aloft by W-Hotels

STAMFORD, Conn. – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its innovative Aloft® brand has launched in Sarasota, Florida. Owned by a joint venture between JWM One Palm Avenue, LLC and iStar Financial, Aloft Sarasota features 139 spacious, loft-like rooms, innovative technologies and a buzzing social atmosphere.

"We're thrilled to add Aloft Sarasota to our rapidly growing list of dynamic destinations in Florida, one of the brand's fastest growing markets in the U.S.," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "The tech-forward Aloft brand has surpassed 100 hotels worldwide and continues to appeal to hyper-connected global travelers with its distinct lifestyle positioning."

Located at 1401 Ringling Boulevard, Aloft Sarasota is a short stroll to Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Opera House, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Florida State College of Medicine – Sarasota campus, and a variety of boutiques and restaurants. Guests can enjoy easy access to the city's beaches and leading attractions such as the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, several theaters, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Mote Marine Aquarium.

Hotel amenities include an outdoor Splash pool, 24-hour fitness center and 610 square feet of flexible meeting space, ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings. Fast and free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

Aloft Sarasota will deliver an authentic and innovative guest experience with SPG Keyless – the industry's first truly mobile check in that allows guests to completely bypass the front desk. Additionally, guests can grab a quick snack at re:fuel at Aloft – a one-stop gourmet grab & go food and beverage area—or enjoy the latest in local, live music at the brand's buzzing WXYZ® bar as part of the signature Live At Aloft Hotels ongoing music series.

"We are delighted to partner with Starwood Hotels to bring the popular Aloft brand to Sarasota, a vibrant hub for arts and culture," said John Meshad, Managing Partner, One Palm, LLC. "This stylish new Aloft hotel will give travelers a fresh, new option, while helping to meet the rising demand for high-caliber lodging in this fast-growing city."

Aloft remains one of the fastest growing brands in hospitality with 100+ hotels in 16 countries now open, and boasting Starwood's second largest pipeline.

Let's get social. Follow @AloftHotels on Twitter, check us out on Instagram @AloftHotels, or head to Facebook.com/AloftHotels.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels &

Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,300 properties in some 100 countries and approximately 188,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences under the renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®,Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®, along with an expanded partnership withDesign Hotels™. The company also boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®). Visit www.starwoodhotels.com for more information and stay connected @starwoodbuzz on Twitterand Instagram and facebook.com/Starwood.

Ashley Chapman
Global Public Relations, Aloft, Element & Four Points
212-380-4015
Starwood