NEW YORK | Hot in pursuit of the world's most vibrant destinations, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced that W Hotels Worldwide will open its first property in Boston, Massachusetts in the heart of the city's bustling theater district in 2009. Representing the height of modern luxury, the W Boston Hotel & Residences will inspire guests and residents with innovative design, signature amenities and whimsical style. Developed by Sawyer Enterprises, the new property will feature 235 guest rooms, 123 branded, private residences, a world-class signature restaurant, destination bar and luxury spa.

"In our relentless pursuit of the unexpected and the extraordinary, W goes to Boston offering an enticing blend of warmth, wit and whimsy in one of the world's most delightful destinations," said Ross Klein, President of Starwood's Luxury Brands Group. "From Boston to Bangkok, Hoboken to Hong Kong, Milan to Macao, W is going global as the influential and innovative lifestyle authority."

Located within walking distance from the city's most famous theaters, including the Boston Common, Boston's Public Garden and numerous award-winning restaurants, the W Boston will feature 235 sleek, contemporary guest rooms outfitted with modern technology, signature W brand amenities, and the W bed - a luxurious ensemble complete with feather-top mattress, 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforter. Guests and residents will also have access to W brand's exclusive Whatever/Whenever (R) service, the hotel's 24-hour concierge that provides whatever guests want - from a pair of running shoes to private jet service - whenever they want it. Additional facilities will include a Sweat Fitness(R) center, W Living Room and 9,800 square feet of stylish, technologically sophisticated meeting space. Convenient to both Back Bay and Downtown Boston, the hotel and residences will also be close to the city's financial district, Tufts New England Medical Center and Logan International Airport. Nearby entertainment options include live music venues, cutting-edge art exhibits and critically acclaimed theatre productions staged by some of the country's best repertory companies.

"Engaging the perfect brand is critical to the success of this project," said Carol S. Parks, President of Sawyer Enterprises. "The W Boston Hotel & Residences embodies the flavor of the artistic neighborhood in which the property will be located and reflects the high quality of the development."

Please call 617-267-2228 concerning the W Boston Residences.


About W Hotels Worldwide

W Hotels is a global lifestyle brand with 21 properties in the most vibrant cities around the world. Inspiring and indulging its guests with thoughtful, refreshing and stylish experiences, signature restaurants, bars and destination spas, the W has become the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world. Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design, comfort, and cultural influences from fashion and design to music and art and everything in between. The W brand's first residential property, W Dallas-Victory, opened in June of 2006, and soon thereafter was named a Forbes Magazine "Top Business Hotel." In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, Buckhead Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Minneapolis, Downtown New York, Philadelphia, Santiago, Scottsdale, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W Hotels has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W Hotels has announced properties in Amman, Doha, Dubai-Festival City, Dubai-The Palm and Marrakech. The W brand's first Retreat & Spa, W Maldives, opened in September of 2006. In 2007, W Maldives received the prestigious Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Resort. W Hotels has plans to open Retreat & Spa hotels in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as the W brand's first ski retreat. For more information, 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.)

Dianne Dillingham
Starwood’s Luxury Brands Group
+1 212-380-4078
Starwood