Starwood Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in Turkey with the Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa Hotel in Turkey

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announces the opening of theSheraton Bursa HotelandAloft Bursa Hotel, marking the company's entrance into Bursa. Owned by Faik Celik Holding, the two hotels expand Starwood's rapidly-growing portfolio to nine hotels across Turkey, adding more than 300 rooms to the culturally-charged industrial centre. The opening of the Sheraton Bursa Hotel fuels the brand's growth as it remains on track to celebrate the opening of its 500^thhotel by 2015. Aloft Bursa Hotel contributes to the phenomenal growth of the mid-market brand as it is poised to grow by 30% in 2013 with its 75^thhotel to open later this year.

"The opening of Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa marks a milestone in this fast-growing city's development"

"We are delighted to be working with Faik Celik Holdings, the owners of the Sheraton and Aloft Bursa, our first Starwood hotels in this important city in Turkey," said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "Bursa is an emerging metropolitan centre of industry, culture, sport and leisure and we believe this combination of our differentiated lifestyle brands with a new city destination will make a compelling offer to global travellers."

"The opening of Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa marks a milestone in this fast-growing city's development", said Baran Çelik, CEO Faik Celik Holding. "We believe that Starwood's strong global brands will attract international and national travellers as well as local guests."

Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa are situated in an emerging business and upscale residential area adjacent to the Bursa New Cultural Green Park and upcoming football stadium. Located on the south-east shore of Sea of Marmara, approximately 235 kilometres from Istanbul, Bursa is a rapidly emerging city in Turkey with a young population attracted by opportunities in its textile and automotive industries, as well as the tourism and sports sectors. The city was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, playing an important role in silk manufacturing, and is today the 'greenest' city in Turkey with easy access to Mount Uludag, the country's prime skiing resort.

Sheraton Bursa Hotel Designed to appeal to both business and leisure travellers,Sheraton Bursaoffers a vibrant, open atmosphere. Distinct hexagonal elements inspired by the Ottoman Empire are integrated into the design of the spacious lobby where guests can enjoy complimentary wireless internet access with the signatureLink@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®experience – a social, technology hub in the lobby where guests can stay connected to what matters most during their stay.

Sheraton Bursa comprises 171 elegant guest rooms, including 10 spacious suites, all equipped with the signature all-whiteSheraton Sweet Sleeper™Bed, designed using the AAA Five Diamond Award® criteria. The contemporary and warm interiors feature light Turkish design accents, providing travellers with a comfortable home away from home. Located on the 13^thfloor, the Presidential Suite features a spacious living area, a master bedroom, a kitchen and a cocktail bar, as well as a private whirlpool.

TheSheraton Shine Spaoffers a traditional Turkish hammam and three private VIP hammams using natural thermal water from the famous local hot springs, as well as six spa treatments rooms, evoking a lively yet relaxing spa experience. The expansive indoor pool area features impressive two-storey mosaic steles designed by local craftsmen while the tranquil relaxation space offers private views over the blue waters. The outdoor pool is nestled in a tranquil garden area which makes for an elegant setting for weddings up to 600 guests. The hotel's fitness facility features the brand's revolutionary health and fitness programme,Sheraton Fitness Programmed by Core® Performance, designed exclusively for Sheraton guests.

On the ground floor,Prusaoffers international cuisine and local specialities such as the famous Iskender Kebab, which originates from Bursa and is a must-try when visiting the city. Guests may also dine at the hotel's Mediterranean restaurant,Narrfeaturing grilled specialties. Both restaurants offer beautiful wooden outdoor terraces where guests can enjoy the soothing Turkish climate and city views.

Situated on the top floor of the hotel, the exclusiveSheraton Club Loungeserves breakfast, refreshments and light snacks all day, evening drinks and hors d'oeuvres, alongside spectacular city views from the 14^thstorey vantage. Guests staying in the Sheraton Club rooms will enjoy complimentary in-room wireless internet access, as well as in the Club Lounge. A terrace with breath-taking views, ideal for exclusive receptions and cocktails is connected to the club. The adjacent Executive Board Room provides an inspiring space for meetings with views of the city. Sheraton Bursa offers more than 2,800 square metres of extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event facilities, including a large ballroom and pre-function area, five conference rooms and a fully-equipped business centre.

Aloft Bursa Hotel Set to shake up the Turkish mid-market segment,Aloft Bursa Hoteldelivers high style at an affordable price with 133 spacious guest rooms, all featuring the brand's signature loft-like ceilings, oversized windows and ultra-comfortable platform beds, as well as large walk-in showers with Bliss Spa® amenities. Each room is also equipped with wireless internet access and a one-stop plug-and-play connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgets such as PDAs, mobile phones, mp3 players and laptops – all linked to a large flat panel HDTV ready television, turning the room into a high-tech office as well as an entertainment centre.

Featuring the brand's signature loft-like style aesthetic and buzzing scene, Aloft Bursa offers vibrant public spaces where savvy travellers and locals can mix and mingle in a relaxed social atmosphere, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game or grab a drink with friends at there:mix^SMloungeorw xyz^SMbar. A glass-covered fireplace connects the inside spaces with the hotel's spacious terrace. Designed with the digital generation in mind, Aloft Bursa offers free wireless internet access throughout the whole hotel.

There:charge^SMfitness centre and theSplash^SMpoolgive travellers the opportunity to de-stress and re-energise, whilere:fuel^SMby Aloft offers a convenient deli option for guests on the go, with an array of food and beverages, 24 hours a day. For work meetings, training courses and presentations, the hotel's three Tactic meeting rooms are equipped with the latest generation of audio-visual hardware, providing the perfect creative space for groups of up to 15 people.

Starwood in Turkey Starwood has nine hotels in Turkey under five of its distinct lifestyle brands. This includes four hotels in Istanbul –Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel,Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel,W IstanbulandLe Méridien İstanbul Etiler. Outside of Istanbul, Starwood has theSheraton Cesme Hotel, Resort and Spa,Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre,The Lugal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Ankaraand the two new hotels in Bursa. Later this year, Starwood will open a 10^thhotel in Turkey with the Sheraton Adana Hotel, making Turkey one of the largest markets for the Sheraton brand in Europe.