Aloft Hotels Unveils Adaptive Re-Use Project in Little Rock, Arkansas

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its fast-growing Aloft brand has embarked on an adaptive re-use project in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. Aloft Little Rock Downtown will open in early 2016 as part of a mixed-use development that will bring new life to the historic Boyle Building on Capitol and Main Streets. Owned by Chi Hotel Group, the new Aloft will feature 140 spacious, loft-like rooms, forward-thinking technology and innovative programming. It will be Starwood's first hotel to open in Little Rock.

"The success of Aloft among youthful-minded travelers has caught the attention of owners and developers who are eager to introduce the brand to new markets."

"Aloft Little Rock Downtown will bring distinctive modern design, a vibrant social atmosphere and innovative technology to Main Street and is sure to resonate with the next gen of travelers," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Aloft Hotels. "Aloft will soon reach 100 hotels, fueled by strong momentum across the globe."

First opened as the State National Bank Building in 1909, the 12-story Boyle Building will be transformed into a mixed-use development housing Aloft Little Rock Downtown, as well as ground-floor retail, a high-end restaurant and coffee shop. This project is part of the city's revitalization of the Capitol-Main Historic District.

Aloft Little Rock will be walking distance to the Arkansas State Capitol Building, Clinton Presidential Library and the many restaurants, bars, galleries and shops in the popular River Market district. Just ten minutes from Clinton National Airport (LIT), the hotel will also be convenient to Robinson Center Music Hall, Statehouse Convention Center, Verizon Arena and Dickey Stephens Park. Hotel amenities will include a rooftop pool and deck overlooking downtown, a 24-hour fitness center and 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings.

"Aloft is increasingly sought after for adaptive re-use projects, which have helped drive the brand's growth in markets across North America," said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of America Development for Starwood. "The success of Aloft among youthful-minded travelers has caught the attention of owners and developers who are eager to introduce the brand to new markets."

Aloft Little Rock Downtown is one of several adaptive re-use projects, joining Aloft Orlando Downtown, Aloft Tulsa Downtown, Aloft Miami-Brickell, Aloft New Orleans Downtown and the award-winning Aloft Dallas Downtown in addition to two new projects in 2014.

Aloft's innovative and exclusive initiatives set it apart. Aloft recently announced that select properties will roll out Smart Check In, allowing guests to use their smartphones to check in to the hotel and open their guestroom door, bypassing the front desk. This follows on the heels of the first phase of Smart Check-In, the first mobile check-in using RFID check-in technology. In addition, Aloft offers live, free access to local emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands with Live at Aloft Hotels programming at the W XYZ® bars.

About Chi Hotel Group
Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Chi Hotel Group, LLC is a central Arkansas hospitality company owned by the Chi Family. The privately held company specializes in the development and operation of select service brand hotels in Arkansas. The Chi Family prides itself on maintaining exceptional working relationships with Starwood Hotels & Resort and other leading hotel companies. The growth and strength of Chi Hotel Group is led by the firm's focus on its core values - excellence in customer service, honesty and integrity in its operations, and loyalty to customers and associates. Supporting neighborhoods and communities surrounding its properties is a key component of the company's core culture. Through proactive leadership and responsibility, Chi Hotel Group achieves community involvement by participating in the continuous improvement of local areas. The renovation of the historic Boyle Building and continuing revitalization efforts along the Main Street corridor is an example of the company's commitment to excellence through responsible development and goodwill.