Westin Hotels Introduces New Product Offerings on Amazon.com Storefront

Heavenly Bed? Check. Yoga ball? Got it. Jonathan Adler designs? Absolutely! One month after the successful launch of its wellness storefront on Amazon.com, Westin Hotels is expanding its product offerings to include merchandise from acclaimed designer Jonathan Adler, Brookstone and Kate’s Paperie.

Since the March 1st launch of the brand’s curated wellness store on Amazon.com, Westin Hotels beloved Heavenly products have been the most popular with consumers, accounting for more than 90% of the products sold on www.amazon.com/westin. The sites top sellers include Westin’s White Tea Candle ($36) and Westin’s White Tea Aloe Shampoo ($12), as well as the brand’s iconic Heavenly Bed.

Beginning on today, the online retail store will debut various Jonathan Adler products including his signature Platinum Belly Vase and Platinum Piggy Bank. For weary travelers in need of a quick pick-me-up, the site will retail Philips goLITE BLU energy light, designed to naturally increase energy and boost your mood. For fitness fanatics, Westin shoppers can purchase Brookstone’s SmartStep Pedometer, which tracks estimated steps, distance and calories burned, and other Brookstone products. For the first time on Amazon.com, Westin’s digital retail storefront will sell products from Kate’s Paperie, the iconic New York paper store. Items will include signature Kate’s Paperie Exclusives such as a recycled folio and a 100% post-consumer waste paper notebook.

To celebrate the launch of Westin’s wellness site, Westin guests who stay twice mid-week through May 13th, 2010 will receive a $100 Amazon.com gift card. To be eligible, guests must register at westin.com/balance by April 30th prior to booking. Since launching, nearly 30,000 consumers have registered for the Amazon.com gift card promotion.

The new digital storefront joins a host of wellness initiatives recently introduced by Westin Hotels & Resorts. In late 2009, the brand launched a sleep study and sleep hotline with National Sleep Foundation aimed at helping travelers troubleshoot common sleep problems. In the fall of 2007, Westin partnered with SuperFoods Partners LLC to become the first hotel brand to create a SuperFoods-focused menu. In 2006, the brand introduced Breathe Westin and became the first in the industry to go smoke-free and offer guests a healthy, 100% smoke-free hotel experience.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 169 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). 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 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.

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.

As One of the World’s Top Art Hotels, the Chambers Underscores Le Méridien’s New Brand Direction and Passion for the Arts

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced that the Minneapolis-based Chambers has joined Le Méridien, the Paris-born hotel brand with an international presence of 105 hotels and resorts. The addition of Chambers has increased the brand’s footprint to 10 hotels in North America. Opened in 2006 by prominent art collector Ralph Burnet, Chambers is considered one of the world’s top art hotels, featuring more than 250 original artworks by such noted artists as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Gavin Turk. The hotel has been renamed Le Méridien Chambers Minneapolis.

“Le Méridien shares with its guests a passion for style, art, architecture, design, and cuisine, all focal points of Chambers and owner Ralph Burnet,” said Eva Ziegler, global brand leader, Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide. “Chambers will serve as a flagship for Le Méridien’s North American portfolio, and a perfect example of its new direction as a creative hub in vibrant cities around the world.”

“For the last year and a half, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits the Starwood organization brings to a hotel property,” said Burnet, referring to W Minneapolis – The Foshay, his other hotel property which opened in late 2008. “Le Méridien embraces contemporary art and cuisine the way that the W brand revels in fashion and music. Chambers is clearly all about great art, food and service – which makes this a tremendous fit.”

Le Méridien Chambers was designed for those individuals who recognize and are inspired by contemporary art and cuisine combined with great service. Behind the hotel’s distinctive mahogany double doors, guests are greeted with an eclectic mix of original, contemporary art by internationally renowned artists. Video monitors line the guestroom corridors with a constant display of award-winning video art, and during their stays, in-the-know guests take the stairs whenever possible to enjoy, Elemental, the five-story mural that runs the entire height of the hotel’s main stairwell. In the hotel’s Burnet Gallery, guests may purchase works by international, national and local artists.

Designed by Rockwell Group (Kodak Theatre, Nobu, among others), Le Méridien Chambers’ timeless, chic design provides an ideal backdrop to its contemporary art collection. The hotel wraps around Eden, an open-air, grotto-style lounge courtyard that is open year round and features a large, sleek, 10-foot square gas fire pit. During the winter months a portion of Eden transforms into, Ice Chamber, a 256-foot bar created from 12,000 pounds of crystal clear ice. A fifth floor lounge offers dramatic 360-degree vistas of the downtown Minneapolis skyline via floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a surrounding balcony. D’Amico Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant offers critically acclaimed creative, contemporary Italian fare by the Twin Cities’ legendary restaurateurs, Larry and Richard D’Amico. Live streaming video of the restaurant’s behind-the-scenes activity is projected nightly on a massive screen on one of Eden’s courtyard walls.

Le Méridien Chambers features 60 guestrooms, including six suites and nine junior suites. All the guestrooms feature original artwork and are furnished with contemporary furniture, platform beds with custom mattresses and 400-thread-count, Egyptian cotton bed linens. Rooms are equipped with all the necessities that satisfy a contemporary lifestyle, including 42″ plasma TVs, complimentary high-speed and WI-FI Internet access, and iPod docking stations, alarm clocks. Spacious closets and wardrobes in each guestroom are ideal for long-term stays.

Since being acquired by Starwood in November 2005, Le Méridien has become known for creating a curated art-driven experience that engages its guests from the moment of arrival. Le Méridien’s newly introduced arrival experiences have been designed to transform the guest experience from functional and transactional to one that emotionally connects with guests and resets their minds, leaving the outside world behind for the world of Le Méridien brand.

Curated by international arts provocateur Jérôme Sans, Le Méridien’s cultural curator since 2006, and developed together with members of the LM100, Le Méridien’s family of cultural innovators, elements of Le Méridien’s arrival experience include: a Transitional Portal, which is a visual and audio “wall” of sound and art that engulfs each guest; Sensory Experience, illustrated through Le Méridien’s signature scent, sound and use of light; UNLOCK ART programme that includes an artist designed key card that offers access to the guestroom and to the hotel’s affiliated local arts organization; and lastly, the Elevated Experience, created especially for Le Méridien by French music composer and producer Henri Scars Struck that transforms the event of riding an elevator into an “elevating experience” through sound. In November 2009, Le Méridien arrival experience was awarded “Most Innovative Concept in the Upscale Hotel Industry” at the 10th annual Worldwide Hospitality Awards in Paris.

Le Méridien signature scent has been designed in collaboration with Le Labo founders and LM100 members Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roshi, while coffee is served throughout the day at the lobby bar as part of Le Méridien coffeehouse atmosphere. Guests of Le Méridien Chambers will notice that some of these Le Méridien brand elements will go into effect immediately, while others will be introduced over the coming months.

As of February 1, 2010, Le Méridien Chambers has become part of Starwood Preferred Guest(R), Starwood’s award-winning loyalty program allowing members to earn points toward exclusive benefits across the entire line of Starwood’s hotel and resort portfolio.

Located in the heart of the Twin Cities’ cultural, business and social scenes, Le Méridien Chambers is just a block from the center of the city’s business, financial and shopping districts. Patrons may stroll across the street to world-class theater and concerts at the historic Orpheum, Pantages and State Theatres. The critically acclaimed Guthrie Theatre, Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Arts are all within five minutes by taxi. Nightclubs, bars, restaurants and art galleries that fill the city’s Warehouse District are within easy walking distance. For more information on Le Méridien Chambers or to book, please visit www.LeMeriden.com/minneapolis.

About Le Méridien
Le Méridien, the Paris-born hotel brand currently represented by 106 properties in more than 50 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005. Since then, Le Méridien has gone through a brand re-launch, which included a major portfolio consolidation through renovating, opening, and exiting off brand hotels. As part of the new brand direction, French arts provocateur Jérôme Sans was appointed cultural curator to support in transforming numerous guest touch points and bringing unique and interactive experiences to its guests. With close to 80 of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Le Méridien provides a strong international complement to Starwood’s primarily North American holdings. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien hotels and resorts within the next five years, globally. Le Méridien recently opened new hotels in Dallas, Panama, Qingdao and Chongqing, China and will open in Xiamen, China; Oran, Algeria; and Philadelphia in the coming months. Le Méridien brand has recently signed new hotel deals in Saigon, Mahabaleshwar, and Lonavala in India. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com.

The Region’s Fastest Growing Hotel and Leisure Company Is On Track to Open Nearly 20 Best-in-Class Hotels by 2012

From the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced today the signing of a hotel within The Luxury Collection brand in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. The new-build, 207-room property is expected to open in 2012, and is illustrative of Starwood’s market leading growth in the region and around the world.

With a focus on working with the right partners on the right properties in the right places, Starwood remains on track to increase its global portfolio by 40 percent over the next five years and is set to open its 1000th hotel worldwide this year. The Middle East plays a key role in the global expansion, with plans to open nearly 20 new hotels in the region by 2012. Of these hotels, 75 percent are in the Gulf, which is a priority market for the future growth of Starwood.

“Our presence in the region dates back to our first Sheraton in Kuwait in 1966,” said Roeland Vos, President, Europe, Africa & Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Today, we have an established footprint of 49 properties across 11 countries, and we look forward to continuing to build our presence with best-in-class hotels like The Luxury Collection Hotel in Ajman.”

“By working closely with our proven development partners, Starwood is able to sign and open high caliber hotels like The Luxury Collection Hotel in Ajman, even during challenging economic times,” said Simon Turner, President, Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We are building, opening, converting, renovating and innovating for the recovery and beyond.”

Along with The Luxury Collection, each of Starwood’s compelling and distinctive brands continues to grow in the region. W Hotels, the lifestyle hotel innovator, marked its entry into the Middle East with the recent opening of the W Doha Hotel & Residences. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will double its footprint to 60 hotels by 2011, adding new properties in vibrant destinations around the world including Amman, Barcelona, Paris and Shanghai.

St. Regis, recognized globally as the preeminent luxury hotel brand, is developing world-class hotels in Doha, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. And the Le Méridien brand, which Starwood acquired in 2005, continues to grow its established presence of 21 hotels in the Middle East with a new hotel scheduled to open in Doha in 2011.

Within the upper-upscale segment, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is growing in both established and emerging markets with new hotels and important renovations such as the Sheraton Oman. This hotel is undergoing a $57 million renovation and is set to reopen December. Westin is expected to open new properties in Abu Dhabi and Aqaba, Jordan by 2012. These new hotels build on the momentum of the 2008 opening of the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi.

Starwood’s new and established select serve brands are seeing growth in the region as well. Four Points by Sheraton is slated to open hotels in Doha, Tripoli, Tartous (Syria), Jeddah and Dhahran in the next three years. This year, the Aloft brand will open its first hotel in the region with the Aloft Abu Dhabi. And Starwood’s green trailblazer, Element, which also launched in 2008, will soon expand with the recent signing of a new hotel also in Abu Dhabi. Upon the opening of this hotel, the Middle East will become the second region in the world to have Starwood’s complete portfolio of nine brands represented – each of which is backed by the power of Starwood Preferred Guest®.

About Starwood Hotels & Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 960 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.

Designed by London-based United Designers, W Doha Hotel & Residences Provides a Unique, Contemporary Luxury Lifestyle Experience

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, marks its entry into the Middle East with the opening of the highly-anticipated W Doha Hotel & Residences. Designed by London-based United Designers, W Doha merges traditional Arabian imagery with the contemporary cool design of the W brand and modern creativity of United Designers.

Immediately upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a world of “Wow.” The W living room (W’s re-imagination of the hotel lobby) combines water features, ceiling-suspended seating and modern hand-blown hanging lanterns, energizing the entry and providing a dynamic social atmosphere. Symmetrical designs, clean lines and innovative lighting create private, tranquil areas within the sweeping, dramatic public spaces. Topping off W Doha, the 15th floor Extreme Wow suite (W’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite) is nothing but spectacular, boasting breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, private massage and meeting rooms, full-size pool table and wet bar, stunning saltwater aquarium stocked with exotic sea life, and luxurious oversized bathroom.

“We are excited to bring the W brand to the Middle East in the modern city of Doha, which is another milestone in W’s global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “W Doha offers cool contemporary design with an Arabic inspiration, providing escape and extravaganza in the heart of one the city’s most vibrant districts, redefining contemporary luxury and bringing a completely new and distinctive product to the hotel market in Doha.”

W Doha is a leading-edge, contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete service offering, including 291 guest rooms, 31 suites, and 154 W branded Residences where dreams become reality. To experience W’s approach to B&F (Beverage and Food), W Doha features three stylish bars for guests to mix and mingle including the signature W Living Room experience, Wahm, a modern poolside shisha lounge, and Crystal Lounge, a sleek, fashionable spot where guests can sip cool cocktails and groove to the latest world beats.

In addition, W Doha boasts three signature restaurants, including modern cuisine at Spice Market and Market by Jean-Georges, both concepts created by three star Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, complemented by the sophisticated fare of La Maison du Caviar. Spice Market, which overlooks the Persian Gulf, features a family-style menu of delectable Southeast Asian dishes while Market by Jean-Georges blends international cuisine with local Arabian flavors. The prestigious La Maison du Caviar takes guests on an exotic tour of the world’s most exquisite and decadent caviars, pairing the delicacy simply with blinis, toast, or potatoes.

To unwind, W Doha offers the signature Bliss® Spa, New York’s hottest spa, which can now be enjoyed in the Middle East for the first time. For those who wish to take the W lifestyle back home, the property also features the Middle East’s first outpost of W Hotels the Store, the brand’s stylish twist on the hotel gift shop, providing a hip selection of accessories and fashion items. These offerings are complemented by nearly 1,000 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, making W Doha an ideal hotel for special events, meetings and celebrations. W Doha is conveniently located in the West Bay of Doha on the Qatar peninsula, providing easy access to Doha’s world-class shopping destinations, pristine beaches and water sports facilities, first-class greens of Doha Golf Club, and scenic Corniche waterfront district.

“We are excited to bring the W brand to the Middle East after its magnificent success now celebrating 10 years of innovation in the hospitality industry,” said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We are confident that our guests will be thrilled with the unique signature services, offering them best in class products, entertainment and lifestyle.”

Founded in 1998 in New York City, W Hotels continues to transform into a global powerhouse. W Doha is the brand’s second hotel in the Europe, Africa and Middle East region following the opening of W Istanbul last year. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011 in vibrant primary destinations around the world, from Paris to Milan, Barcelona to London, Santiago to Vieques Island, Hollywood to South Beach and Shanghai to Bali.

Examples of exclusive experiences that are only offered at W Doha include, the region’s first Bliss Spa; SWEAT®, a state-of-the-art fitness facility; and WET®, a glamorous temperature-contolled pool with underwater music, multi-color fiber-optic lighting and dramatic black mosaic tile. All of these experiences are supported by the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® concierge service, providing guests whatever they want – from a private hot air balloon trip over the desert to a flower bouquet delivered at 2 a.m. – whenever they want it (as long as it’s legal!). With nearly 1,000 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, W Doha is able to host business and social gatherings of up to 500 people. High speed WiFi internet access, plasma screen TVs and state-of-the-art AV equipment are available for use at the click of a button. The Sensory Set Up™ of the meeting rooms, a unique W concept, stimulates all five senses with mood music and aromatherapy scents, thought-provoking place cards, creative catering, retro candies and inspiring games. Guest rooms and suites at W Doha, including three WOW suites and an Extreme WOW suite, are more than just a place to rest your head.

All guest rooms feature the W Hotels signature bed with feather-top mattress, 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down comforter, creating the ultimate urban escape. Guest rooms also offer W Hotels’ signature Munchie Box (W Hotels’ re-interpretation of the traditional hotel Mini Bar) for the guest’s midnight cravings as well as a flat-screen LCD TV, DVD player, MP3 docking station, Tivoli radio, WiFi Internet access and high-speed laptop connectivity to stay connected. Rounding out the in-room entertainment options, guests have access to an extensive choice of movies, music and video programs on demand as well.

More than a hotel brand, W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented insider access to a world of “Wow” through contemporary cool design, fashion, nightlife, celebrities, entertainment and other. W Hotels has forever changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts in the past 10 years, including: the transformation of the hotel lobby into the W living room experience; the introduction of the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service as a vehicle to fulfill every guest’s dreams; extension of the lifestyle experience into retail through W Hotels’ The Store; a sensorial multiplex experience with branded W CD compilations released each year; the reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar into the W “Munchie Box” to present the brand’s lifestyle point of view; and the reinvention of the presidential suite into W’s “Extreme Wow” and “Wow” suites.

About W Hotels Worldwide®
W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 29 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around fashion, music, entertainment, design, architecture, pop culture, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to a holistic lifestyle experience with cutting-edge design, contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan, Paris and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Marrakech, Amman, and Dubai. W has plans to open W Retreats in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

About Starwood Hotels and 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 or www.starwoodpressclub.com

Le Meridien Chief Adds W Hotels to Her Starwood Role

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the appointment of Eva Ziegler as Global Brand Leader for W Hotels Worldwide. In her new role, Vienna-born Ziegler will be responsible for leading the global development and growth strategy for the innovative and category-busting W Hotels Worldwide. With 10 years of proven success, largely in North America, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011, assuming its role on the global stage with properties scheduled to open in primary, vibrant international markets from Paris to Milan, Barcelona to London, Santiago to Vieques Island, Dubai to Doha, Hollywood to South Beach, and Shanghai to Bali. In addition to overseeing the global launch of W Hotels, Ziegler will continue in her role leading Le Méridien as the brand continues its re-launch globally. As Global Brand Leader for the two contemporary design-led brands, Ziegler will define the vision and brand strategy across all disciplines.

“Eva’s branding expertise and broad international experience will be invaluable to Starwood as we meaningfully launch W Hotels outside of North America,” said Phil McAveety, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “As a highly experienced marketer and business professional who has spent her career working for international Fortune 500 companies such as Toyota and Coca Cola, Eva knows how to build distinctive and compelling global brands and adapt them to ensure they are locally relevant. She is the perfect candidate at the right time to take these two compelling lifestyle brands to the next level.”

Prior to this appointment, Ziegler held the role of Global Brand Leader of Le Méridien, where she was responsible for defining the vision and brand strategy across all disciplines for the renowned international brand. Under Ziegler’s vision, Le Méridien has re-positioned itself as a cultural hub for the creative mind leading to a range of innovative approaches and strategies. For example, she developed an innovative strategy through curated experiences by engaging a Cultural Curator and forming a group of cultural innovators, called LM100, each of whom define and enrich the guest experience.

Since joining the company in 2005, Ziegler has played an important role in successfully integrating Le Méridien into Starwood’s process and systems, resulting in impressive performance figures. In fact, Le Méridien’s integration into Starwood’s larger, stable, multi-branded hotel system has enabled the brand to thrive. A critical milestone in Le Meridien’s transformation has been the consolidation and renovation of the brand’s portfolio. Since Starwood acquired the brand, Le Méridien has eliminated more than 30 hotels, and by 2011, will have renovated more than 50 percent of its existing portfolio. The brand also plans to open more than 20 hotels and resorts across the world within the next three years. All of this will result in a high-quality, on brand portfolio.

Before joining Starwood, Ziegler was the Director of Le Rendez-Vous Toyota and played a leading role in developing and launching the cutting edge European Brand Experience Center on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, France. She has spent her career working for international Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola and Saatchi & Saatchi. Ziegler earned her degree from the University of Economics Vienna, Austria.

About W Hotels Worldwide®
W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 26 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around design, architecture, fashion, music, entertainment, pop culture, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to a holistic lifestyle experience with cutting-edge design, contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Marrakech, Amman, Doha, and Dubai. W has plans to open W Retreats in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

About Le Méridien
Le Méridien brand, currently represented by 110 properties in 50 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005. Since then, Le Méridien has gone through a brand revitalization, which included appointing a full-time Cultural Curator – French arts-provocateur Jérôme Sans – and transforming numerous guest touch points, thus brining unique and interactive experiences to its guests. With close to 80 of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Le Méridien provides a strong international complement to Starwood’s primarily North American holdings. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien hotels and resorts within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China. Le Méridien recently opened new hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Shimei Bay (China), will open in Dallas and Philadelphia in the coming months, and has recently signed new hotel deals in Taipei, Xiamen, Chongqing Nan’an, and Qingdao (China). For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.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 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.