Starwood Distances Itself from Sheraton Baghdad

BAGHDAD, IRAQ-News of a rocket hitting the Sheraton Baghdad Wednesday afternoon had Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. running for cover. Without mentioning the incident specifically, the White Plains, NY-based owner of the brand said last night that the hotel has had no direct or indirect association with its Sheraton brand since the Iraqi government confiscated the property after the first Gulf War. “The Sheraton name, in this instance, is currently being used without our permission, and the hotel has not been part of Starwood’s portfolio for more than 10 years,” says the company in an un-attributed statement. “We look forward to the day we can safely return to Iraq and continue what was a long term and successful history before the first Gulf War.”At least one mortar shell hit the hotel in central Baghdad, where foreign contractors, aid workers and journalists are staying. The impact broke glass but caused no casualties. A second rocket failed to fire and remained lying in the street outside the hotel, according to published reports. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the largest hotel and leisure companies in the world, with about 740 properties in about 80 countries. In addition to Sheraton, it owns, operates and franchises several other brands.