Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) together with Shenzhen Hazens Real Estate Group Co. Ltd. today announced a deal to expand the iconic W brand's longtime presence in Los Angeles with the signing of W Los Angeles Downtown, slated to open early in 2019. Located within an upscale mixed-use development directly across from the L.A. LIVE entertainment complex, the hotel will join W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills and W Hollywood as the brand's third hotel in the metropolis. Set to attract global jetsetters and trendsetting locals alike, W Los Angeles – Downtown will bring its cutting-edge design and Whatever/Whenever service philosophy to this vibrant, dynamic location.

"The time is right for a W Hotel in the heart of Downtown LA," said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. "From tech and nightlife to entertainment and a fresh foodie scene, downtown Los Angeles has been undergoing a rapid revitalization, and we're excited to fuel this fire by providing a bold, modern and unique lifestyle experience at the upcoming W Los Angeles Downtown."

Greg Sun, General Manager of Hazens Group, said: "After much research, study and careful consideration, we determined that the W was the perfect hotel brand for our Downtown Los Angeles development."

Sonnet Hui, Executive Project Director of Hazens Group, added: "We are excited about this partnership with W Hotels to create the highest quality project for an international clientele visiting Downtown Los Angeles. We feel strongly that the W Hotel is the best fit with the perfect DNA that embodies our vision for this hot, dynamic neighborhood and for this – our flagship investment in Los Angeles."

Guests arriving at W Los Angeles Downtown will be welcomed in the W Living Room, W's signature mix and mingle spin on the hotel lobby where global fun-seekers can sip innovative cocktails and enjoy regular Happenings showcasing what's new and next in the worlds of music, fashion and design. Guests and locals will also enjoy a signature restaurant as well as a destination bar that will offer a dynamic nightlife scene. In addition to 250 stylish guestrooms and suites, W Los Angeles Downtown will feature a 5,000 square foot spa with eight treatment rooms; a 2,500 square foot outdoor WET pool deck with poolside bar and grill; W Hotels the Store; and 15,300 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space.

Located at the corner of St. Figueroa and 11th Street, W Los Angeles Downtown will be constructed during the first phase of the larger development project. When completed, the development will feature a total of three towers including W Los Angeles Downtown, approximately 650 unbranded residential condominium units, up to 80,000 square feet of premium retail and restaurant space, which will add to the vibrant Downtown entertainment district. The hotel will be situated directly across from L.A. LIVE, which boasts the Microsoft Theatre, Club Microsoft, ESPN Zone, and a variety of upscale shops and destination restaurants. The hotel will also face the Los Angeles Convention Center and Staples Center, the city's top sports venue, and will be within easy reach of the city's financial center, fashion district and Los Angeles Airport (LAX).

"Los Angeles is one of the world's leading tourist destinations and an important gateway market for travelers arriving from China and other East Asian countries, and we are excited to introduce a new W into this dynamic part of the city," said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "We are experiencing strong demand for W Hotels in key metropolitan markets across the globe due to the outstanding success of the legendary industry innovator."

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.