Thursday, November 6, 2008

Westin Hotels & Resorts Continues Record-Breaking Growth in Asia Pacific

The Westin Hotel Sendai, slated to open in 2010, will Refresh and Renew Visitors in a Prime Downtown Location Near Businesses, Shopping and Dining

WHITE PLAINS, NY--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc (NYSE: HOT) continues its industry leading expansion in Asia Pacific, announcing an agreement with Mori Trust Co., Ltd. to open a new-build Westin hotel in Sendai, Japan.

Scheduled to open in 2010, The Westin Sendai (top right photo) will occupy a gleaming, 37-story tower at the heart of the city’s thriving business district. The 287-room hotel will inspire relaxation and renewal in a sophisticated and elegant setting, enhanced by the full suite of Westin signature amenities.

The Westin Sendai will be ideally situated in the city’s lively downtown on Higashi-Nibandori Street, within walking distance to the offices of several large corporations. The hotel will anchor a highly anticipated, mixed-use development located in what will be the tallest building in the northern Kanto region.

Known for its beautiful scenery, tree-lined streets and museums, the fast-growing city of Sendai also offers visitors a wide selection of world-class restaurants, sleek shopping malls, arcades and traditional markets. Leading area attractions include the many islands of Matsushima Bay, the Zaou Mountains, hot springs and the annual Sendai Tanabata Festival

“We are thrilled that our Westin brand will enter the city of Sendai, Tohoku’s economic and political hub,’” said Lothar Pehl, (top left photo) Regional Vice President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Japan, Korea and Guam Region.

“Hailed for its core brand initiatives such as the Westin Heavenly Bed®, Westin Heavenly Bath®, Breathe Westin and Service Express, Westin will form a welcome and refreshing addition to Sendai’s hotel market. We are proud to work with Mori Trust Co., Ltd. who shares our vision to connect the community of Sendai with its visitors at this unique landmark property.”

Starwood currently operates five Westin hotels in Japan, as well as seven Sheraton properties. The company expects to introduce new W, Westin, St Regis and Sheraton hotels in Japan in the next several years.

“The Westin Sendai will not only expand Starwood’s reach in Japan, but also inspire personal renewal in one of the most prominent developments in the scenic city of Sendai,” said Sue Brush, (middle right photo) Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Westin provides a sophisticated, refreshing atmosphere and thoughtfully designed amenities and services designed to restore mind and body.”

Drawing more than 57 million tourists in 2007, Sendai is the capital of the Miyagi prefecture and the largest city in Tohoku, the northeastern region of Japan. The city is approximately one hour and 40 minutes from Tokyo by Bullet train, and easily accessible via direct flights from top destinations in Asia Pacific including Beijing and Shanghai, Taipei, Seoul, and Guam.

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
www.starwoodhotels.com; www.starwoodpressclub.com

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