White Lodging Acquires Sheraton Raleigh for Westin Flip
White Lodging enters the Raleigh market by acquiring the 353-room Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, with plans for a full Westin conversion starting in 2027.
The short answer
White Lodging has acquired the 353-room Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in North Carolina. The operator will manage the asset and begin a comprehensive renovation to rebrand the property as a Westin in early 2027.
“This hotel provides an exciting opportunity to enhance the quality of the hotel with an expanded convention center in the works and growing leisure demand”
The short version
- White Lodging acquired the 353-room Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, marking its first transaction in the Raleigh market.
- Westin will become the property's new brand identity following a comprehensive renovation scheduled to start in early 2027.
- 60 premium hotel properties across 17 markets currently make up White Lodging's overall operating portfolio.
White Lodging has acquired the 353-room Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, and will manage the property while preparing a full brand conversion to a Westin [1]. The company plans to start renovations in early 2027, adding meeting space, upgrading guest rooms and public areas, and reimagining food and beverage concepts [1].
What are the details of the Raleigh hotel acquisition?
White Lodging acquired the 353-room property located in the center of downtown Raleigh, within walking distance of the Raleigh Convention Center [1]. According to Lodging Magazine, the Indiana-based hospitality developer and owner assumed management duties immediately upon completing the transaction [[1], [2]]. HospitalityNet reported that the purchase marks White Lodging's first acquisition in the Raleigh market [1].
What changes are planned during the Westin brand conversion?
The company will execute a comprehensive transformation of the physical asset and its guest amenities to meet Westin brand standards [1]. As reported by HospitalityNet, the scope of the project covers elevated renovations for all guest rooms and public areas, the addition of dedicated meeting space, and new food and beverage concepts [1]. White Lodging is actively drawing up architectural design and construction blueprints, with physical work scheduled to commence in early 2027 [1].
Why did White Lodging target downtown Raleigh?
Leadership identified strong long-term fundamentals anchored by public infrastructure projects and hospitality demand [1]. Jean-Luc Barone, President and Chief Executive Officer at White Lodging, stated that the property presents an opportunity to capture business from an upcoming convention center expansion alongside rising leisure traveler traffic [1]. Conner White, Vice Chair and Chief Investment Officer at White Lodging, noted that the deal fits the firm's growth model spanning urban ground-up construction, third-party management, and targeted property acquisitions [1].
How does this deal fit White Lodging's broader portfolio?
The transaction expands White Lodging's footprint in the Carolinas, where it already developed, owns, and operates the JW Marriott Charlotte [1]. The company operates a hospitality portfolio across urban markets including Austin, Chicago, Denver, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Louisville [1]. In Texas, the group plans to open the Hotel Trinity Austin, Autograph Collection, later this year [1].
| Property Name | Location | Room Count | Brand / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheraton Raleigh Hotel | Raleigh, NC | 353 | Acquired; converting to Westin in 2027 |
| JW Marriott Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Unspecified | Developed, owned, and operated |
| Hotel Trinity Austin | Austin, TX | Unspecified | Autograph Collection; opening later this year |
What is White Lodging's operational footprint?
Founded in 1985 by Bruce White, the privately held firm focuses on urban and lifestyle properties [1]. Its nationwide portfolio includes approximately 60 premium hotels across 17 markets, 50 restaurants, 10 rooftop bars, and a private collection of luxury ranches [1]. In benchmark rankings, the firm placed second in the 2021 J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Benchmark for third-party management companies [1].
Reported by
This article was written from the following reporting. Follow the links for the original coverage.
- [1]White Lodging Rebrands Sheraton Raleigh to Westin Hotel— HospitalityNet
- [2]White Lodging Acquires Sheraton Raleigh Hotel— Lodging Magazine
Frequently asked
+Which property did White Lodging acquire in Raleigh?
White Lodging acquired the 353-room Sheraton Raleigh Hotel located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, within walking distance of the Raleigh Convention Center [[1]].
+When will the Westin conversion renovation begin?
White Lodging is preparing design and construction plans, with on-site renovation work scheduled to begin in early 2027 [[1]].
+Who will manage the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel?
White Lodging has taken over direct management of the hotel alongside its ownership of the property [[1]].
+What physical upgrades are planned for the hotel?
The renovation project includes upgraded guest rooms, enhanced public areas, additional meeting space, and reimagined food and beverage concepts [[1]].
+What other properties does White Lodging operate in North Carolina?
White Lodging developed, owns, and operates the JW Marriott Charlotte in North Carolina [[1]].
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