Following a four-month renovation project that has transformed all areas from rooms to restaurants and created a "virtually new hotel", has been launched on Dubai's beachfront - the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers.

The design aim is to provide a contemporary interior of casual chic that complements the distinctive stepped architecture of the six-year old building, said Jorg Heyer, general manager of the hotel.

"The hotel has achieved constantly high occupancies since its opening, giving little opportunity for a facelift," he said.

However, with the pace of development in Dubai, the owners now felt it was time to reintroduce the hotel with a new look that will underscore its position as the anchor on the Jumeirah beachfront."

All rooms and suites have been renovated with custom-designed furnishings and fabrics, new tiled floors and interactive televisions offering direct Internet access, Sony playstations and on-screen access to services such as in-room dining and destination information.

Design consultants Wilson & Associates, with a portfolio that includes a broad spectrum of globally famed interiors, have also created a new look for the lobby, restaurants and public areas.

"While providing Sheraton standards, service and style, we also want to welcome guests into a relaxed and comfortable environment," explained Heyer.

"The new look combines casual elegance with a Mediterranean resort feel, and we expect it to prove a hit with both guests and Dubai residents."

Restaurants concepts have been designed to appeal to both leisure and business guests, ranging from The Grill Room, a stylish brick and wood restaurant with open kitchen featuring fresh Australian meats and New World beverage, to the Peacock, a revamped Zen-style Chinese restaurant with a menu acknowledged as among the finest in Dubai.

"With the wellness centre, pool restaurant and Towers lounge renovations complete, we can justifiably claim to have a totally new hotel product," said Heyer.

"And it's one that is increasingly appealing to both business and leisure travellers."

The construction projects focused on Jumeirah, which include the Dubai Marina, Palm islands project, Internet City and Media City, as well as a number of residential complexes, is shifting the focus of Dubai farther to the west, and the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers occupies a prime location in the midst of this development.

"When the marina is completed, we will offer water views from practically all our rooms," explained Heyer.

"There will be apartments, commercial activities and a range of leisure attractions, while in the business parks, we already have the likes of CNN and Reuters, Sony Ericsson and Microsoft – Jumeirah is becoming the hub of Dubai and our location is a prime asset."