New Sheraton Opens in Brooklyn’s Expanding Hotel Corridor with 321 Guestrooms, Rooftop Lounge with Dramatic NYC Views, Indoor Swimming Pool with Retractable Roof and More

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) is proud to announce the highly anticipated opening of the Sheraton Brooklyn New York. The 25-story contemporary, full-service hotel is owned by The Lam Group and features 321 guest rooms offering modern design, relaxed living space and stunning 360° views from the rooftop lounge. The Sheraton Brooklyn marks the first full-service hotel to open in Brooklyn in more than 12 years and is part of the brand’s strategic expansion that will add approximately 50 new hotels and over 20,000 rooms to the Sheraton portfolio over the next three years. The hotel also marks the first of two Sheraton hotels that will make their New York debut this year — The Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel will open Fall 2010.

Brooklyn is quickly becoming a top destination for tourists, business travelers and conventions, and with its revitalized Downtown, a new sports arena and the Brooklyn Nets, the borough has become a hot bed of new hotel development. With more than 35 hotel projects in the pipeline, the opening of the Sheraton Brooklyn kicks off the borough’s massive hotel growth spurt that will ultimately bring over 3,800 hotel rooms to Brooklyn.

Conveniently situated within the MetroTech Center on Duffield Street, the hotel is close to numerous large-scale businesses including Chase Manhattan Bank, the United States District Courthouse (S.D.N.Y) and Morgan Stanley, and is within easy reach of all major New York City airports, making it an ideal location for business travelers. It is also located next to the new Aloft hotel, Starwood’s high-design select-service brand, that is slated to open this Fall. The Sheraton Brooklyn offers leisure guests access to the historic neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, BAM cultural district, Atlantic Terminal Mall and the Polytechnic Institute of NYU. Nearby subways lines bring guests from Brooklyn to lower Manhattan in one stop or to Times Square in just 15 minutes.

“Sheraton has historically been one of the first hotel brands to enter developing markets and we are proud to lead the gentrification of Downtown Brooklyn with the opening of the borough’s first full-service hotel since 1998,” said Hoyt Harper, Senior Vice President, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “New York continues to maintain its position as the world’s most popular tourist destination for international visitors and recently emerged as the top choice for domestic travelers for the first time in nearly 30 years. The opening of the Sheraton Brooklyn raises Starwood’s New York City footprint to 14 best in-class hotels and as the economy continues to rebound, we are preparing for an influx of travelers to the city that never sleeps with new product located in rich, diverse neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Tribeca.”

The hotel’s rooftop lounge, high above downtown Brooklyn, will offer dramatic views and a relaxed atmosphere. Opening to the public later this year, the roof top will boast 2,000 square-feet of indoor space and 1,500 square-feet of patio space, perfect for enjoying a beverage or a bite while taking in the 360° views of Brooklyn and lower Manhattan.

The Sheraton Brooklyn also features the signature offerings of the brand’s recent $6 billion revitalization effort including the “Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft(R).” This unique lounge enables today’s travelers to stay connected with instant access to information and technology for work, leisure and social networking. The hotel’s distinctive new guest room experience reflects guests’ preferences for a flexible design. Each room features a 42″ LCD flat panel television, an MP3 Home Docking station, oversized work desks and comfortable seating and the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(R) bed. The hotel also features the brand’s revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness, Programmed by Core Performance, a holistic program designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner, Core Performance. The brand’s signature 1,000 square foot fitness offering also features a separate solarium with retractable roof, an indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi.

The hotel’s 21 suites include a choice of one or two bedrooms or hospitality suites equipped with wet bar and refrigerator. Select suites feature over-sized private terraces perfect for entertaining, relaxing or enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown Brooklyn. Special Club rooms are also available on private key-access floors giving guests access to the Club Lounge, which offers daily complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’ oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages. Starwood Preferred Guest(R) members receive access to private key-access SPG(R) floors.

Grubstake, a full-service restaurant with bar combined with a separate Lobby Lounge, provides the credibility of Manhattan and the charm of Brooklyn. The Bar will serve as Downtown Brooklyn’s premier martini and cocktail hangout with a strong focus on seasonal drink lists.

With 4,300-square-feet of flexible meeting space the Sheraton Brooklyn New York is the perfect venue for small to mid-sized meetings or events.

For more information please visit http://www.sheraton.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
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(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 http://www.starwoodhotels.com.

Aloft Chapel Hill Opens Adjacent to UNC Campus

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), Inland American Lodging Corporation and Alliance Hospitality Management LLC today announce the opening of Aloft Chapel Hill. The 40th Aloft hotel worldwide, this brand new destination sensation introduces style at a steal to Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle Park with 130 spacious, loft-like rooms, 1,600 square feet of meeting space, intuitive and accessible technology and a hip, social atmosphere.

“We are really excited to be opening our second Aloft hotel within the Inland American Lodging Corporation’s portfolio. In addition to its ideal proximity to the University of North Carolina, the hotel is perfectly situated in Chapel Hill and will appeal both to people working in or visiting the greater tri-city market,” said Craig Lambert of Inland American Lodging Corporation.

“Aloft Hotels introduces a compelling blend of urban style and social interplay to Chapel Hill,” said Rob Cote, general manager of Aloft Chapel Hill. “Bold and stylish, Aloft Chapel Hill targets both sophisticated travelers and area professionals with its eclectic and electric experience, lively re:mix lounge and w xyz bar.”

Located at 1001 South Hamilton Road, the property is located adjacent to the UNC campus with a Chapel Hill transit stop directly at the hotel and part of the new East 54 Village, a new urban community of luxury condos, shops and dining, right in Chapel Hill.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Aloft brand to the Chapel Hill community,” explained Rolf Tweeten, Chairman & CEO of Alliance Hospitality. “One step inside this completely new hotel brand, and our guests will be delighted with a unique experience of sight, sound, scent and extraordinary service that Alliance Hospitality ‘talent’ is known for in the hospitality industry.”

For more information or reservations, visit www.alofthotels.com or call 877-Go-Aloft.

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. Building on its tech-savvy DNA, the brand recently pioneered the industry’s first “keyless entry” automatic check-in program at Aloft Lexington in Massachusetts. 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.

Aloft Hotels, like all brands within Starwood’s portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program, which offers a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. To learn more, please visit www.spg.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 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(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.

About Inland American Lodging Corporation
Inland American Lodging Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc., focused on the acquisition and asset management of strategic lodging assets, with strong industry brands and operated by experienced, high quality management companies.
www.inland-american.com
www.inlandamericanlodging.com

About Alliance Hospitality Management, LLC
Alliance Hospitality Management LLC was created in 2004. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina Alliance Hospitality was formed to answer the needs of hotel owners, who asked for a hotel operating company to manage lodging assets from their perspective and become aligned with each owner. The name Alliance was derived from the belief that a third party management company should be aligned with each owner, keeping in mind that no one owner is less important than the next. Today, the company manages a portfolio of 51 hotels with 7,100+ rooms in 18 states, supervising annual hotel revenues in excess of $150 million.
www.alliancehospitality.com.com

Brand Will Remove Eight Additional Hotels that Don’t Meet New Brand Standards

Sheraton Guest Satisfaction Scores Hit New Historic Highs as Starwood Hotels’ Largest Brand Completes $6 Billion Revitalization Effort

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced today that its global powerhouse, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, will continue to enhance its portfolio by removing eight additional hotels later this year that do not meet the brand’s new upgraded standards. This will be the final group of “brand detractors” Sheraton will remove as it completes its $6 billion revitalization effort. These hotels are in addition to the 36 “off brand” properties Sheraton has already removed to improve its quality and consistency of the brand, and reflect a significantly enhanced guest experience. As Sheraton removes “off brand” hotels it is increasing its worldwide footprint through a strategic, $5 billion expansion that will add approximately 50 new hotels and more than 20,000 rooms to its global portfolio over the next three years.

Guests Rediscover a New Sheraton – Satisfaction Scores Reach Historic Highs as Brand Gains Market Share
The brand’s multi-billion dollar investment is already paying off with measurable success – for the past four quarters guest satisfaction scores have consistently continued to rise and last month reached new, all-time historic highs. Likelihood to return to the brand, likelihood to recommend and meeting planner scores are also up across the board as the brand begins to see solid growth in market share, signaling that guests are taking notice and rediscovering the new Sheraton.

“The brand’s all-time high guest satisfaction scores is a direct result of the extraordinary work we’ve invested in rebuilding Starwood’s most global and storied brand,” said Hoyt Harper, global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels. “A significant focus of this effort has been improving the quality and consistency of the brand portfolio by removing properties that do not meet the brand’s new standards and the needle is moving in the right direction. And, as the economy rebounds and travelers return to the road en masse, Sheraton will be ready with new flagship hotels, renovated properties and signature brand offerings.”

Making up nearly 50% of Starwood’s total rooms, Sheraton is a key focus for Starwood, especially as the company aggressively positions itself to own the upswing as the economy recovers. As yesterday’s staycations, cancelled meetings and postponed business trips become tomorrow’s pent up demand, travelers will find the newest portfolio in the Sheraton brand’s history.

Hotel Giant Continues Momentum with $5 Billion in New Developments Through 2012
Following on the heels of the revitalization effort Starwood and its partners are investing $5 billion in new hotel openings across four continents. As Starwood’s largest brand, Sheraton currently boasts more than 400 hotels in 75 countries with 92% global awareness among business travelers – the highest of any hotel brand in the world.

Beginning in 2010, the brand will open roughly 50 new hotels over three years in 15 countries and territories, including the United States, Colombia, Greece, India, Russia, Slovakia, Taiwan and Vietnam. Sheraton – the largest international upper-upscale hotel brand in China – will nearly double its footprint in the country with the addition of 24 stunning new properties, including the Sheraton Shanghai Hong Kou Hotel, Sheraton Qingdao and Sheraton Huadu Resort , bringing its total number of hotels there to 50. The brand will also add 10 new resorts to its renowned portfolio, expand its footprint in New York City with new properties in Brooklyn and Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood and open several new convention hotels.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG(R) offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.

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 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(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.

Hotels under The St. Regis, W Hotels, and The Luxury Collection Brands Earn Starwood More Spots on Prestigious List than Any Other Hotel Group

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that seven of its premier new hotels have earned spots on this year’s Condé Nast Traveler HOT List, more than any other hotel group. Flying the flags of Starwood’s luxury and design-led brands, the hotels that earned spots on the prestigious list include nearly all new St. Regis hotels that opened in 2009, three W Hotels from Washington D.C. to South Beach to Santiago, Chile, and the first Luxury Collection hotel in Peru.

Featured in the May 2010 issue of Condé Nast Traveler, this year’s HOT List consists of 134 hotels and resorts in both familiar and emerging destinations, selected by the magazine’s editorial staff based on style, service, technology and sense of place. The seven Starwood hotels recognized on this year’s list include

* Hotel Paracas, A Luxury Collection Hotel
* The St. Regis Atlanta
* The St. Regis Deer Crest
* The St. Regis Mexico City
* W Santiago
* W South Beach
* W Washington D.C.

Additionally, Station Hollywood at the newly opened W Hollywood was included on the magazine’s Hot Nights list, while Halele’s Spa at The St. Regis Princeville earned a spot on the Hot Spas list.

“We are delighted that so many of our hotels were named to this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Hot list, which is well regarded throughout the travel industry as the authoritative guide to the newest, hottest hotels around the world,” said Phil McAveety, Chief Brand Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Having opened more than 80 new hotels in 2009, and on track to reach that same number again this year, our portfolio is the freshest, strongest and most global in our history.”

Three New St. Regis Hotels Make the Hot List
St. Regis opened four new hotels in the past 12 months, nearly all of which earned a spot on the Condé Nast Traveler 2010 Hot list. TheSt. Regis Deer Crest Resort opened in December 2009 in a prime spot on the exclusive slopes of Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort offers a Swiss-crafted dual car funicular with leather seating to whisk guests up the mountain to the resort, where they can enjoy a luxurious European après-ski experience, complete with a multi-tiered, year-round swimming pool, two outdoor hot tubs and a Ski Beach, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch mountains.

TheSt. Regis Atlanta opened in April 2009 in the elite Buckhead community. Offering a blend of southern charm and modern sophistication, St. Regis Atlanta features spectacular views of the Atlanta skyline, southern estate-style fireplaces and curving banisters, diverse culinary offerings, as well as Georgia’s first Remède Spa, and a 40,000 square foot Pool Piazza with private cabanas, waterfall and Poolside Bar & Café.

The St. Regis Mexico City opened in August 2009 on the historic Paseo de la Reforma Boulevard overlooking Plaza Diana, just a short distance from the city’s famed Polanco area and the bustling financial district. Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Peilli, St. Regis Mexico rises 492 feet above street level and features bold interiors crafted by Yabu Pushelberg, the city’s first Remède Spa and a private hotel Helipad.

Hotel Category Buster W Hotels Earns Three Spots on List
W Hotels, the industry innovator, transforming into a global powerhouse, had three new hotels named to the Condé Nast Traveler 2010 Hot list. W Washington D.C., the closest hotel to the White House, opened in July 2009 and offers a whimsical blend of Beaux Arts architecture with the edgy yet elegant designs of Los Angeles-based designer Dianna Wong. Hotel guests and Washington’s elite alike enjoy ringside seats at the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, P.O.V., which overlooks the White House and many of the city’s historic monuments.

W South Beach, which also opened in July 2009, is in a prime beachside location in the arts and entertainment district of Miami Beach. This oceanfront landmark on the shores of Florida’s most fashionable beach is the product of renowned designers and artists and features the city’s hottest night spot, Wall, as well as celebrity dining hotspot Mr. Chow. The hotel also features Solea, an indoor/outdoor Spanish-style restaurant; Miami’s first Bliss(R) spa; WET pool deck and more than 10,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space.

Marking the W brand’s debut in South America, W Santiago opened in August 2009 in the Isidora 3000 lifestyle center in the fashionable El Golf district of Chile’s capital city. Surrounded by the peaks of the Andes, W Santiago marries the designs of New York designer Tony Chi with those of native Chilean Sergio Echeveria. The hotel is also home to Whiskey Blue, the sizzling night club on the fourth floor, and Red2One, a rooftop bar with breathtaking mountain views, both from nightlife gurus The Gerber Group.

Landmark Luxury Collection Hotel in Peru is Named to the HOT List
Also on the Hot List is Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which debuted in January 2010. It was the first of three Luxury Collection hotels slated to open in Peru in the next two years and boasts a prime location on Peru’s southern Pacific coast. Surrounded by the Paracas National Reserve, the resort offers private yacht and jet excursions to view natural and historic wonders, a 5,000 square foot spa, two outdoor pools and a range of diverse culinary experiences. Indigenous textiles and ceramics pay homage to Peru’s heritage, while modern conveniences include Wi-Fi Internet access and iPod docking stations.

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(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.

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.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that it will release the Company’s first quarter financial results prior to market open on Thursday, April 29, 2010, followed by a conference call at 10:30am EDT. The conference call will include a brief discussion of the quarter followed by questions and answers. The call will be moderated by Jason Koval, Vice President, Investor Relations.

Participants may listen to the simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the company website http://www.starwoodhotels.com and choosing Investor Relations within the Corporate Information section of the website at 10:30am EDT or by calling 706-758-8744 fifteen minutes prior to the call. In addition, a replay has been arranged, which will air from Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 1:30pm EDT through Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 12:00 midnight. The replay will be available on the Company’s website or by dialing 706-645-9291 (Pass code 57051808).

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 992 properties in 100 countries and approximately 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood(R) Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, W(R), Le Méridien(R), and the recently announced 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.

Miami’s Highly Anticipated Oceanfront Resort and Residences Celebrates Topping Off

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) proudly announces that in less than 24 months since the implosion of the landmark Sheraton Bal Harbour, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has completed vertical construction for all three of its 27-story towers. This is an impressive accomplishment and significant milestone in the development of what some industry experts estimate to be the largest, active residential-resort project in the Southeast United States.

Scheduled for completion in 2011, the luxury oceanfront resort and residences located directly across from the famous Bal Harbour Shops, has made a significant contribution to the Florida coastline. Setting a new standard for luxury living in South Florida, current plans for The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort and The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort include 205 elegantly appointed guest rooms, 270 private residences, 37 hotel condominium suites, a 12,000 square foot Remede Spa, signature oceanfront restaurant, St. Regis wine bar, state-of-the-art meeting and event space, and secluded beachfront access across approximately nine acres of lush landscaping. Each residence and guest room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and the residences feature expansive balconies measuring from 440 to more than 1,380 square feet to provide unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. With interior design by world renowned firm Yabu Pushelburg, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will offer guests and residents modern sophistication, unparalleled luxury and bespoke service at one the best addresses in the world.

Following in the tradition of the iconic The St. Regis New York, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travelers’ needs. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guests’ needs and customizing each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

“Pinnacle properties like The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort stand apart from other luxury resort communities or developments because they represent the best of everything, within the resort, the residences themselves and the surrounding community,” states John Manrique, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. He adds, “This is an unparalleled location, and our continuing progress and achievements such as topping-off have further fueled the sales interest and activity we are enjoying in 2010, as Clients seek to secure the best of our remaining residences.”

“We are extremely pleased with the progress made to date,” states Keith Fordsman, Vice President of Development for The St. Regis Resort Bal Harbour Resort, “and credit much of our success to a renowned global brand and talented development team. We are currently working with our future residents on their interior finish selections and design plans, and it is rewarding to see the excitement and enthusiasm they share with us for what will certainly be a major landmark.”

Located on more than 600 lineal feet of pristine beachfront, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort features private St. Regis residences ranging from one to four bedrooms comprised of 1,777 to 6,868 square feet and offer residents access to resort’s exclusive hotel services and amenities such as the St. Regis legendary Butler Service, access the resort’s signature Remede spa, pre-arrival grocery shopping, in-residence dining, private chauffeured transportation, housekeeping, and in-residence pet services. Residences are offered from $1.9 million, more information is available by calling 305.993.6000 or visiting online at www.StRegisBalHarbour.com.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will join a select portfolio of St. Regis hotels in the best addresses around the world including Aspen, Atlanta, Bali, Beijing, Bora Bora, Deer Crest, Houston, London, Monarch Beach, Mexico City, New York, Punta Mita, Rome, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore and Washington, D.C.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, The St. Regis brand of hotels is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance, in the best destinations worldwide. Plans for this brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis properties in Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico, and Bal Harbour in the US and on the exclusive island of Bermuda. In Latin America, St. Regis will unveil new hotels and resorts in Buenos Aires and Kanai Riviera. In Asia, St. Regis has also announced plans to open properties in Bangkok, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Lhasa, Nanjing, Osaka, Sanya Yalong Bay and Tianjin. In Africa and the Middle East, the St. Regis brand will continue to expand in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Doha and Mauritius. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention, coveted locations and luxurious design. For more information on The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit the new www.stregis.com.

About The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is located on Collins Avenue at the northern tip of Miami Beach. Current design plans include 270 ultra-luxurious residences, 37 condo-hotel suites, and 205 hotel rooms. Highlights include signature butler service, a 12,000-square-foot Remède(R) Spa and serene gardens with multiple pools, water features and sculptures. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort’s Sales Gallery is located at 1170 Kane Concourse, Suite 100, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. Residences are offered from $1.9 million, more information is available by calling 305.993.6000 or visiting online at www.StRegisBalHarbour.com.

From the Magnificent Mile to Down Under: W Chicago City Center and Sheraton on the Park Sydney first in Starwood’s Global Portfolio to introduce Cisco TelePresence for Virtual Meetings

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) unveiled its first in-hotel Cisco TelePresence meeting suites today with a virtual, interactive meeting spanning across two continents. The W Chicago City Center and Sheraton on the Park Sydney are the first in Starwood’s global portfolio to introduce the new meeting facilities, showcasing the state-of-the-art Cisco TelePresence technology. Guests and corporate clients were brought together in a true-to-life meeting setting, despite more than 9,000 miles apart and the 17 hour time difference. Participants in both locations had a seat at the table and were able to meet “face-to-face” utilizing ultra-high definition video, superior audio and life-size imagery of all participants.

In June of 2009, Starwood announced a partnership with Tata Communications and plans to build Cisco TelePresence rooms in 10 properties worldwide. In addition to the W Chicago and Sheraton on the Park Sydney, inaugurated as part of this partnership with Tata Communications, two more Cisco TelePresence meeting suites will open in the first half of this year including the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers and Sheraton Centre Toronto which will come online in the upcoming months. Other Starwood locations planned to open throughout 2010 include The Westin Los Angeles Airport, with the anticipation to expand the offering to key domestic and international business markets such as Dallas, San Francisco, Brussels, Paris, Hong Kong and Frankfurt. As an industry first, reservations for these telepresence rooms can be made instantly using the Tata Communications online portal, with a convenient payment capability using all major credit cards.

As the world and the hotel industry grow increasingly more global, Starwood is continuing their legacy of innovation and looking at tomorrow’s travelers and how they want to meet. There is also an increasing demand to incorporate technology, virtual meetings and social media into new meeting offerings from the next generation of business travelers.

“The launch of the new Cisco TelePresence meeting suites at the W Chicago and Sheraton on the Park Sydney is another example of Starwood’s commitment to innovation by offering our clients an exciting, new meetings solution that facilitates a ‘face-to-face’ meeting in the same room regardless of global location,” said Christie Hicks, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Starwood. “We have a great partner in Tata Communications and look forward to continuing opening new meeting facilities throughout our portfolio of hotels around the world.”

“With 2010 fully in gear, we’re well on our way in bringing more public rooms in critical business hubs like Sydney and Chicago. We hope that through this partnership with Starwood, even more business executives can take advantage of the productivity this technology offers and save on costs that can be invested in their core competencies. We intend to make telepresence available to as many users as possible with our global network of public telepresence rooms and our suite of managed telepresence network services for businesses. This opening is just the first step in that direction with many more in other key markets soon to follow this year,” said Peter Quinlan, Director, Managed Telepresence Services, Tata Communications.

“More businesses are recognizing the value of being able to rent Cisco TelePresence facilities by the hour, either to extend their existing deployment to further locations or to experience Cisco TelePresence for the first time. Having meeting facilities in a comfortable setting with access to business services at times that fit individuals’ schedule can help to take some of the grind out of traveling. The value of public suites facilities increases exponentially as more rooms from more providers come on stream, so today’s announcement represents another key milestone in making these facilities more practical for business,” said Mark Weidick, VP/GM for Cisco’s TelePresence Exchange Business Unit.

Cisco TelePresence provides life-like, high definition, conferencing facilities with superior audio, video and environmental qualities allowing participants to meet their colleagues, customers and business partners across a virtual table. The public facility offers users who do not have telepresence rooms within their company, access to this cutting-edge technology at an affordable per hour rental rate. Tata Communications has several operational public rooms in India (Mumbai, Bangalore (x2), Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Gurgaon), UK (London) and USA (Boston), Manila with PLDT in the Philippines and Johannesburg with Neotel in South Africa.

For more information about Starwood Hotels Cisco TelePresence Suites visit http://www.tatacommunications.com/telepresence/.

About Starwood Hotels
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 992 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.

About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate, this year celebrates 25 years of technology innovation, operational excellence and corporate social responsibility. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

Cisco, the Cisco logo, and Cisco Systems are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.

Grosvenor House Dubai Offers Panoramic Sea Views, 12 World Class Restaurants and Lounges and Two Michelin Starred Chefs in one of the World’s Most Unique and Exceptional Destinations

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. today announced the debut of its renowned Luxury Collection brand in the United Arab Emirates with the addition of Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai. Located on the exclusive Dubai Marina, the prestigious 45-story Grosvenor House hotel first opened its doors in 2005 and quickly became one of the world’s most acclaimed hotels.

Custom-designed to celebrate the essence of Dubai, the hotel seamlessly blends exquisite Arabian décor with contemporary sophistication. Offering the latest innovations in technology and design, Grosvenor House features 422 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites and apartment suites, world class cuisine, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and spa, business areas equipped with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled premium service with butlers on call 24 hours a day.

“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations, where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its exceptional location, luxury amenities and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, Grosvenor House adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection portfolio.”

Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most iconic hotels, today The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries across the globe including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

“We are excited to bring the promise of The Luxury Collection brand to the United Arab Emirates with the debut of Grosvenor House, Dubai. This hotel is a true expression of its destination, making it the perfect addition to The Luxury Collection,” says Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The property’s sought-after location, impeccable service and sumptuous interior will ensure a unique and enriching experience for all our guests.”

Grosvenor House, Dubai also provides guests with an exceptional choice of dining experiences with 12 different world-class restaurants and bars to choose from. These include Rhodes Mezzanine, which offers signature modern British cuisine with French flair from Michelin starred celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. The menu includes dishes such as White Tomato Soup and the British favourite Bread and Butter Pudding. The hotel also offers the equally esteemed modern Indian restaurant Indego by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, who is renowned for his Home-smoked Tandoori Salmon. In addition, Grosvenor House is home to Dubai’s only Buddha Bar, the world famous bar and restaurant with outlets in Paris, London and New York, which is known for its unique food and eclectic atmosphere.

The number of rooms at Grosvenor House, Dubai will almost double next year when a second, identical tower opens. The second tower will add a total of 323 rooms, suites and apartment suites to the hotel’s inventory providing even more style and unparalleled service for global explorers to discover.

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection(R) is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel’s distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.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, 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.