Source: Starwood
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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces that The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will open in November 2010, which will be the first St. Regis resort in China. Located on the “Roof of the World”, 3,680 meters above sea level, this stunning resort offers an unrivaled dimension of luxury, bespoke service and refined elegance at one of the most mystical and exotic addresses in the world.

Located on Jiangsu Road and situated in the famous ancient Barkhor area, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is just minutes away from the holy Potala Palace and 75km away from Gongga Airport. It features 150 beautifully adorned oversized rooms and villas and 12 suites including the Presidential Suite, as well as world-class restaurants, bars, an exclusive Iridium Spa, ballroom and state-of-the-art meeting space. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will be the first international luxury hotel in Tibet.

“Lhasa is truly one of the world’s most fascinating destinations; the rich culture and spiritual history make it quite captivating to our global St. Regis guests,” said Qian Jin, Senior Vice President of Operations, China & Taiwan, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will undoubtedly be heralded as one of the most extraordinary luxury resorts not only in Asia, but in the entire world.”

“As The St. Regis continues on its path of global growth the enchanting city of Lhasa is the perfect addition to The St. Regis portfolio of hotels and resorts located in some of the best addresses in the world,” added Paul James, Global Brand Leader for The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “Boasting signature St. Regis amenities, lavish rooms and suites, and stunning mountain views of the region, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is destined to become one of the most coveted travel destinations.”

All the hotel guest rooms are accented by local artifacts and distinctive décor reflecting rich Tibetan culture and heritage. Plasma TVs, multi-channel cable, high speed internet access, spacious marble bathroom, exquisite furnishings and exclusive amenities create a soothing yet luxurious setting for discerning global travelers.

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will also offer an array of epicurean tastes and experiences including; Social - an all-day dining restaurant offering a wide selection of international cuisine; Si Zi Kang is the first gastronomic Tibetan restaurant where guests are invited to savor authentic Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine in a sophisticated and relaxed setting; Yan Ting Chinese Restaurant has six private dining rooms specializing in Cantonese and Sichuanese cuisine; The unique Tea Room, the first of its kind, offering different blends of local and imported teas, and serving vintage teas aged from 10-25 years; Decanter by Haut-Brisson, the first wine bar serves over 140 labels of wine, liquors and aged cigars, aim to entice the adventurous’ palate.

The exclusively designed Iridium Spa combines a 5-star spa experience with traditional Tibetan herbal treatments and ensures absolute soothing relief from altitude stress. Guests can choose to immerse themselves the gold-leaf immersion pool, or partake in Yoga or Pilates in the Meditation Garden.

For guests seeking an exclusive and memorable wedding destination, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort offers an exceptional venue, unparalleled in setting and service. From breathtaking views of the lake to a regal experience in our Ballroom there are endless possibilities for your ceremony and reception. Newlyweds will enjoy a complimentary night in the honeymoon suite majestically set for an unforgettable wedding experience.

With the most luxurious meeting and function rooms in Tibet for social and corporate gatherings, the hotel is also a perfect choice for meeting groups which are looking for a new and exceptional destination.

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will be a green hotel. Committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the hotel has put forth great effort to reduce its’ carbon footprint and save energy. By utilizing solar energy and underground water, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort can save on diesel energy consumption every year by 93,000 kg and 75,000 kg respectively. The hotel also operates a fleet of high-efficiency hybrid and turbo-diesel vehicles, which helps to reduce emission by 30%. Through these sustainability actions, the St. Regis Lhasa Resort will effect positive environmental change and enhance the local community.

Following in the tradition of the legendary St. Regis Hotel New York, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travelers’ needs. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive round the clock service while anticipating guests needs and customizing each guest's stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

For more information on The St. Regis Lhasa Resort, please visit: .

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, The St. Regis brand of hotels is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance, in the best destinations worldwide. Plans for this brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis properties in Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico, and Bal Harbour in the US and on the exclusive island of Bermuda. In Latin America, St. Regis will unveil new hotels and resorts in Buenos Aires and Kanai Riviera. In Asia, St. Regis has also announced plans to open properties in Bangkok, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Lhasa, Nanjing, Osaka, Sanya Yalong Bay and Tianjin. In Africa and the Middle East, the St. Regis brand will continue to expand in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Doha and Mauritius. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention, coveted locations and luxurious design. For more information on The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit the new .

Gigi Ganatra
212.380-4015
Starwood