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.

Hospitality Giant Slated to Create More than 12,000 New Jobs in the Coming Year

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces plans to add more than 12,000 new jobs to the global workforce in 2010 – with roughly half of these jobs to be located inside the U.S. in markets spanning from New York to California. The news comes on the heels of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment situation report issued Friday that indicates unemployment remained at 10% in December, with 15.3 million unemployed persons.

“Today, the travel industry employs 7.7 million Americans – more than double that of the auto industry – and travel is uniquely positioned to create even more jobs as the economy continues to recover,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood. “After a year of hunkering down and cutting costs, companies are driving their topline again. By definition this means getting back on the road, which not only benefits their own business, but also helps spur job creation.”

The majority of the new jobs will be created through the 80-100 new hotels Starwood and its development partners are slated to open this year globally. These hotels, which span Starwood’s nine brands, will be located in key urban markets like New York City and Los Angeles, as well smaller markets like Biloxi, Miss. and Kalamazoo Mich. Hotels will offer a range of positions including general management; human resources; food and beverage; engineering and maintenance; housekeeping; spa and guest services.

Upcoming hotels now hiring or soon to begin include The Westin Austin at The Domain; Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel; W Hotel & Spa – Vieques Island, and the Four Points by Sheraton Biloxi Beach Boulevard. Individuals interested in pursuing a career at Starwood and one of its hotels can visit www.starwood.jobs. Candidates can also go to http://new-hotels.starwoodpromos.com/ to learn about opportunities and contact information at specific hotels.

These jobs are expected to be in high demand as in 2009 Starwood’s hotels have seen record numbers of applicants. For example, at the soon-to-open W Hollywood Hotel & Residences, more than 10,000 people applied for its 400 positions. More than 10,000 people applied for 300 positions at the recently opened W Washington D.C. And at the Sheraton Augusta Hotel in Georgia, which opened in December, more than 400 individuals applied for its 30 housekeeping positions.

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, 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.

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is the 25th Westin Hotel in Asia Pacific and the First of Six Westin Hotels to Open by 2012

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces the opening of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park – the first of six new Westin Hotels to open in India over the next three years and the brand’s 25th Hotel in Asia Pacific. The hotel is illustrative of Starwood’s overall growth in India with 24 existing hotels and plans to grow its footprint by 60 percent by 2012.

“As home to the world’s fastest growing population, India represents a significant opportunity for Starwood and our development partners,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

India makes up 21 percent of the world’s incremental growth, and by 2016, its population is expected to be larger than that of Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and the United States combined.

“Coinciding with its population boom is the rise of India’s middle class, which is driving domestic tourism growth. In this decade, disposable income in India has grown about 10 percent annually, and much of that is being spent on travel,” added van Paasschen. “By working to further establish relationships with travelers in this critical, high-growth market today, we are ensuring the success of Starwood tomorrow.”

In 2009, Starwood made meaningful gains in India with the debut of the Four Points by Sheraton brand in Mumbai and Jaipur.  And looking ahead to 2010, Starwood will launch its Aloft brand in India, opening the first three of its six hotels in the pipeline.

“India’s dynamic and resilient economy makes it a highly attractive choice for further hotel development,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood Asia Pacific.  “India has a strong GDP growth rate, an established role as global hub for the outsourcing industry and the infrastructure to support travel to and within the country.  And with our plans to grow our footprint by 60 percent in the next three years, Starwood is well positioned to meet the pent-up demand for our lifestyle brands throughout India.”

While India is a growth powerhouse in and of itself, when combined with China, the implications for Starwood are even farther reaching.

“The potential numbers of new international travelers from India and China are staggering,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood.  “When you take a look at India and China, you have 40 percent of the world’s population, and between them, they are averaging 8 percent growth in GDP. Furthermore, by 2015, 400 million Chinese and Indians will have sufficient incomes to travel abroad – as a point of perspective that is seven times the number of international travelers who visited the United States last year.”

Westin Brand Fueling Growth in India
The opening of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is the second Westin in India and follows The Westin Sohna Gurgaon Resort and Spa that opened in December 2007.

“These six new brand enhancing hotels will provide guests with the signature Westin experience they have come to expect at our 163 existing Hotels around the world,” said Don Elliot, Regional Vice President for Starwood’s India, Bangladesh and the Maldives region. “We look forward to continuing to grow throughout India and beyond to help ensure that Westin hotels are everywhere our guests want to be.”

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
The Westin Pune Koregaon Park will offer 277 guest rooms and suites as well as the Westin Executive Club where guests have access to an open-air terrace. There are seven meeting rooms and one ballroom with 11,302 square feet of meeting and function space with state-of-the-art facilities. The hotel features three restaurants including Seasonal Tastes, the all-day dining restaurant, and two specialty restaurant offering Italian and Indian cuisine. The hotel also features a WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre, an outdoor pool and the Heavenly Spa by Westin™.

The Westin Mumbai Garden City
The 269 room Westin Mumbai Garden City is located on the Western Express Highway, minutes from the Mumbai International Airport and the Film City. Overlooking the Goregaon Reserve, it provides a renewed perspective for business as well as leisure. The hotel features Westin’s signature Heavenly Spa®, WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre and an outdoor pool. It has many distinctive culinary experiences, including an all-day- dining, Seasonal Tastes, a lounge bar, a poolside bar and restaurant, an Indian specialty restaurant and an Italian restaurant. With more than 9,688 square feet of refined meeting and function space and nine meeting rooms, the hotel provides for flexibility and choice with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is located in Raheja Mindspace IT Park, which is the new central business district also known as “Cyberabad” or “Silicon Valley” of India. The hotel features 428 guest rooms and suites, with three restaurants – “Taste” offering all-day-dining and the other two specialty restaurants offering Indian and Italian cuisines. There is also a deli featuring Daily Treats and an on-site lounge and bar. Along with WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre, outdoor pool and Heavenly Spa by Westin™, there is also a 14,000 square feet of refined space for energized meetings, conferences, weddings or gala social events.

The Westin New Delhi, Gurgaon
The Westin New Delhi, Gurgaon Hotel will feature 311 rooms, five restaurants, 17,500 square feet of meeting space, a 16,000 square foot health and spa centre, as well as upscale retail outlets. Located strategically in Gurgaon, the emerging central business district of New Delhi, the hotel will provide travellers easy access to key convention and commercial offices.

The Westin Jaipur Infotech City
The Westin Jaipur Infotech City is located in the capital of Rajasthan – one of India’s most beautiful and popular destinations.  The hotel is part of the 320 hectare Vatika Infotech City development, featuring a retail mall, residential area, I.T. park and recreation centre. The hotel features 292 inviting guest rooms or villa suites, a full service business centre, wireless internet in all meeting rooms and public areas, nine flexible function rooms and more than 19,000 square feet of meetings space.

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat is located in the capital of West Bengal, less than a kilometer from the proposed International Convention Centre. The 314-room hotel will feature three signature restaurants, an all-day-dining venue, and lounge bar and sports bar. The hotel will also feature over 6,500 square feet of meeting space and WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre.

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, 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.

Starwood Extends Its Lead as Asia Pacific’s Largest Upper-Upscale and Luxury Hotel Company with the Opening of the ITC Royal Gardenia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) reaches another key milestone with the opening of its 150th hotel in Asia Pacific – the ITC Royal Gardenia, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Bengaluru. The opening of the 292-room hotel in India underscores Starwood’s long-term strategic growth plans in Asia Pacific, where it has executed 23 new deals in 2009. This year, Starwood has also opened seven hotels prior to the opening of ITC Royal Gardenia with another seven slated to open by year end.

“Reaching our 150th hotel in Asia Pacific is an important next step for Starwood as we progress on the journey to open our 1,000th hotel and resort worldwide,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood. “The growth opportunities in Asia Pacific are unsurpassed perhaps anywhere in the world. And we are working with our best-in-class partners to further extend our position as the region’s largest upper-upscale and luxury hotel company, while strengthening our place as the industry innovator in the select service segment.”

China and India Fuel Starwood’s Growth in Asia Pacific
Starwood’s 150 high-caliber hotels can be found in 20 countries throughout its Asia Pacific Division, with the most significant growth occurring in China and India.

“Starwood has responded to Asia Pacific’s acute need for lodging by working to open top quality conversion and new-build properties throughout this dynamic market.” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “In particular, China and India are fertile ground for Starwood as developers look to partner with world class brands that offer compelling guest experiences and are backed by powerful centralized sales and marketing systems.”

Within China, Starwood is set to double its current footprint to 100 hotels by 2012. So far in 2009, the company has signed 18 new deals and opened three hotels. Among the four hotel openings in China for the remainder of the year are Le Meridien hotels in Qingdao and Chongqing, a Westin hotel in Tianjin, and a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Lianyungang. Next year, W is expected to strengthen its presence with the opening of W Guangzhou, and the Luxury Collection brand will make its Chinese debut.

India is now home to 23 Starwood hotels, with another 15 under development. This year, Starwood made significant gains in the market with the debut of the Four Points by Sheraton brand in Mumbai and Jaipur. Meanwhile, developer and consumer favorite, Westin Hotels & Resorts, is set to welcome guests to and within India with three new hotels coming on board later this year in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune. And looking ahead to 2010, Starwood will launch its Aloft brand in India, opening the first three of its five hotels in the pipeline.

Starwood Breaks New Ground Throughout Asia Pacific
Beyond China and India, this year Starwood is opening its second Sheraton in Korea and will soon be opening its first Sheraton resort in Vietnam. Starwood also recently signed new deals for a Sheraton resort and spa in New Caledonia and a Le Meridien in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In 2010, the St. Regis brand will debut in Tibet, Thailand and Japan, while W makes its mark in Thailand and Indonesia. Starwood’s midscale brand, Four Points by Sheraton, is also meaningfully expanding with its first opening in Malaysia in 2009 and its first in Thailand in 2010.

“Starwood has become the hotel industry’s most global company – a position we assumed by remaining focused on working with the right partners in the right places on the right properties,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman & President of Starwood’s Asia Pacific Division. “Starwood continues to closely track both established and emerging markets throughout Asia Pacific to ensure our distinct and compelling brands are everywhere our guests want to be.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is 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.

Starwood Hotels Garners Prestigious Ranking for the 6th Year Annual Study Considered a Corporate Benchmark for Best Practices

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announces it has been ranked No. 39 on The 2009 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list. This marks the 6th year Starwood is featured on the respected list, and the company was chosen because of its dedication to creating an environment of inclusion and diversity for its customers and more than 145,000 associates worldwide. A total of 401 companies, up 14 percent from last year, vied for the honor this year, which underscores the increasing emphasis on diversity management among progressive companies. Starwood was also ranked No. 8 on The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for People with Disabilities and No. 3 on The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Executive Women lists.

“Hiring and retaining diverse talent, contracting with diverse suppliers, and marketing our brands to all potential customers simply just makes sound business sense,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood. “Starwood’s diversity and inclusion efforts are fundamental components to our company’s ability to outperform the competition, increase shareholder value, and show the organization’s commitment to the economic growth of all the communities in which we operate regardless of the current economic climate. Starwood making the 2009 Top 50 Companies for Diversity List serves as a mile marker that we are headed in the right direction along our journey.”

“Competitive companies such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide have switched from trying to move the status quo to establishing a new one,” said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc. “Smart companies see increasing diversity efforts in an economic downturn as a way of beating less-adept competition that will pull back.”

Among its recent successes, Starwood has increased the number and dollar amount of scholarships offered to minority college students. The company has also ramped up its involvement in key organizations supporting students interested in hospitality at the high-school level. Starwood continues to grow its Supplier Diversity program and has made significant increases in the total dollars spent with minority owned businesses.

Starwood values the diversity of people, ideas and cultures. Keeping in line with that statement, the company aims to create an environment of inclusion for associates, guests and suppliers where their talents and experiences are valued and leveraged to provide high standards of performance.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 940 properties in more than 97 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®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM and ElementSM Hotels. 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.

St. Regis and Sheraton Deals Reinforce Starwood’s Position as the Country’s Number One Operator of Upscale Hotels

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), the largest international upscale hotel operator in China with 47 existing properties, announces the addition of five new hotels to its growing portfolio. The new signings include the first St. Regis resort in Sanya; the first St. Regis hotel in Chengdu, Sichuan; the first Sheraton hotels in Jiangyin and Dalian; and a second Sheraton resort in Huizhou, Guangdong.

Focused on opening the right properties in the right places with the right partners, Starwood remains on track with plans to double its footprint in China by 2011 with 50 hotels in the pipeline. In 2009, the company will open more than 10 high caliber, best-in-class hotels throughout China, including Le Meridien Xiamen, The Westin Nanjing, Sheraton Qingdao and Four Points by Sheraton Guangzhou.

“Starwood’s long term growth opportunity in China is perhaps unsurpassed anywhere in the world. China is home to the largest number of our hotels outside of North America, and more importantly, it comprises the largest portion of our pipeline outside of the United States,” said Frits Van Paasschen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood. “As a point of perspective, within two years we expect to have a presence in Shanghai that rivals our existing footprint in New York City, where we have a strong representation of more than a dozen hotels and growing.”

In 2008, Starwood opened eight new hotels in the China region including its first W Hotel in China; the first Aloft Hotel in Asia; Four Points by Sheraton Hangzhou, Binjiang; Four Points by Sheraton Changshu; Sheraton Huizhou Resort; The Westin Beijing Chaoyang; Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian; and Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa.

Starwood to bring two new St. Regis and three new Sheraton hotels to China:

1. The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has reached an agreement with Yalong Development Company Limited, a direct subsidiary of China Cereals and Oils Export Company to manage The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort. The new-build St. Regis resort will welcome travelers to Sanya of Hainan Island, also known as the oriental Hawaii, in 2011. Being part of the integrated beach resort, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort will be situated in the last prime site along the Yalong Bay coastline with the most exclusive and exotic location. The property will feature 402 rooms, including 27 villas, approximately 22,000 square feet of meeting space, five restaurants and bars, business center, health club, outdoor heated lap pool and swimming pools, tennis court, spa and retail shops. Guests at The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort will delight in the hotel’s uncompromising service through the signature Butler Service.

2. The St. Regis Chengdu

Developed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese Estates Holdings Limited, Evergo Enterprises (Chengdu) Company Limited, The St. Regis Chengdu will be located in the Central Business District, next to the city main boulevard, adjacent to the commercial zones and within 30 minutes drive from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Scheduled to open in 2014, the hotel will feature approximately 268 rooms including 55 suites, four food and beverage outlets, 1,400 square meters of meeting space, as well as a health club, Spa, swimming pool and a retail shop. As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is known as “Land of Abundance”. It is one of the most important economic centers and transportation and communication hubs in Southwestern China.

3. Sheraton Jiangyin Hotel

Scheduled to open in 2011, Sheraton Jiangyin Hotel will be located in the Central Business District of Jiangyin, right across Jiangyin City Hall and next to the city’s major tourist attraction, Huangshanhu Park. Jiangyin is the regional agricultural, industrial and economic center of China. It is approximately within 1 hour drive from Suzhou and 2 hours drive from Shanghai. Owned by Huangjia Hotel Co., Ltd, the Sheraton Jiangyin Hotel will be part of a mixed-use complex that will also include guesthouse and convention center. The hotel will feature 296 rooms and suites, 46,877 square feet of meeting space and convention center, three restaurants and two bars, business center, health club, indoor heated swimming pool, spa and a gift shop.

4. Sheraton Dalian Xinghai Hotel

Owned by Dalian Air-Way Real Estate Development Co., Ltd, Sheraton Dalian Xinghai Hotel is the first Sheraton hotel in Dalian, and is targeted to open in 2012. Located in Xinghai Square – East Asia’s largest square in Dalian, the Sheraton Dalian Xinghai Hotel will help guests feel they truly belong in an area known for its fresh sea foods and beautiful views. Being part of a mixed-use complex that will also include two residential apartments, the new Sheraton will consist of 637 rooms and suites, three restaurants and one bar, 24,000 square feet of meeting space, indoor heated swimming pool, health club, spa and a retail shop. Most of the hotel guestrooms will face Xinghai Square with excellent sea view. Xinghai Bay area is planned as the new financial business district and exhibition center of Dalian.

5. Sheraton Bailuhu Resort, Huizhou

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has entered an agreement with Huizhou Bailuhu Tour Enterprise Development Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Agile Property Holdings Limited, to manage a 438-room Sheraton resort including 2 presidential villas in Huizhou, Guangdong, expected to open in 2012. Situated along the Bailuhu (Egret Lake) in Ru Hu Town, the hotel is approximately 9 km from the Huizhou city centre, 16 km from the Huizhou Airport, 60 km from Hong Kong and 100 km from Guangzhou. The hotel will offer approximately 44,00 square feet of meeting space, four food and beverage outlets, business center, health club, indoor heated swimming pool, pampering spa and retail shops. Offering all of Sheraton’s signature comforts, the resort will be part of an integrated water and golf resort community that includes Bailuhu and a 27-hole golf course.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 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 AloftSM, 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.