STAMFORD, Conn. -- Hot on the heels of the opening of Aloft Sarasota, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that its Specialty Select brands are rapidly increasing their footprint in Florida with the addition of at least 9 hotels slated to open in the next three years. Starwood will reach 30 hotels in the state across its Aloft, Element and Four Points brands by 2019 year end, an increase of more than 40 percent. Aloft, Starwood's tech-forward incubator brand, is leading the charge with six new hotels poised to open; Four Points, offering stylish comfort for the everyday traveler, will add two more; and Element, Starwood's eco-innovation extended stay brand, will add at least one additional hotel. These openings will add depth to Starwood's Specialty Select portfolio in Miami and Coral Gables, while debuting in several new markets such as Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Aventura and Delray Beach.

"Florida is one the fastest growing markets in North America for Starwood's Specialty Select brands, propelled by strong demand for the distinct offerings of Aloft, Four Points and Element in dynamic destinations across the state," said Brian McGuinness, Global Brand Leader, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "By providing an unequivocal guest experience and a unique lifestyle experience, each of these stylish and affordable brands has cultivated a loyal following of travelers in Florida and across the globe."

In the past year, Starwood's Specialty Select brands surpassed well over 300 hotels worldwide, with Four Points continuing as Starwood's global pipeline driver. The success of the brand's positioning and emphasis on approachable design and stylish comfort, as well as its flexible development options, has won over travelers and hotel developers alike, in now more than 200 hotels worldwide. Aloft, which caters to the hyper-connected global traveler with its tech-forward mindset, innovative industry firsts (Botlr, Emoji Room Service, SPG Keyless, etc.) and live music at W XYZ® bar, continues its rapid worldwide growth after opening its 100th hotel in 2015. Promoting a life in balance with clean, modern design and eco offerings, Starwood's smart and stylish Element Hotels is on track to more than double its global portfolio in the next three years.

"We are experiencing rising demand for our specialty select brands in cities across Florida, and through North America, as travelers increasingly seek out affordable, stylish lodging with a distinctive personality," said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Aloft, Four Points and Element are all very well regarded amongst global travelers and each brand continues to generate strong interest among owners and developers."

Upcoming Openings in Florida Include:

Aloft Coral Gables - Opening January, 2017

Centrally located at 2524 LeJeune Road, Aloft Coral Gables will anchor a highly anticipated, mixed-use development that will include retail shops and an upscale restaurant. Minutes from Miami International Airport, the new Aloft Coral Gables is a short distance from major draws like the Port of Miami, Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, and the world-renowned South Beach. Just a block away from the historic Miracle Mile, guests will enjoy walking to a myriad of shopping, gallery, theater, and restaurant options. The hotel will offer 137 loft-like rooms and all the signature brand amenities including W XYZ® bar featuring live music by emerging artists and handcrafted cocktails, an outdoor Splash pool, 24-hour gym, 600 square feet of flexible meeting space, and fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel.

Aloft Miami Airport - Opening March, 2017

Aloft Miami Airport is an adaptive re-use project that will transform the Pan American Bank Building. Just minutes from the airport and top shopping destinations such as Port of Miami, Miami Free Trade Zone and Dolphin Mall, the 125-room hotel is also convenient to numerous corporations, Coconut Grove, the University of Miami and downtown Miami's best clubs and restaurants. Hotel amenities will include an outdoor pool, live music and handcrafted cocktails at W XYZ®bar, a 24-hour fitness center, 1,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel.

Aloft Aventura - Opening July, 2017

The 207-room Aloft Aventura Hotel will be conveniently located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale in a golf haven due with a vast selection of premium courses. Just minutes from South Beach, the community offers balmy weather, beautiful parks and easy access to Miami Seaquarium, Coral Gables, Hollywood Greyhound Track, and the Aventura Mall. The new hotel will be within minutes of both theMiami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and will offer 1,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, re:fuel by Aloft, a 24-hour gym, an outdoor Splash pool, W XYZ® bar featuring live music by emerging artists and handcrafted cocktails, and fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel.

Aloft Weston – Opening October 2017

Aloft Weston will boast an ideal location at the corner of I-75 and SW14th Street, close to the Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall, Cleveland Clinic Weston, BB&T Center, Sun Life Stadium and a choice of golf courses. In addition to 136 loft-like rooms, the new Aloft will offer 600 square feet of meeting space and all the brand essentials such as W XYZ® bar with live music performances and handcrafted cocktails, re:fuel at Aloft, a Splash pool and fast and free WiFi throughout the property.

Aloft Delray Beach - Opening 2018

Located in Delray Beach business district, the Aloft Delray Beach is within walking distance to numerous shops, restaurants, cafés and the beach. The four-story hotel will be part of a premium mixed use development which will include condominium units, ground floor retail space and a shared 160 space parking garage. The 120-room Aloft will feature fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel, 4,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, an outdoor Splash pool, a rooftop fitness center, the brand's signature re:fuel at Aloft and W XYZ®bar with live music performances and handcrafted cocktails.

Aloft Fort Lauderdale - Opening January, 2019

Aloft Fort Lauderdale will follow Element Fort Lauderdale, opening in 2017, as part of a dual-branded hotel complex. The new Aloft will provide 224 loft-like rooms and all the brand's signature amenities including re:fuel by Aloft – a one-stop grab & go food and beverage area, and W XYZ® bar, which will feature performances by local emerging artists and handcrafted cocktails. Shared amenities will include a large pool deck and fitness center, 1,500 square feet of meeting facilities and a 250-space parking deck. Fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel. Nearby attractions include Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, the shops and art galleries on Las Olas Boulevard, Broward Center for the Performing Arts and a choice of beaches.

Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown - Opening December, 2017

Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown will be joined by Aloft Fort Lauderdale Downtown (opening in 2019) as part of a dual-branded hotel development within a new upscale lifestyle center at the heart of the city's central business district. In addition to 150 smart, sustainable guest rooms and suites, the new Element will offer all the brand's signature amenities including complimentary bikes to borrow, the healthyRise breakfast and Relax evening reception, in addition to fast and free WiFi throughout the hotel. Shared amenities will include a large pool deck and fitness center, 12,100 square feet of meeting facilities and a 250-space parking deck. The hotel will be close to Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, the shops and art galleries on Las Olas Boulevard, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a choice of beaches and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port - Opening December, 2016

Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port will offer an unbeatable location just minutes from Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Port Everglades Cruise Port. The hotel will undergo a renovation and conversion project prior to opening as a Four Points and will feature 112 spacious guest rooms, 2,200 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, a restaurant and a fitness center. Guests will enjoy all of the brand's popular amenities including fast and free WiFi, complimentary bottled water, and a wide selection of craft and imported beer as part of the signature Best Brews™ program.

Four Points by Sheraton Miami Airport - Opening June, 2017

Located just one mile from the main terminal of Miami International Airport (MIA), Four Points Miami Airport will feature 124 spacious guest rooms, 1,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, a restaurant, an outdoor pool and fitness center. Guests will enjoy all of the brand's popular amenities including fast and free WiFi, complimentary bottled water, and a wide selection of craft and imported beer as part of the signature Best Brews™ program.

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.

Ashley Chapman
Global Public Relations, Aloft, Element & Four Points
212-380-4015
Starwood