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From U.S. Phenomenon to Global Powerhouse, W Hotels Worldwide Continues Global Expansion with the Announcement of W Taipei

Located in Taipei's electric commercial, cultural and entertainment centre of Xinyi, the Ultra Stylish W Taipei will Open in December 2010, Increasing the W Portfolio in Asia Pacific

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., May 19 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced plans to open W Taipei hotel in late 2010, marking the debut of W Hotels Worldwide in Taiwan. Located in the buzzing Central Business District of Xinyi -- where iconic modern architecture intertwines with soulful Taiwanese cultural monuments and the world's third tallest building -- W Taipei will introduce the lifestyle hotel concept to one of Asia's hippest cities where Taiwan's music, fashion and entertainment industries converge. Perfectly situated in the centre of Taipei's business, financial, retail and entertainment hub, the hotel also caters to leisure seekers intent on insider access to the nearby nightlife spots which set the trends for the city's electric party set.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/05/19/20100519811209.jpg )

(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/200807290935.jpg )

Owned by Uni-President Development Corporation and Times Square International Hotel Corp, a leading conglomerate with Headquarters in Tainan, W Taipei will provide 405 stylishly designed rooms starting from 43 sqm including a 365 sqm Extreme Wow Suite, two contemporary restaurants, one destination bar, the signature W lounge, rooftop WET outdoor pool deck and poolside bar, SWEAT state-of-the-art fitness center, stylish retail store and a calendar of exclusive and exciting W Happenings that engage all that's now and next in the areas of design, fashion and music both locally and internationally.

Founded in 1998 in New York City, W Hotels continues to transform from a US phenomenon into a global powerhouse. W Taipei will be the W brand's seventh new property announced in the Asia Pacific region, following the openings of W Seoul, W Retreat & Spa Maldives, and W Hong Kong. With more than 10 years of proven success, W Hotels is on track to double its footprint to more than 50 hotels by 2011 in vibrant destinations around the world, from Paris to London; Downtown New York to Singapore; St. Petersburg to Guangzhou; and Koh Samui, to Bali.

"We are excited to bring the W lifestyle to Taipei's Xinyi district, another step in W's global expansion into the world's most exciting and vibrant destinations," said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Meridien. "W Taipei will offer a contemporary take on design, fashion and music in the heart of one of the city's most vibrant districts, bringing an innovative and distinctive experience to the hotel market in Taipei."

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is currently the largest international hotel operator in Taiwan, with four hotels in current operation and five new projects in the pipeline, including the W.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with Uni-President Development Corporation and Times Square International Hotel Corp on a project that will add a new element of excitement reflecting a modern lifestyle for both the business and leisure traveler in Taipei," remarked Miguel Ko, Asia Pacific President of Starwood. "As the clear leader in creating the contemporary lifestyle space, the W brand is rapidly expanding within Asia and will add to our growing portfolio of world-class brands in Taipei."

Designed by London-based G.A. Design International Ltd, W Taipei will serve as the ultimate city getaway, where a veritable "urban beach" flirts with the senses at every touchpoint and natural elements combine to complement modern digital accents. Committed to serving as the destination of choice for local tastemakers as well business travelers and global jetset, the uniquely appointed al-fresco leisure spaces and iconic poolside will celebrate the skyline of the Xinyi area, while more than 20,000 sqf of function space and stylish bars makes for a social scene to be seen by night.

Chairman of Prince Housing & Development Corp. and Times Square International Hotel Corp., Mr. Chuang Nan-Tien indicated, "We are delighted to introduce the W Hotel to the Taiwan market. Travelers will be able to experience an exciting and brand new concept of in-style stay with the W Taipei. In addition, the city of Taipei will gain an iconic new landmark to her skyline, and impress visitors after the whole project is completed."

In addition to the many exclusive indulgences at W Taipei, the hotel will offer a full-service WIRED business center open 24-hours, more than 2,800 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, and the brand's signature Whatever/Whenever(R) service promise, providing guests whatever they want - from the ultimate guide to Taipei street markets to midnight delivery of freshly steamed "xiao long bao" -- whenever they want it, (as long as it's legal)! Guest rooms and suites, including three Wow suites and one Extreme Wow suite, will feature the W Hotels signature bed with feather-top mattress, 350 thread-count cotton sheets and goose down comforter, creating the ultimate urban escape.

More than a hotel brand, W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented insider access to a world of "Wow" through contemporary cool design, fashion, nightlife, celebrities, and entertainment. W Hotels has forever changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts in the past 10 years, including: the transformation of the hotel lobby into the W Living Room experience; the introduction of the W brand's signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service as a vehicle to fulfill every guest's dreams; extension of the lifestyle experience into retail through W Hotels the Store; a sensorial multiplex experience with branded W CD compilations released each year; the reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar into the W "Munchie Box" to present the brand's lifestyle point of view; and the reinvention of the presidential suite into W's "Extreme Wow" and "Wow" suites.

About W Hotels Worldwide(R)

W Hotels is an innovative, contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 35 hotels and retreats in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of "Wow." Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around fashion, music and entertainment. W Hotels offers a holistic lifestyle experience that is integrated into the brand's sensibility through contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, stylish retail concepts and signature spas. With more than 10 years of proven success, W Hotels is on track to more than double its footprint by 2011. W Hotels and W Retreats have been announced for Athens, Downtown New York, London, Paris, St. Petersburg, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Bali, Koh Samui, Singapore and Verbier, among other international destinations. For more information, visit http://www.whotels.com .

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
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