standards is impeccable, he dosent just deliver projects, but he delivers quality work.

Meanwhile the Princes and Princess Hotels billed for Okigwe and Orlu are still figments of the imagination!

Okorochas heart is in the right place.......but he needs to check with his bankers first before going public to say he will build this and that!

another render.

ujoinme: There is also the 250 rooms 15 floor hilton hotel currently under advanced stage of construction in Uyo Which is expected to be operational by the end of 2014. and the prestigious Le Meridien golf resort which is already operational in the state. this additions will bring the number of internationally branded hotels in Akwa ibom to three.
This is indeed making Akwa Ibom increasingly attractive for investment. kudos to Akpabio and the state government for making Akwa Ibom better with their uncommon transformation vision.

Akwa ibom state government is really doing everything to put itself in the right position to attract investment into the state.

Nt even 5 star.. Chio

Finally! Thought he never meant this. Cool stuff

Edygrin: Finally! Thought he never meant this. Cool stuff

Akpabio dosent say what he dosent mean. he is a different kind of Nigerian governor, He is passionate about developing his state.

Lobolintin: Nt even 5 star.. Chio

Will your type ever be satisfied?

ujoinme: Akpabio dosent say what he dosent mean. he is a different kind of Nigerian governor, He is passionate about developing his state.

I know. He's a governor for the people. Instead of allowing the land to be turned into another useless park.

Lobolintin: Nt even 5 star.. Chio

true its not a 5 star hotel. the four points by sheraton is not a five star brand anywhere in the world. But the attraction is that it brings a world standard hotel management into the state. so that investors and visitors are able to book their rooms from anywhere in the world and are sure that the quality of service will match that of any four points by Sheraton in the world. that goes a long way to boost confidence for would be visitors and helps in convincing then to visit.

Edygrin: Will your type ever be satisfied?

. Ediot... Can't you see that, hotel aint what we need in this bleeped nation... Get it right dude, rochas tried sme in Otown, and the youth shut it down til date... Can't they build industry .. This hotel can take up to 150 staffs, if the hotel won't send their staff from other region to come be the pioneers

ujoinme: true its not a 5 star hotel. the four points by sheraton is not a five star brand anywhere in the world. But the attraction is that it brings a world standard hotel management into the state. so that investors and visitors are able to book their rooms from anywhere in the world and are sure that the quality of service will match that of any four points by Sheraton in the world. that goes a long way to boost confidence for would be visitors and helps in convincing then to visit.

. Bleep, are you talking to me.. Investors ?? For tourism and africa babes fuckers ?.. Guy grow up.... Investor nah me and you ... Self employ things... Grow ip.. No gad damn investors any where

Lobolintin: . Bleep, are you talking to me.. Investors ?? For tourism and africa babes fuckers ?.. Guy grow up.... Investor nah me and you ... Self employ things... Grow ip.. No gad damn investors any where

You need to grow up! which internationally branded hotel did okorocha plan or build and when did the youths prevent him from building it? There is a difference between a mom and pop bed and breakfast motel and an international branded hotel. FYI a brands like Hiton, sheraton le meridien which Akwa ibom state government are attracting, are all industries and they employ a lot of highly skilled individuals with internationally competitive salaries. Its called hospitality industries. not all industries are manufacturing, there are is also a service industry that generates a lot of money and jobs which Akwa Ibom and Nigeria seriously needs.do you bother to think how many jobs those 3 hotels will provide for the locals when fully operational, and the impact / influence it will have for the local hospitality industries in the state? It will force hotel owners to up their game and will also afford them a model to imitate in order to improve their service.

TRAVEL
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON TO OPEN IN IKOT EKPENE
JULY 12, 2014
fourStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced that a new build hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, is scheduled to open next year, stating that Starwood’s Four Points by Sheraton brand ‘best for business’ approach provides travellers with everything that matters: the most including timeless design, uncomplicated comfort and a genuine and friendly approach to hospitality and service.
Owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, will be Starwood’s 10th hotel in Nigeria and its second hotel in Akwa Ibom after Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort.
Located at the crossroads between two major highways with easy airport access, the hotel will be the first high-rise tower in Ikot Ekpene as well as the first purpose-built internationally branded hotel in the iconic town.
Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene will feature146 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar, 814 square metres of meeting and event space, as well as a fitness centre and an outdoor pool.
“Looking back to when we first opened Le Meridien Ibom in 2007, we saw an opportunity in a city with limited infrastructure, today the state of Akwa Ibom has been transformed and modernised with new highways and a local airport, while the hotel was recently selected as an SPG® Members’ Favourite,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East.
“Our experience and shared successes with the government of Akwa Ibom lead us to believe that Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene is another milestone in the development of the state and we embark on this second joint venture with great confidence.”
“This agreement is another milestone for the people of Akwa Ibom and the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene will strengthen the hospitality sector in the state,” Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio said.
According to Starwood Nigeria: “Reflecting the brand’s promise and insight into the needs of today’s traveller, the hotel will also offer all brand’s defining elements, including the signature. Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort bed and free bottled water in the room, complementary Wi-Fi in all public areas, a delicious breakfast with great coffee and refreshing local beer with Best Brews, helping guests to start and end the day right.
“Nigeria remains to be an important growth market for Starwood and we see a significant opportunity in growing our mid-market brands in the country and throughout all of Africa,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “With one of the strongest pipelines in the Starwood portfolio, Four Points by Sheraton offers a compelling blend of comfort, style and affordability, making it an increasingly attractive choice for owners and developers across the world.”

http://finchglowtravels./2014/07/12/highbrow-hotel-four-points-by-sheraton-opens-in-ikot-ekpene/

Lobolintin: . Ediot... Can't you see that, hotel aint what we need in this bleeped nation... Get it right dude, rochas tried sme in Otown, and the youth shut it down til date... Can't they build industry .. This hotel can take up to 150 staffs, if the hotel won't send their staff from other region to come be the pioneers

Lol.. No need for the insults sir. That hotel is built in the centre of Ikot ekpene, on the land the former ikot ekpene prison was located. Its not an industrial area. This isnt Otown, it is Ikot ekpene. If the youths of Otown decide to be thuggery na for their head.

Starwood to open new hotel in A’Ibom

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide said it had concluded plans to establish a new hotel in Akwa Ibom as part of efforts to tap into the tourism potential of the state.

Speaking in a statement issued by Maria Crousillat, the Communications Manager of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Europe, Africa & Middle East said the hotel, to be known as Four Points Hotel, will be powered by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene.

It said the new hotel, which would be owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, would be Starwood’s 10th hotel in Nigeria and it’s second in the state.

“Looking back to when we first opened Le Meridien Ibom in 2007, we saw an opportunity in a city with limited infrastructure.

“Today, Akwa Ibom has been transformed and modernised with new highways and a local airport, while the hotel was recently selected as Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members’ favourite.

“Our experience and shared successes with the government of Akwa Ibom made us to believe that Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene is another milestone to develop the state.’’

According to the statement, the agreement is another milestone for the people of Akwa Ibom and the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene will strengthen the hospitality sector in the state.

The statement said the Four Points Hotel, which was ‘best for business’, would provide travellers with everything they needed to make them comfortable.

It stated that this included timeless design, uncomplicated comfort and a genuine and friendly approach to hospitality and service.
http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/07/starwood-open-new-hotel-aibom/

Hilton Garden Inn to open in Nigeria


Hilton Worldwide today announced the signing of its first Hilton Garden Inn hotel for sub-Sahara Africa, in Nigeria’s South East city of Uyo, the capital of the country’s largest oil producing region of Akwa Ibom State.
The 250-room Hilton Garden Inn Uyo, Nigeria, which is currently under construction, will form part of a highly anticipated, multi-purpose leisure complex comprising the city’s biggest sports and entertainment centre, a shopping mall and the Ibom Tropicana Water and Fun Park. With an expected opening date of early 2015, the hotel will be ideally located for easy access to Akwa Ibom International Airport and conveniently close to Uyo’s central business district and the upcoming convention centre, also forecast to open in 2015.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, Development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide said: “Africa is a vital growth market for us and this announcement further strengthens our commitment to the continent and to Nigeria in particular, where Hilton Worldwide has enjoyed a presence for almost 26 years. We’re looking forward to expanding in this strategically important economic region and welcome the opportunity to become part of Uyo’s growing, energetic city community.”
Designed to appeal to both the business and leisure traveller, amenities at Hilton Garden Inn Uyo, Nigeria will include a 24-hour business centre, six multi-sized meeting rooms, complimentary high speed internet access, a state of the art gym, outdoor swimming pool and a choice of three restaurants and bars.
Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn said: “Today is an exciting milestone for Hilton Garden Inn as we look forward to introducing our award winning services and style to the Nigerian market. The brand combines the best of Hilton’s trademark hospitality and innovation at a value for money, mid-range cost and we’re confident this latest addition to the portfolio will prove as popular and successful in Uyo as it is in over 570 different locations around the world.”
Hilton Garden Inn hotels are designed to be highly functional and provide guests with a number of signature brand features including the pressure reducing Garden Sleep System bed, ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller and complimentary high-speed internet access. Guests also have the opportunity to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points and to take advantage of benefits enjoyed by over 34 million members worldwide.
Chief Godswill Akpabio, Governor of Akwa Ibom State Government commented: “We’ve seen travel to the region grow considerably over the past few years and as that trend continues then quality hospitality infrastructure is crucial to sustain future success. We know that in Hilton Worldwide we have the right company and management partner and together we are committed to creating a world-class property with inviting facilities and service.”
Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, upscale, yet affordable hotel brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travelers have everything they need to be most productive on the road – from our oh-so-comfortable Garden Sleep System® bed to complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home. We even guarantee it with our Hilton Garden Inn Satisfaction Promise: At Hilton Garden Inn, we promise to do whatever it takes to ensure you’re satisfied or you don’t pay. You can count on us. GuaranteedTM. For more information about our locations around the globe, visit www.hgi.com or call 1-877-STAY-HGI.
Hotel Spec, a procurement and consultancy business based in George, Western Cape, has been appointed as project manager and technical co-ordinator for the first two Hilton Garden Inn hotels in Nigeria.
Former hotelier Mark Martinovic (above) is chief executive of Hotel Spec, a consulting firm dealing with all aspects of hotel design, project management, development and technical services, procurement, installations and commissioning of new and refurbished hotels.
With international brands such as Radisson, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Hilton, Park Inn, Mövenpick and Sheraton, Hotel Spec has worked on over 50 projects in 21 African countries.
Before founding Hotel Spec in 2003, Martinovic worked in the hotel industry for 16 years in Southern Africa and in the UK.

- See more at: http://www.hotelandrestaurant.co.za/tourism/hilton-garden-inn-to-open-in-nigeria/#sthash.zuwtoSeC.dpuf

Good development OP, am happy about the verve that Akpabio is bringing into the hospitality industry in Akwa Ibom state. he is laying a solid foundation for A'Ibom

would it be a public Hotel , I dont knw what concerns us with building of hotel when they have not even completed their primary duties as governors. I believe project like this should be embarked on by the private sector...

signing of the MOU with the management of Sheraton hotel at government house uyo. pics by john ekpo

Gov. Akpabio watches Signing Of Management Agreement For The Four Point By Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene By Mr Hassan Ahdab, The Vice President of Starwood International. and the commissioner for special duties signs unbehalf of the state government.

Nice, Nice OP i Love This Development.

Who will patronize this hotel?

TOTAL WASTE OF RESOURCES! How does this project benefit the unemployed masses especially the youths? How many industries do we have in that state? That is African problem "misplaced priority"The greatest problem in Nigeria is unemployment! All the governors are stylishly dodging this "monster"called unemployment .have they finish using ibom 5 star hotel? .someone suggested 7years ago that each local govt in Akwa ibom should have industry but the suggestion was thrown into dustbin so today that some people are living in acute poverty ! Akwa ibom as a state can't produce anything we depend solely on Abia state for everything excluding oil., The numbers of akwa ibomites going to Aba market everyday are evidence of this fact .Population is increasing industries are decreasing !

Akwa-ibom has arrived!

Its the next place am opening a branch office!

I love Akwaibomites, maybe I should take another wifey from there..



;Dvvvvvvv

IGBOSON1: Meanwhile the Princes and Princess Hotels billed for Okigwe and Orlu are still figments of the imagination!

Okorochas heart is in the right place.......but he needs to check with his bankers first before going public to say he will build this and that!

Shut up! And you think hospitality industry will not employ graduates? You think its all those cheap and substandard hotels filled with prost1tutes! Mind you Akwaibom and Calabar are the only 2 places in Nigeria that is fun-filled and good for relaxation due to genuine massive infrastructural development. The place is very secured, there is no bombing and things like that!

samtol4: TOTAL WASTE OF RESOURCES! How does this project benefit the unemployed masses especially the youths? How many industries do we have in that state? That is African problem "misplaced priority"The greatest problem in Nigeria is unemployment! All the governors are stylishly dodging this "monster"called unemployment .have they finish using ibom 5 star hotel? .someone suggested 7years ago that each local govt in Akwa ibom should have industry but the suggestion was thrown into dustbin so today that some people are living in acute poverty ! Akwa ibom as a state can't produce anything we depend solely on Abia state for everything excluding oil., The numbers of akwa ibomites going to Aba market everyday are evidence of this fact .Population is increasing industries are decreasing !