Starwood continues to make strides in the hotel industry, intent on raising rather than resting on their laurels.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has today introduced Sheraton Grand, a new premier tier that draws out the exceptional in Sheraton properties and puts them on a shiny pedestal.

From their enticing destinations and distinguished designs to excellence in service and guest experiences, Starwood is placing an emphasis on excellent when choosing the new Sheraton Grand members.

Starwood has revealed the first ten Sheraton Grand properties, which span from Bangalore to Beijing, and say that by year end, another 50 newly-designated Sheraton Grand hotels are expected to pop up around the world. Grand plans? 100 Sheraton Grands by 2017.

Sheraton Grand is one of many initiatives currently underway for Sheraton 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to solidify Sheraton as a leading global hotel brand of choice, everywhere.

“Sheraton is Starwood’s largest and most global brand, and as we continue our work to firmly keep Sheraton in the spotlight, we recognise the need to better match guest expectations for the brand around the world,” Starwood interim ceo Adam Aron said.

“Sheraton Grand celebrates our standout hotels and helps us further reinforce Sheraton as a trusted voice in global travel.”

As Sheraton Grand formally launches worldwide, the tier will also encompass a number of existing properties that historically list Grand or Grande in their title and also demonstrate the best of the brand.

But let’s not keep you in suspense anymore – these are the first 10 Grand properties:

1. Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel – Brigade Gateway

Situated in a landscaped 40-acre neighborhood in India’s IT capital, the property features a luxurious infinity pool, panoramic views of the adjacent Brigade Lake, and stately guestrooms that blend sophisticated earth tones with plush fabrics.

2. Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel

In the heart of Beijing’s business district, the hotel offers impressive culinary experiences, an array of spectacular function space totaling more than 25,000 square feet, commanding views of the famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube stadiums, and easy access to historical attractions, such as the Great Wall.

3. Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai

A 54-story beacon on the city’s popular Sheikh Zayed Road, the first Sheraton new-build in Dubai in more than 30 years features a rooftop pool, a spa spanning more than 10,000 square feet with stylish treatment facilities, a glamorous ballroom sitting beneath striking chandeliers, and refined guestrooms with stunning views of the city’s landmarks.

4. Sheraton Grand Edinburgh Hotel

With an enviable city-center location, the hotel has dramatic views of Edinburgh castle, and is home to an award-winning spa with a lavish infinity pool, as well as a vibrant restaurant serving an inventive menu of British dishes and drinks, including more than 60 premium varieties of gin.

5. Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

The only beach-front hotel in Rio de Janeiro, the resort features stunning views of the city’s towering mountains, landmarks and tropical surf, and boasts an extensive spa with ocean views, fully remodeled guestrooms and suites, and a variety of dining options, including the award-winning L’etoile, overseen by renowned French chef Jean Paul Bondoux.

6. Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort, Miyazaki

The award-winning golf resort boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean; 10 restaurants and bars offering guests a variety of dining experiences, including Tatsuya Kawagoe Miyazaki operated by celebrity chef Tatsuya; a dual-personality cocktail bar that shifts décor from morning to night; and a chic full-service spa.

7. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

An iconic address in the heart of Bangkok, this majestic hotel features a wide variety of exquisite suites surrounded by tropical gardens, award-winning restaurants, a rejuvenating spa that serves as a sanctuary of stillness and a dramatic free-form pool nestled by lush gardens.

8. Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel

A cultural oasis in the heart of Taipei that offers magnificent restaurants catering to all palates, more than 25,000 square feet of unparalleled function space, and outstanding recreational facilities that include a squash court, modern fitness center, palatial massage parlor, and a reinvigorating sauna.

9. Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel

An official hotel of Tokyo Disney Resort®, the property boasts lush on-site gardens, scenic waterfront vistas and soothing waterfalls in the heart of Japan’s capital, making itself the perfect family getaway with use of hydroponic farming to produce unforgettable meals, and onsite gardens inclusive of premium sports and arcade facilities such as Treasures! Island and Namco Land Game Arcade.

10. Sheraton Grande Walkerhill

Designed to highlight the natural surroundings of the Han River and forest paths sheltered by Acha Mountain, the property offers a glittering casino, three floors of world-class luxury shopping and a seasonal camping area where guests can barbeque.

Sheraton Grand follows several other recent announcements under the Sheraton 2020 plan, including the introduction of the new imaginative Paired lobby menu, the richest SPG promotion in the history of Starwood, and the launch of the brand’s new visual identify and re-designed website, Sheraton.com.