Starwood unveils its first two international Tribute Portfolio hotels

Starwood Hotels and Resorts has lifted the curtain on its first two overseas hotel properties, a sleekly designed pair that will join its hip, independent hotel collection known as Tribute Portfolio. Starwood has just announced that it has signed both The Great Northern Hotel, a 91-room property located within the Western concourse of London's King's Cross Station and The Kiroro, a 282-room hotel in Hokkaido, Japan.

Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader for Tribute Portfolio, says:

“The Great Northern Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, London, is a truly stunning property that we are proud to say is our first foray into Europe. But our expansion isn’t limited to just London. Tribute Portfolio will officially have a presence in Asia as well, with the signing of The Kiroro, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido, Japan – one of the world’s best powder skiing destinations."

Starwood's focus with these individual hotel properties is to surprise guests with unique aspects of a destination. To cater to the younger generation, the brand is employing social media techniques which, of course, means that it has its own hashtag. Starwood has designated #ourlikes as a way for guests to share their favorite rooms, corners and features of the hotels with their friends and followers.

Great Northern boasts a railroad theme with a focus on history (and chintz), but not without plenty of English whimsy. The Victorian building was originally constructed in 1854 as a stopping point for travelers on the nearby railroad. These days, the theme continues with Couchette rooms designed for single travelers and larger Wainscot rooms with mansard ceilings and original paneling. In addition, guests and locals can grab a pint or nosh on the Plum + Spilt Milk bistro's long menu of regional favorites. (The clever name comes from the color of the dining cars on the Flying Scotsman train).

The Kiroro is a ski resort aimed at both leisure and business visitors, which is located within the Kiroro mountain resort area. The hotel has four on-site restaurants and bars, including its signature eatery, which is focused on Italian cuisine. The Kiroro is scheduled to open in December 2015. (Details about this signing were just being revealed at press time; RWV has contacted Starwood for additional information about the Kiroro).

In a news release, Starwood announced its intentions to grow the Tribute Portfolio brand  to as many as 100 hotels worldwide by the year 2020, including both urban and resort destinations. Point collectors can now take advantage of amassing their valuable bounty at any Tribute Portfolio hotel. Now that we think about it, we're about ready for a pint too, railroad-themed or not.