Developers in HOT Pursuit of Starwood's Upper Upscale Brands

Sought after by the industry's top developers, Starwood's upper upscale brands continue to be the ones to beat. A perpetual leader in its category in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Sheraton has launched a bold new plan to reposition itself in North America, with planned renovations and upgrades to existing hotels resulting in 50,000 new or renovated rooms by 2009 in North America alone.

Enhancing the guest experience with a new energetic lobby design, stylish new guest room design and a host of innovative products, the revitalized brand expects to add 60 new hotels in the next 2-1/2 years in high-profile U.S. cities including Dallas, Phoenix and Baltimore.

Now one of one the fastest growing brands in China, Sheraton is adding new hotels in Guangdong Province and Zhejiang Province, while expanding presence throughout Asia Pacific in markets including Taiwan and Macao - the Las Vegas of Asia.

With its history of innovative products and services, Westin continues to be a leader in the upper upscale category, increasing its pipeline of new hotels by 54% in the past three years. Having recently reached a milestone by opening its 150th hotel, Westin expects to have 210 hotels by 2010, including in Beijing, New Delhi, Dubai and Munich.

Targeted to the "creative guest," Le Méridien brand has continued to experience strong RevPar gains following its highly successful integration into the Starwood network. With significant room to grow particularly in Asia Pacific and North America, Le Meridien's active pipeline consists of 25 hotels internationally including 15 in North America. There is strong opportunity to expand this European brand in North America.

Select-service Brands Propel Starwood's Pipeline

With two new brands, Aloft and Element, and a revitalized Four Points by Sheraton brand, Starwood's select service portfolio is a key driver of the company's future growth. Select Service was a new opportunity for Starwood vis a vis its competitors, but today with three distinct brands and open markets worldwide, Starwood offers developers a host of fresh options.

Boasting the healthiest pipeline in its history, Four Points by Sheraton is rapidly expanding in key international markets including China.

Aloft and Element, Starwood's newest brands, are experiencing unprecedented growth, due to intense developer demand. With well over 100 hotels in their combined pipeline, Aloft and Element are expected to each open their first 20 hotels by the end of 2008. The majority of both brands are new build properties.

A vision of W, Aloft has earned the distinction as the fastest-growing select service brand in its launch year. Developers have eagerly embraced Aloft, confident that its design, services and pricing will appeal to youthful-minded travelers across the globe. Aloft is targeting proven markets throughout North America and dynamic international cities such as Bangalore, Bangkok and Brussels.

Inspired by Westin, Element establishes Starwood in the previously untapped extended stay category. Emphasizing smart design, clever use of space and natural touches, Element is focusing its early development efforts on proven markets in North America including urban centers, corporate business parks, airports, resorts and lifestyle centers, with an international rollout to follow.