Starwood to Double Portfolio in Puerto Rico

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is to double its presence in Puerto Rico in the next year with the opening of the island’s first W and St. Regis hotels and its second Sheraton.

Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel – a full-service hotel and casino in San Juan – opens this November. Coming on its heels are the W Retreat and Spa-Vieques Island and The St. Regis Resort and Residences Bahia Beach, both scheduled to open in 2010.

“The temperate climate, strong infrastructure, and proximity to gateway cities in the United States, Mexico and South America make Puerto Rico an extremely attractive growth market for Starwood and our proven development partners,” said Paul Sacco, Senior Vice President of Development, North America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “As we work to further our lead as the world’s largest upper-upscale and luxury hotel company, and the leading innovator in the select service segment, we see significant long-term opportunity in this dynamic market.”

The three new Starwood properties will join Starwood’s three existing properties in Puerto Rico, namely the Sheraton Old San Juan, Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino and Four Points by Sheraton Resort & Casino at Palmas Del Mar.

Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel opens next month adjacent to the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan’s newest vibrant commercial and residential district. The new 503-room hotel will accommodate both business and leisure travelers and offer exceptional meeting facilities, a full-service casino and resort-like amenities, including a pool, spa and retail space.

Located on the island of Vieques, approximately eight miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, W Retreat and Spa-Vieques Island is scheduled to open in the spring of 2010. The first W property in the Caribbean and the brand’s second retreat property, W Retreat and Spa – Vieques will offer views of the Caribbean Sea, stylish guest rooms, world-class dining, a luxurious spa, flexible meeting and banquet space and two private beaches.

Opening in the fall of 2010, The St. Regis Bahia Resort and Residences will offer spectacular views of the sparkling sea to the north and the mountainous El Yunque National Rainforest to the south. The $172 million resort will feature 139 guest rooms and suites with ocean views, 25 Residences, St. Regis Butler Service, a Remède Spa, oceanfront swimming pools, 120-seat restaurant by renowned Chef Jean-Georges and a recently opened 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., marking the island’s foray into the five-star-luxury market with its inauguration.

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