15 New Properties Further Starwood’s Position as the Country’s Largest US-Based Upper-Upscale and Luxury Hotel Operator

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it is on track with plans to grow its existing portfolio of 26 hotels in India 60% by 2013. The news comes as Starwood’s President and CEO, Frits van Paasschen, and the company’s leadership team, embark on a two week tour of the country to meet with hotel owners, developers and team members.

“India is a key focus of our expansion efforts, in large part, because it is a market that today is relatively under-hoteled,” said van Paasschen. “As a point of perspective, consider that India with a population of one billion people has just 100,000 hotel rooms, while New York City alone has roughly 80,000 hotel rooms.”

Starwood’s legacy in India began in 1973, when its Sheraton brand debuted in Mumbai. The company has since grown the portfolio to 26 hotels under its Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, The Luxury Collection and Le Méridien brands – making Starwood the largest upper-upscale and luxury US-based hotel operator.

Looking ahead, Starwood and its partners have another 15 hotels under development in India – including six Aloft hotels – three of which are slated to open this year. In the process of opening these hotels, Starwood continues to help build infrastructure and create career opportunities. In fact, its new hotel openings from 2007 until the end of 2010 will have created more than 4,000 new jobs.

Notably, India trails only China in terms of future growth numbers for the company within Asia Pacific. And Asia Pacific represents the company’s largest growth market.

“Inviting comparisons between India and China can be dangerous, but we do see some commonalities,” added van Paasschen. “If you recall, the world believed that China was the place of the future for 20 years before it really saw an economic boom, and we feel the same way about India. All signs and trends we’re seeing show us that India in the next 10 years is where you want to be, and we are proud to have established our presence here almost 40 years ago.”

In terms of international visitors, India remains a relatively undeveloped travel market, with approximately five million inbound travelers each year, versus China’s more than 50 million. However, the rise of India’s middle class has led to a notable increase in domestic travel, while the influx of outsourcing contracts – including Starwood’s – is expected to create a surge in international tourism.

“India is one of the most promising markets within Asia Pacific, with GDP estimates topping seven percent for the next two years and a consumer market expected to rank as the world’s fifth largest by 2025,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman & President of Starwood’s Asia Pacific Division. “This relatively underdeveloped hotel market is fertile ground for our high-caliber lifestyle brands and we look forward to further establishing our presence here.”

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1000 properties in nearly 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Aloft, a Worldwide Hit, to Shake Up Mid-Market Hotel Landscape with Indian Debut; Popular Four Points by Sheraton to Gain Bigger Presence with New Builds

In a significant vote of confidence for India’s burgeoning travel market, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:  HOT) – which already boasts the largest upper-upscale and luxury Indian footprint of any U.S.-based hotel company – is launching a major expansion of its mid-market brands in the country.

The news comes as Starwood president and CEO Frits van Paasschen and the company’s leadership team embarks on a two-week tour of India to meet with hotel owners, developers and team members.

Aloft, the sizzling tech-savvy brand that has rocked the U.S. hospitality industry will make its debut in India this year, with three properties planned for 2010 alone.  Aimed at Generation Y, Aloft is Starwood’s design-led, social-experience brand that has enjoyed the fastest ramp-up of any brand in hotel history.  As a young, tech-driven society, India will become a key market for Aloft’s development outside of the United States.

By 2012, Aloft expects to operate six hotels in India, more than any other country in the Asia-Pacific region.  Aloft Chennai-OMR-IT Expressway, Aloft Bengaluru-Whitefield, and Aloft Coimbatore Singanallur are all scheduled to debut in 2010.  Next year, Starwood will continue Aloft’s ambitious expansion with the opening of Aloft Ahmedabad, SG Road, Aloft Chandigarh Zirakpur, and a second Bangalore hotel, Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park.

Four Points by Sheraton and its “uncomplicated comfort” positioning, which has proved a huge hit for Starwood worldwide, debuted in India in 2009 with the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Navi Mumbai, Vashi and Four Points by Sheraton, Jaipur City Square.  Because of the “halo” of the iconic Sheraton brand, Four Points by Sheraton is already a “developer darling” in India.

“All signs point to India as a place Starwood wants to grow, and our focus here reflects a real excitement about India’s future,” said Frits van Paasschen, Starwood’s CEO.  “While we’ve had a long and successful presence in India, and our brands enjoy loyal followings here, India’s potential presents new opportunities.”  As it grows in India,  Starwood’s investments will add thousands of new hotel rooms to India’s tourism infrastructure, and will add more than 4,000 jobs to the Indian economy, he said.

All Aloft and Four Points by Sheraton properties in India will be new builds, bringing a new generation of sleek, modern, and youthful mid-market hotels to the country.

Starwood’s legacy in India began in 1973, when its Sheraton brand debuted in Mumbai.  The company has since grown the portfolio to 26 hotels under its Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, The Luxury Collection and Le Méridien brands.  Starwood is on track with plans to grow its existing portfolio of 26 hotels 60 percent by 2012.

According to van Paasschen, India has actually been “under-hoteled”, with just 100,000 total hotel rooms; while New York City alone has 80,000 rooms.  “When you consider the growth of India’s middle class, the incredible expansion of outsourcing, the country’s rising affluence, and a plugged-in younger generation with a thirst for international brands, it’s easy to see why we’re eager to deepen our roots here.”

About Aloft Hotels
Created to shake up the staid, traditional select service segment of the hotel industry, the Aloft brand delivers style at a steal with urban-influenced, modern, open and vibrant design – and a social guest experience – at an affordable price point. In the same way that W Hotels broke through the clutter of conformity in the upscale hotel arena a decade ago, Aloft is shaking up the industry for the next generation of traveler. Aloft hotels are geared toward savvy, design-conscious consumers who grew up with the democratization of design. With 40 hotels open in the 18 months since Aloft first arrived on the scene and 10 more opening in 2010, Aloft can be found everywhere from Abu Dhabi and Baltimore to Dallas and Beijing and everywhere in between. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com.

About Four Points by Sheraton
With 147 properties in 24 countries, Four Points offers the self-sufficient traveler style and comfort combined with a spirited “can-do” service – all at the right price.  Four Points by Sheraton hotels are located in easy-to-reach areas – close to major airports, suburban centers, urban hot sports and resort and vacation destinations.   Four Points by Sheraton’s Simple Pleasures program celebrates the little things in life that make a big difference in guests’ travel such as free high-speed Internet access, complimentary bottled water and a great beer at the end of a long day.  Visit www.fourpoints.com for more.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1000 properties in nearly 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Company Has Received Strong Interest from Investors and Developers To Partner on Major Redevelopment Effort Starwood Also Plans to Open Six Hotels in New York City in 2010 and launch a $90 Million Renovation of the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced today a redevelopment plan for the 665-room Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square in New York City. The company is exploring a variety of options to maximize the long-term value of this significant asset which occupies 395,000 square feet of real estate, covering a full city block, bounded by Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 51st and 52nd Street near Times Square. The redevelopment plans will include a hotel flying one of Starwood’s brand flags, in possible combination with retail and office uses. Given the hotel’s incomparable footprint, Starwood has received considerable interest from investors and developers to partner on the project and the company has assembled a project team to assist in evaluating a full range of options and partners over the coming months.

As the hotel is redeveloped, Starwood will remove the Sheraton flag and operate the hotel as a non-branded Starwood property beginning in April. The hotel will remain open as the company finalizes redevelopment plans, and will continue to be a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program. Starwood made the decision to operate the hotel as an independent because the hotel does not currently meet the upgraded standards of the Sheraton brand, which is culminating a three-year, $6 billion dollar global overhaul. As part of the revitalization of Sheraton, Starwood’s largest and most global hotel brand, the brand has removed 32 “off brand” hotels in order to improve its quality and consistency, and reflect a significantly enhanced guest experience.

The redevelopment of the Sheraton Manhattan is illustrative of Starwood’s bullish growth plans in New York City. Starwood has more hotels in New York City than anywhere in the world and currently operates 13 hotels here with plans to open six more in 2010, including two new high-profile Sheraton properties in Brooklyn and Tribeca, the W New York Downtown and the Four Points by Sheraton Long Island City. In addition, the global hotel giant will debut its two newest brands in the Big Apple with the openings of Aloft New York Brooklyn and Element New York Times Square West, bringing its total number of New York City properties to 19. In addition, the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, the Sheraton brand’s flagship New York property, will launch a $90 million renovation later this year.

“Starwood is committed to maximizing the value of its owned assets around the world. The Sheraton Manhattan occupies a highly sought after piece of real estate in a prime location, and we’re excited about the prospect of redeveloping it into a flagship Starwood hotel,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “This will complement our existing portfolio in Manhattan’s Time Square area that includes the landmark Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, Westin Times Square and W Times Square as well a the soon-to-open Element Times Square West.”

Beyond New York City, Starwood expects to open 80-100 high quality new-build and conversion hotels in 2010, coming off of the 83 opened and 77 new deals signed in 2009. Of these new hotels, roughly 70 percent will be outside of North America, with the majority in Asia Pacific. And Starwood’s upper upscale and luxury brands are leading the charge, representing more than 60% of the new openings. Among these hotels and resorts is expected to be its 1,000th property globally.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

“Rediscover Sheraton” Campaign Invites Consumers to See What a Difference $6 Billion Makes

70,000 New Guestrooms, 300 New Lobbies and 100,000 Beds Part of Three-Year Makeover

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts announced today the launch of a new $20 million dollar, multi-media marketing campaign created to highlight the brand’s $6 billion revitalization effort. Launching today, the “Rediscover Sheraton” campaign encourages travelers to take a new look at Sheraton, which features an enhanced guest experience following a three-year, global brand overhaul. This is the first new marketing campaign to debut for Sheraton in two years.

The “Rediscover Sheraton” campaign showcases key elements of the $6 billion enhancement, including 300 new lobbies, 70,000 new guestrooms, 100,000 new beds and the brand’s unique wired lobby lounge called the “Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®.”

A key insight that directed the creative vision for the campaign is the growing trend of travelers seamlessly blending business and leisure – also known as “bleisure”- and the demand for socially driven designed spaces and amenities. As part of the brand’s overhaul, every aspect of the new Sheraton guest experience was designed to promote social interaction and bring people together. The campaign depicts this through clever headlines and striking imagery that blur the lines of business and leisure and unite seemingly disparate concepts to capture attention, build intrigue and encourage consumers to reconsider the brand: “Who brings business suits and bathing suits together” is paired with an image of a conference room table that’s been seamlessly connected to the image of a business executive lounging poolside with a laptop. Other headlines include “Who brings power walks and power talks together” and “Who brings bottom lines and bottom ups together.”

The multi-million campaign marks the first Sheraton campaign to be designed in-house by the company’s global brand design team, led by Phil McAveety, Chief Brand Officer for Starwood. “Rediscover Sheraton” will launch across a multimedia platform that integrates consumer, trade and online and Sheraton will focus a significant portion of its buy on non-traditional media.

“The focus on non-traditional media marks an exciting new direction for Sheraton,” said Phil McAveety. “What sets this campaign apart is the fully integrated, multi-platform approach and how the work uses non-traditional media to convey the new Sheraton experience. Every brand touch-point of the campaign is strategically aligned, across all executions including print, online, mobile, promotional and experiential event activities.”

The campaign will run on key websites, including TripAdvisor.com, NYTimes.com, Kayak.com, BizJournals.com and CNN.com. Print ads will run in USA Today and other key business and travel titles.

Sheraton is completing a three-year, multi-billion global brand overhaul that encompasses more than $4 billion in new hotels, renovations and signature brand initiatives in North America and another $2 billion in new hotels overseas. Highlights include:

* 70,000 new or newly renovated guestrooms — 50,000 in North America alone
* More than 300 new lobbies featuring the brand’s innovative Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®
* More than 100,000 brand new Sheraton Sweet Sleeper all-white, high thread count beds in 211 hotels and 83,000 guestrooms worldwide
* 98 renovated properties, nearly half of Sheraton’s North American portfolio, including high profile gateway properties like the Sheraton Denver, Sheraton Boston, Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers and Sheraton Montreal and Sheraton Waikiki.
* Sheraton has opened more than 60 new hotels worldwide since 2007 including new flagships such as the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino and the Sheraton Phoenix Convention Center Hotel.

About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton helps guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 75 countries around the world. It is owned by and is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 966 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Aloft Abu Dhabi Introduces Style At A Steal In The Capital Of The United Arab Emirates

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) and its new destination sensation brand, Aloft® Hotels, today announce the opening of Aloft Abu Dhabi, the first Aloft to open in the Middle East and the second Aloft to open outside of North America.

Ten years after Starwood Hotels & Resorts shook up the hotel industry with the launch of W Hotels, the innovative hotel giant has again reinvented hotel design with the debut of its newest brand, Aloft Hotels. Featuring loft-like guest rooms, a buzzing bar scene in the open lobby, an urban-inspired grab-and go café and industrial design elements throughout, Aloft delivers urban-influenced, modern and vibrant design and an energetic guest experience at an affordable price point.

The debut of Aloft Abu Dhabi highlights the strategic international expansion of the Aloft brand. After opening its first hotel in June 2008 in Canada, Aloft has since grown to nearly 40 hotels strong in three countries – the United States, China and Canada – with the United Arab Emirates marking its fourth. And looking ahead to 2010, Aloft will continue its global growth with slated debut openings in Belgium, India and Thailand. Aloft Abu Dhabi is also the first of two Aloft hotels coming to the Middle East in the next two years, with the Aloft Riyadh scheduled for a 2011 opening.

“The meaningful growth of Aloft in key markets such as the Middle East underscores the strength of the Starwood network and the strength of Starwood’s global relationships with experienced hotel developers,” said Simon Turner, President, Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “The Aloft brand’s emphasis on high design and affordability translates globally and is attracting a growing group of developers and travelers who are very enthusiastic consumers of our global, high-caliber brands. In fact, Aloft represents one of the strongest brand launches in industry history, and its international expansion so early in the brand’s life cycle is unprecedented.”

Aloft Abu Dhabi introduces style at a steal to the region with 408 spacious, loft-like rooms, accessible technology and a vibrant, social atmosphere. A Vision of W Hotels, Aloft’s loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude arrives on the scene in the Middle East. Aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mixSM communal lobby area and w xyzSM bar. The re:chargeSM fitness center and splash pool give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize, or enjoy a meal at Dine, the hotel’s main restaurant with live-cooked international-style cuisine. Feel the buzz of our open kitchen and boost your energy at Dine. re:fuel by Aloft is a one-stop, 24-hour grab & go food and beverage area, offering sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages. Or visit relax@12, an indoor/outdoor lounge where guests can find oriental bites, yummy tapas and a sassy sushi selection. The re:charge fitness centre and splash, the outdoor pool, give guests options to de-stress and re-energize. Maï Café, the ultimate chill-out spot on the fifth floor, offers exciting international flavours, oversized beach chairs and unique custom cocktails, complimented by our eclectic mix of laid-back tunes and sunny grooves.

“We are thrilled to introduce Aloft to Abu Dhabi, a fitting choice for the brand’s debut in the Middle East,” said Brian McGuinness, Starwood’s Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Specialty Select Brands. “The hotel’s strategic location in the hub of the capital city makes a bold statement about how the brand is taking its innovative, fresh perspective on hotels to the most desirable locations around the world.”

First time visitors to Aloft will immediately understand that Aloft is different from any other hotel experience. Guests are greeted by special features and visually distinctive iconic structures on the exterior, including a colorful, sloping signature carport cover and building roof-line, and colorful glowing linear light sources on the building facade inspired by the notion of travel and motion.

Aloft guest rooms feature the brand’s signature ceilings of nearly three meters high, oversized windows and an ultra-comfortable bed, as well as roomy walk-in showers and bath amenities created by Bliss® Spa. Each Aloft room is equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry all linked to a 42” flat-panel, HDTV-ready television making it a combination high-tech office and entertainment center in one.

The new hotel is linked directly to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition, Centre (ADNEC), the Gulf’s largest exhibition centre which is at the heart of the Capital Centre district, a micro-city consisting of premium office towers, luxury hotels and residences, restaurants, shopping and a marina. The hotel will even provide guests direct access to the soon-to-open Re:lax@12 rooftop bar, Mai Restaurant & Bar and Dine Restaurant – all located on site. Ideally positioned right next to the Capital Centre district, Aloft Abu Dhabi is close to numerous embassies and corporate offices, 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

About Aloft Hotels
Created to shake up the staid, traditional select service segment of the hotel industry, Aloft delivers urban-influenced, open and vibrant design and a social guest experience at an affordable price point. In the same way that W Hotels broke through the clutter of conformity in the upscale hotel arena a decade ago, Aloft is shaking up the industry for the next generation of traveler. Aloft hotels are geared toward savvy, design-conscious consumers who grew up with the democratization of design. Aloft hotels are wired for the future and an aggressive growth plan is in place with 40 properties set to be open by the end of this year from Abu Dhabi and Baltimore to Dallas and Beijing and everywhere in between. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft® and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) is a strategic international venue development and management company. ADNEC’s venue portfolio includes one of the most modern exhibition centers in the world – the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and the UK capital’s largest exhibition and conference venue, ExCeL London. ADNEC is creating unique business districts to serve Abu Dhabi’s rapid expansion and emergence on the global stage. Development projects surrounding the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre include Capital Centre (a mixed-use development of 23 hotel, residential, commercial and mixed-use towers adjacent to the exhibition centre), Capital Gate (an iconic 35 storey gravity defying feature tower, featuring the 5-star hotel – ‘Hyatt at Capital Centre’), the Aloft Hotel and a 2.4km Marina zone on Al Bateen Channel opposite to the exhibition centre. In addition, ADNEC is expanding within the region, with The Al Ain Convention Centre, a residential and business micro city around a state-of-the-art convention centre.

Aloft becomes the first hospitality brand to incorporate original gaming into its Web experience

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) and its high-tech, style at a steal AloftSM Hotels brand, today announced the launch of the newly expanded Aloft Web site, www.alofthotels.com/explore , featuring a range of interactive features never before developed by a hospitality brand. The site includes a guided insider’s tour of the hotel, maps and city guides for each location and engages visitors through a series of original, branded games that bring the Aloft experience to life.

The Aloft brand’s new online experience includes:

An Insider’s Virtual Tour: Explore the look and feel of each area of the hotel and its unique design features with the click of a mouse.

Destination Map and City Guides: Browse a map of Aloft’s global a-list locations and check out local hot spots, restaurants, cultural and off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as staff picks and special city guide content provided by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Gaming and Trivia: Immerse yourself in the Aloft experience by spinning tunes as the Aloft DJ, trying your hand at bartending, enjoying a game of online billiards or challenging yourself by playing travel trivia games on the site.
Aloft Radio: Preview a sampling of the hotel’s carefully curated and eclectic music with the special Aloft playlist.

“Since Aloft’s groundbreaking virtual launch in cyberspace in partnership with Second Life, the brand has been leading the way in providing the most dynamic, high-tech experience for our guests,” said Brian McGuinness, Starwood’s Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands. “With the new site we wanted to extend the same energy and vibrancy one finds at each Aloft property to our virtual home and provide a truly unique and memorable experience that resonates with the savvy, Gen Y traveler.”

To celebrate the launch of the new www.alofthotels.com, starting May 5 visitors can enter “Aloft Explore, Amuse + Win” for the chance to win a grand prize of one million Starwood Preferred Guest® Starpoints®, enough for over 25 roundtrip airline tickets, more than 140 free nights at Aloft hotels or other surprise rewards. Playing “Click-to-Win” offers a chance at winning cool daily prizes, including the very latest tech and travel gadgets such as laptops, digital cameras, GPS systems, MP3 players, Aloft hotel getaways and more.

Technology has been a vital component of the Aloft brand since its debut in summer 2008. Every Aloft hotel features the brand’s signature self-serve aloha kiosk, a touch-screen power house located in the lobby that makes check-in and check-out intuitive and effortless, and complimentary, hotel-wide, high-speed wired and wireless Internet access. Once inside their room, guests enter a calm oasis that is combination high-tech office and entertainment center, thanks to the plug & play system, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, MP3 players and laptops – all linked to a large, 42” flat-panel HDTV-ready television for optimal sound and viewing.

About Aloft Hotels
Created to shake up the staid, traditional select service segment of the hotel industry, Aloft delivers urban-influenced, open and vibrant design and a social guest experience at an affordable price point. In the same way that W Hotels broke through the clutter of conformity in the upscale hotel arena a decade ago, Aloft is shaking up the industry for the next generation of traveler. Starwood recognized opportunity in the select serve market for reinvention and innovation and selected world renowned design and architecture firm Rockwell Group to collaborate on the new hotel concept. Aloft hotels are geared toward savvy, design-conscious consumers who grew up with the democratization of design Aloft hotels are wired for the future and an aggressive growth plan is in place with close to 50 properties set to open by the end of this year from Abu Dhabi and Baltimore to Dallas and Beijing and everywhere in between.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Specialty Select Brands Reach Meaningful Milestones Along Starwood’s Journey to 1,000 Hotels & Resorts

From the AAHOA Lodging Conference in Washington D.C., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces it remains on-track on its journey to open its 1,000th hotel and resort this year. Contributing to the company’s growth is its best-in-class Specialty Select Group, which is comprised of three distinct select service brands – Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton. In the next two months alone, Starwood will open the 25th Aloft worldwide, the fifth Element and the first Four Points by Sheraton based on the new design prototype, which is also the 137th property worldwide.

“With a focus on working with the right partners, on the right properties, in the right places, Starwood and our proven development partners are positioned for success during the recovery and beyond,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Starwood is an established leader in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, and the growth of our high-caliber, moderately priced lifestyle brands allows us to better meet the needs of both developers and guests in key markets around the world. As we open these hotels, our powerful programs like Starwood Preferred Guest are driving occupancy as its members provide a foundation in soft markets – staying more and spending more.”

Starwood’s Specialty Select portfolio has benefited from the reinvention of the Four Points by Sheraton brand, as well as from the development community’s enthusiasm for Starwood’s newest brands, Aloft and Element. Less than one year after their global debut, Starwood’s newest lifestyle brands, Aloft and Element, continue to experience steady growth, building on the more than 100 hotels signed at the brands’ launch.

“Our compelling Specialty Select brands complement rather than compete with each other and provide developers innovative solutions to meet the needs of consumers in each individual market,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton. “The success we are experiencing with these brands, even during tough times, is a testament to the power of Starwood and our development partners.”

The Rejuvenated Four Points by Sheraton Drives Growth and Scores Well with Guests
Four Points by Sheraton is currently experiencing the strongest growth momentum in its history. In 2009, the brand expects to open more than 20 hotels in 11 countries, including its first in India this summer. Since January, it has opened hotels in Malaysia, Mexico and the United States. Next month, the brand opens its flagship vacation hotel in Punta Gorda, Florida. The brand’s new prototype design also makes its debut in May with the Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Northwest. And this summer, Four Points by Sheraton will rise to new heights with a 30-story hotel in Times Square.

Starwood’s strategy to improve the quality and consistency of the Four Points by Sheraton brand has resulted in a 70 percent turnover in the portfolio over the last five years through an investment of more than $1 billion in major property renovations, conversions, and new build hotels. The brand’s emphasis on uncomplicated comfort continues to strike a chord with guests, as evidenced by steady gains in JD Power Guest Satisfaction scores and a 13 percent point gain in brand awareness since 2004.

Aloft Set to Double Presence in 2009
Aloft takes the DNA of W to the upscale select service category, and has proved to be a popular choice among developers and travelers. Representing one of the most successful launches in the industry, Aloft opened its first 17 hotels in 2008 in three countries – the United States, Canada and China – and expects to more than double its footprint this year. Aloft will open two hotels per month in 2009, and has kept pace with eight openings since January in markets including Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; San Antonio; Tempe, Ariz. and Green Bay, Wis. In May, Aloft will mark a meaningful milestone with the opening of its 25th hotel worldwide, which will be located just outside Baltimore in Arundel Mills, Maryland. In September, the brand is slated to make its debut in the Middle East with the Aloft Abu Dhabi.

Element Adds Four Hotels in 2009
Starwood’s green trailblazer, Element, opened its first two hotels in 2008 and its first in 2009 with the Element Houston Vintage Park. The brand expects to open three more this year in Denver; Baltimore; and Irving, Texas. Beyond the United States, Element has long term plans to add hotels in targeted international markets, such as Canada and the United Arab Emirates. With Element, Starwood developed an economically responsible LEED-certified hotel concept that is accessible to developers and delivers an environmentally conscious hotel experience without compromising on comfort. Guest satisfaction scores for the green trailblazer are at levels traditionally reserved exclusively for luxury brands.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.