Starwood expands Presence in Latin America with Three New Hotels in Peru

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in South America, with plans to open three new properties in Peru. In a franchise agreement with Inmobiliaria Inversiones Nacionales de Turismo S.A., Starwood will open its first Westin hotel in South America in Lima, Peru as well as two Luxury Collection properties - one in Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and the other in the sacred valley of Urubamba, near the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

Palacio del Inca Libertador Luxury Collection Hotel will open in Cusco, the mythical capital of the sun-worshipping Inca Empire where past and present come together. The property will undergo significant renovations prior to its scheduled opening in 2009. Palacio del Inca Libertador Luxury Collection Hotel will feature 192 rooms, including 14 suites, as well as two restaurants, a spa and more than 1,900 square feet of meeting space. Today, Cusco is Peru's main tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to explore its world-famous Inca ruins and embark on adventure tours in the most sacred body of water in  the Inca Empire, Lake Titicaca.

The second Luxury Collection hotel will open in early 2010 in Urubamba, Peru, a picturesque, small town located just one hour outside of Cusco. Valle Sagrado Libertador Luxury Collection Hotel will be one of the first internationally branded hotels to be built in the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, Peru. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, the hotel will offer 128 guestrooms and more than 4,200 square feet of meeting space. Urubamba is frequented by tourists on their way to Machu Picchu, the most well-known symbol of the Inca Empire. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983 when it was described as "an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization."

Westin Hotels & Resorts is making its debut in South America by opening its first property in Lima, the capital city of Peru located on the country's western coast. The new-build Westin Libertador Lima Hotel will be strategically located in San Isidro, a high-end neighborhood at the heart of the city's financial district. Scheduled to open in early 2010, the new Westin will feature 311 guestrooms, more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space, a lobby bar, two restaurants and the Westin brand's signature amenities and services including The Westin Heavenly Bed.

Westin Libertador Lima Hotel will be Starwood's second hotel in Lima, following the renowned Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center. With these new additions, Starwood will have more than 70 hotels in the region, including several projects under development.

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