W Hotels to More Than Double Asia Presence Over Next Five Years

Starwood has unveiled plan to more than double its number of W Hotels in Asia by the end of 2018, offering nearly 20 W Hotels and Retreats in nine countries in the region.

More than half of the W brand's global pipeline is slated for Asia Pacific, including the first W Hotel in mainland China opening in Guangzhou later this month, followed by other China openings in Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, and Suzhou over the next five years. Additional W Hotels have also been confirmed in India, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The W brand first entered Asia in 2004 with the opening of W Seoul - Walkerhill. Since then, W Hotels has strengthened its presence in the region with eight hotels and retreats in seven countries, including properties in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Maldives, and Hong Kong.

W Hotels will open eleven new properties in the Asia Pacific region by 2018, including:

W Guangzhou Hotel & Residences - 31 March 2013 - Amid old Chinese opera stages, dim sum teahouses and curio shops, W Guangzhou is located in the heart of Pearl River New Town, a new upscale district featuring luxury shopping and world-class entertainment. W Guangzhou will offer 317 guestrooms and suites, seven restaurants and bars, an AWAY Spa, and SWEAT state-of-the-art fitness center.

W Beijing - Chang'an - 2014 - Steps from the Forbidden City, Silk Market and Tiananmen Square, W Beijing - Chang'an will feature 340 guestrooms and suites.

W Changsha - 2014 - W Changsha will offer travelers 330 guestrooms, a  signature indoor heated WET pool, SWEAT fitness center and AWAY Spa.

W Shanghai - The Bund - 2014 - Towering above one of the world's most stylish streets, W Shanghai - The Bund will feature the W brand's signature WET pool, 600 rooms designed in Shanghai style, and a spa for guests to escape the bustle of the city below.

W Retreat & Spa Goa - 2015 - Unwind by the sea in a tropical paradise lined by dramatic red cliffs, soft, pristine sands, coconut palms and scenic views of Goa. Located on Vagator beach on the north shore of Goa, the hotel will offer 105 guestrooms.

W Mumbai - 2015 - Overlooking soaring skyscrapers, the sea and the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and steps from ancient temples, chic boutiques and colorful bazaars, W Mumbai will capture and amplify the pulsating energy and ancient charm of this cosmopolitan capital. Each of the 325 guestrooms and suites will offer views of Mumbai's skyline and city. The hotel will also offer 25,833 square feet of meeting and event space.

W Noida - Delhi NCR - 2016 - Located in the modern Yamunotri complex, W Noida - Delhi NCR will feature 581 guestrooms, WET pool, AWAY Spa, and an elevated restaurant and bar.

W Jakarta - 2016 - Located in the heart of Jakarta's Central Business District, W Jakarta, will be the W brand's second hotel in Indonesia, featuring 300 guestrooms, WET outdoor pool, AWAY Spa, and a restaurant and bar offering.

W Kuala Lumpur - 2016 - In the heart of the Golden Triangle, where the city's hottest action unfolds, W Kuala Lumpur will offer travelers 150 rooms with views of the skyline.

W Delhi NCR - Gurgaon WTC - 2017 - Located in one of India's most up-and-coming commercial centers, W Delhi NCR -Gurgaon WTC will offer 225 guestrooms and suites.

W Suzhou - 2017 - Set among the scenic Jinji Lake and high-rises in the ultra-modern Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), the city's central business district, W Suzhou will consist of 366 rooms and 71 serviced apartments. The hotel will offer four unique food and beverage venues, including a signature interactive dining restaurant, innovative Chinese restaurant, specialty restaurant and bar, and Living Room lounge.