Press Release: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
October 2, 2000
WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces the Oct. 1, 2000 grand
opening of The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort, located on the world-famous Costa del Sol in Southern Spain. The 172-room,
$24.7 million luxury resort represents a joint venture between La Quinta Real Estate Group and Starwood (Westin's
parent company). To celebrate, the resort is offering a special opening rate of $115 (35% savings), valid through
Dec. 31, 2000*.
``By adding nine luxury hotels in April, The Westin Rotterdam in September and now this property, Westin has more
than tripled its European collection in the past year, enabling loyal Westin customers from all over the world
to find their preferred choice for lodging in all of Europe's important leisure and business destinations,'' remarked
Sue Brush, vice president of marketing for Westin Hotels & Resorts. ``With these additions Westin is the fastest
growing upscale brand on the continent,'' she continued.
Proudly positioned in Spain's ``Valley of Golf'', the resort features 27 holes of golf, three putting greens, a
driving range and an on-site golf academy. The hotel's three nine-hole courses are designed by Manuel Pinero, three
time world champion and winner of the Ryder Cup, together with golf champion Antonio Garrido. In addition to the
on-site golf facilities, there are also 29 additional golf courses in the Marbella area for a total of 50 along
the 62 mile stretch of the Costa del Sol.
Spread out over three acres, the 172-room resort also offers two swimming pools (one for children), poolside bar,
fitness center with sauna and massage and salon services, lounge with open fireplace and a three-meal a day restaurant
featuring al fresco garden dining. For groups, the resort offers a 3,800 sq. ft., state-of-the-art convention center
located adjacent to the hotel that can accommodate up to 335 guests.
Guest rooms are decorated in true Mediterranean style with terracotta tiles and wooden furniture. Each room features
private balcony, dataport for Internet access, Westin's signature Heavenly Bed(TM), in-room safe and air conditioning,
among other amenities.
Westin currently operates three hotels in Spain including such historic hotels as The Westin Palace, Madrid; Hotel
Alfonso XIII, A Westin Hotel, Seville; and Hotel Maria Cristina, A Westin Hotel, San Sebastian. Westin's European
collection also includes properties in Austria (Vienna), France (Versailles), Germany (Berlin and Dresden), Italy
(Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome), Malta, The Netherlands (Rotterdam) and the United Kingdom (Turnberry). Guests
of The Westin La Quinta Resort will enjoy added benefits unique to Westin. Service Express®, a ``one call does
it all'' concept exclusive to Westin properties allows guests to dial one number on their telephone to order room
service, call for a bellman or room attendant or have any other request filled. Additionally, Westin keeps in mind
the special needs of families traveling with children with its Westin Kids Club® program. The club includes
provisions for children's safety and security as well as conveniences designed to make overnight and dining experiences
more enjoyable for both parents and children.
Westin guests will also be able to earn their way toward free travel in Starwood's frequent guest program, Starwood
Preferred Guest. With more than 700 participating hotels and resorts in 80 countries, including 100 resorts around
the world, the program is the industry's most global and promises to be the best of the competition with a structure
focused on simplicity, flexibility in redemption options and inclusion of all of Starwood's brands including Sheraton,
St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W hotels and Four Points by Sheraton.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 115 hotels and resorts in 23 countries, is owned by Starwood Hotels
& Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more
than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally
renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including:
St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton and W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation
Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.
For reservations or more information please call 800-WESTIN-1, contact your travel counselor or visit http://www.westin.com.
SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.