Four Points by Sheraton Grows Rapidly in Asia Pacific, Announcing Its First Hotel in Tibet and Two New Hotels in China

The Upscale Brand Meets Strong Demand for Moderately Priced Accommodation in Asia

SINGAPORE | Four Points by Sheraton is picking up even more momentum in Asia Pacific, announcing three new hotels in the region. In a noteworthy first, Four Points by Sheraton recently announced plans for its first hotel in Tibet, known as the "Roof of the World" for its high elevations. Four Points by Sheraton is also opening two new hotels in China - Four Points by Sheraton Lianyungang and Four Points by Sheraton Sanya Bay.

Operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), Four Points by Sheraton was introduced to Asia Pacific in 2000 with hotels in Sydney, Geelong, Shenzhen and Chung Ho. The brand's Asia Pacific portfolio has since grown to 17 hotels - six already open for business and 11 under development in China, Cambodia and Vietnam.

"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, 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."

With a flair for fun and an eye for clean, appealing design, Four Points by Sheraton covers all the basics including a comfortable bed, a great shower, and free high-speed internet access. The brand also delivers the Simple Pleasures guests enjoy while traveling such as warm pie, fresh coffee, free bottled water, and a wide selection of beers.

"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.

  1. Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, Tibet
    Scheduled to open in 2007, Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, Tibet will offer guests an affordable, comfortable hotel in one of the world's most spectacular cities. Situated in the center of the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and the political, economic and cultural center of the country. Lhasa is also a well-known resort destination that draws visitors for its stunning natural beauty, monasteries and famous Potala Palace. With an ideal location on the corner of East Lingkor Avenue and East Lingkor Road, Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa, Tibet will offer guests easy access to the city's primary tourist attractions, shopping areas and entertainment districts. The hotel offers 93 guest rooms, a meeting room, two restaurants and a lounge.


  2. Four Points by Sheraton Lianyungang
    As the first internationally branded hotel to open in Lianyungang, China, Four Points by Sheraton Lianyungang will provide a place for relaxation in a city bustling with energy. One of the first 14 coastal cities in China to open to foreign trade, Lianyungang has welcomed growing numbers of business travelers as well as tourists, eager to visit its magnificent, natural wonders such as Yuntai Mountain and Liandao Island. Scheduled to open in 2009, the hotel will include 254 guestrooms, more than 14,000 square feet of meeting space, two restaurants, and a bar and lounge.


  3. Four Points by Sheraton Hainan, Sanya
    Four Points by Sheraton Hainan, Sanya will be a new-build resort located at Sanya Bay on Hainan Island - China's premier resort destination known as the "Hawaii of China" due to its warm climate and miles of pristine beaches. Guests will also enjoy the rustic charm of Sanya, where they can explore traditional fishing villages and participate in festivals celebrated the region's indigenous tribes. Sanya is not only a popular tourist destination, but also a political, economic and cultural hub and foreign trade port. When it opens in mid 2010, the 405-room resort will offer guests three restaurants and a lounge, a comprehensive spa and health club, an outdoor swimming pool, and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space.


Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 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 Meridien(R) and the recently announced Aloft(SM) and Element(SM) Hotels. 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 .

(Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks and uncertainties are presented in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results and events will not materially differ. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)

Development Development Operations & Strategy

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,200 properties in some 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St.