Starwood to open Five new Hotels in Asia Pacific in 2004

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is to open five new hotels in Asia Pacific in 2004. These hotels constitute an additional 1,471 rooms to the Starwood portfolio in key and emerging business and resort destinations in the region.

The highlight of these openings includes the introduction of W Hotels to Asia, the award-winning new brand of business hotels, unlike anything else available, and the entry of Starwood's first Four Points by Sheraton property to mainland China.

"The sentiment is that the recovery of the travel and tourism industry is imminent. We are extremely pleased with the fast track new hotel development in Asia-Pacific that spans top business destinations from Seoul to Hanoi, and popular leisure spots like Pattaya in Thailand," says Miguel Ko, President, Asia-Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. "Our diverse portfolio of brands including The Luxury Collection, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton, Westin and W, are highly sought after for their delivery of quality and value to our stakeholders - owners, customers and associates. We currently manage 93 hotels and resorts in Asia-Pacific and are very excited with the growth opportunities that Asia-Pacific provide," added Ko.

In 2004, the Starwood portfolio will grow with the following openings:

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel (opening March 2004 - 299 rooms) 
Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort, China (opening March 2004 - 482 rooms) 
Four Points by Sheraton, Shenzhen, China (opening mid 2004 - 280 rooms) 
W Seoul, Walker Hill (opening mid 2004 - 253 rooms) 
Sheraton Pattaya Resort (opening December 2004 - 157 rooms)

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel - Vietnam

Situated on the picturesque shore of Hanoi's largest lake, the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel is 20 minutes from the airport and only 10 minutes from the city center. This prime position offers guests the peaceful solitude of the lush gardens, sweeping lawns and tranquil courtyards while having the convenience, bustle and excitement of downtown Hanoi only minutes away. The hotel features 299 rooms, 4 food and beverage outlets and 770 square meters of meeting and banquet facilities.

Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort - China

Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort, the first international upscale resort in the Jiuzhaigou destination, is situated in Northwestern Sichuan Plateau, with an elevation of 1,800 metres above sea level. It is nestled amongst the green mountains and blue waters of this unique World Heritage site. The Resort features 482 rooms, 6 food and beverages outlets, 400 square meters of meeting and banquet facilities and extensive recreational facilities including an indoor pool and a grand theatre for 500 people. Well-appointed and conveniently located, the Resort is the first choice for holiday-makers, business or conference guests.

Four Points by Sheraton, Shenzhen - China

The opening of Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen will mark the entry of the Four Points by Sheraton brand to China. This property is located in Fujian Free Trade Zone which is being developed as the economic and financial hub for Shenzhen. The hotel features 280 rooms including 20 suites, 4 food and beverage outlets and 1,800 square meters of meeting and banquet facilities.

W Seoul, Walkerhill - South Korea

W Hotels, the hottest brand in the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio, will mark its launch in Asia with the addition of a chic and stylish W property in Seoul. Located in the modern urban resort district of Walker Hill, the 253-room W Seoul will cater especially to the upwardly mobile professionals and upper end leisure travelers when it opens in mid 2004. Designed for beauty, constructed for comfort, W Seoul offers four room types that will wow guests: The Wonderful Room, with its dramatic red, black and white interiors; The Media Room, complete with a round bed, round red tub for two with upgraded technology and private projection screen; The Spa Room, with its soothing tones of gray and incredibly deep bath that sits at the windows edge. And the Scent Room, featuring a customised menu of aromas to enhance the visit and an outdoor terrace where guests can drink in the fresh mountain breeze.

Sheraton Pattaya Resort - Thailand

As Thailand's largest and one of its most popular beach destinations, Pattaya attracts visitors with its extensive sports facilities, daytrips, island tours, wildlife, and amusement parks, nightlife, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens. Sheraton Pattaya Resort will feature 157 rooms including 54 spacious deluxe rooms and 2 elegantly appointed villas. Each deluxe room measures 65 square meters in size with a 12 square meters sala-style balcony. The resort facilities will also include 3 food and beverage outlets and 425 square meters of meeting and banquet facilities.