DOHA: Katara Hospitality the global hotel developer owner and operator yesterday announced the expansion of its global portfolio with the acquisition of the Westin Excelsior Rome from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

As part of the deal the historic hotel will be renovated in the next five years including a top-to-bottom transformation of all guestrooms as well as upgrades to the hotel’s public areas and continues to be operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts under a new long-term management agreement

Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani Chairman of Katara Hospitality signed the agreement for the new property with Michael Wale President - Europe Africa and Middle East Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

The signing ceremony was held at The Westin Excelsior Rome and was attended by Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality Simon Turner President Global Development at Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Robert Koren VP Regional Director Southern Europe at Starwood Hotels & Resorts; and Abdulaziz bin Ahmad Al Malki Al Jehan Qatar’s Ambassador to Italy.

“This agreement marks our third property in Italy. The Westin Excelsior Rome is the epitome of what Katara Hospitality looks for in a hotel” said Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani Chairman of Katara Hospitality. “Its grand and statuesque appearance is the ultimate in luxurious hospitality. The hotel is a welcome addition to our growing global portfolio of iconic properties and we are delighted to be continuing to set the standard for luxury hospitality the world over” he added.

Michael Wale said: “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Katara Hospitality owner of both Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Center and The Excelsior Hotel Gallia a luxury collection hotel in Milan. We look forward to working together on the continued success of The Westin Excelsior an architecturally stunning property and one of the most iconic hotels in Rome.”

The acquisition brings Katara Hospitality’s portfolio of properties in operation or under development to 35 and marks its third property in Italy. The announcement further builds on Katara Hospitality’s partnership with Starwood Hotels & Resorts with the Westin Excelsior Rome representing the second hotel in Italy and the third hotel globally including Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Center in Qatar.

Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality said: “For more than a century this legendary hotel has provided exceptional hospitality and hosted dignitaries and celebrities as well as business and leisure travelers. We look forward to making further improvements to The Westin Excelsior Rome and continuing its long-standing tradition of excellence.”

Adam Aron interim Chief Executive Officer of Starwood said: “This transaction on the heels of our recent sales of The Phoenician Element Denver Park Meadows and The Gritti Palace a Luxury Collection Hotel Venice has allowed Starwood to exceed our stated goal of completing $800m in asset sales by the end of 2015.”

The Westin Excelsior Rome is a five-star hotel in the celebrated Via Veneto district and is known for its outstanding service. Established in 1906 the luxury property was proudly named Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2013. It has hosted many celebrities statesmen and artists. The hotel is one of the city’s most impressive palaces rich in history and located on one of the most talked about streets of Rome which is close to many of the main attractions.