Four Points by Sheraton Powers Ahead in Asia Pacific, With Plans to Open Six New Hotels This Year

(Four Points by Sheraton Hangzhou in Binjiang opened January 2008)

The Upscale Brand Meets Strong Demand for Moderately Priced Accommodation in Asia with the Opening of Four New Hotels in China and its First in Malaysia and Vietnam

(Four Points by Sheraton Changshu (photo below) opened in March 2008)

SINGAPORE--Four Points by Sheraton, the fast-growing upscale hotel brand operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is accelerating its expansion in Asia Pacific. Four Points by Sheraton expects to open six new hotels in Asia Pacific this year, including four in China, in addition to its first hotel in Malaysia – Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, and its first in Vietnam – Four Points by Sheraton Halong Bay.

“Four Points by Sheraton is in the midst of a truly impressive, global growth spurt due to its popularity among customers and investors alike,” said Miguel Ko, (photo at right) President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “The strong demand for moderately priced lodging coupled with the increase in domestic travel in many Asian markets is helping to propel the brand’s growth to a level that is expected to rival that of Starwood’s luxury and upper upscale brands.”

Four Points by Sheraton was introduced to Asia Pacific in 2000 with the opening of hotels in Sydney, Geelong, Shenzhen and Chung Ho. The brand’s Asia Pacific portfolio has since grown to 21 hotels, eight already open for business and 14 under development in Mainland China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Starwood’s upscale brands - which include the recently revitalized Four Points by Sheraton brand and Starwood’s two newest entries in the category, aloft and element – are fueling the company’s pipeline growth in markets across the globe.

“The heightened demand for Four Points by Sheraton throughout Asia Pacific has played a key role in driving the brand’s phenomenal international expansion,” said Sandy Swider, (photo at left) Vice President, Four Points by Sheraton. “The atmosphere at Four Points by Sheraton helps guests both work and relax and our Simple Pleasures make them feel special.”

With a flair for fun and an eye for clean, appealing design, Four Points by Sheraton covers all the basics including a comfortable bed, great shower, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, restaurant service and extras guests love like the brand’s signature Best Brews program or Feel Good Treats.

“Four Points by Sheraton is an ideal product for many markets in Asia Pacific because the brand caters to both mid-scale business and leisure travelers, while meeting the demands of meeting and event planners with a comfortable, fun and fuss-free hotel experience that at the same time provides great value,” added Ko.

The brand’s new hotels opening in Asia Pacific this year include:

Four Points by Sheraton Changshu- opened March 2008 (photo at left above)
Four Points by Sheraton Hangzhou, Binjiang- opened January 2008 (top photo)
Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian- scheduled to open July 2008
Four Points by Sheraton Guangzhou, Dongpu- scheduled to open September 2008
Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Malaysia – scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008
Four Points by Sheraton Halong Bay, Vietnam - – scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008

CONTACT:
Hwee-Peng Yeo
Director, Corporate Communications
Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Ltd
9 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Tower 2
#24-02, Singapore 038989
Tel : +65 6335 4837; Cell : +65 9768 6087; +65 9248 0424
Fax : +65 6335 4820
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/; http://www.starwoodpressclub.com/