QINGDAO, CHINA - JULY 2016 – Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announced the opening of Le Méridien Qingdao West Coast Resort in Qingdao, Shandong province. Located on the longest stretch of beach at Lingshan Bay of west Qingdao, the new hotel marks the second Le Méridien property in the hilly port city, which has long served as a regional hub for tourism and commerce. With expansive views of the Yellow Sea, the beachfront resort is prominently situated in an emerging commercial and business district as well as the prime residential area of Huangdao.

“We are thrilled to unveil Qingdao as a vibrant resort destination,” said Wolfgang Boettcher, Vice President, Operations, North China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Qingdao West Coast showcases a great example of a China eastern leisure destination, a port that emerges as a regional economic powerhouse whilst maintaining its natural beauty. Le Méridien Qingdao West Coast Resort reflects a compelling juxtaposition of nature and cultural elements with contemporary art and design, bringing the local environment to life with carefully curated experiences.”

Le Méridien Qingdao West Coast Resort joins a growing portfolio of nine successful Le Méridien hotels across Greater China. The brand is on track to add more than 15 Le Méridien hotels in China's gateway cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenyang, Leshan, Xiamen and more.

Qingdao Unlocked

Surrounded by the Yellow Sea, Qingdao offers travellers a charming seaside escape. The city is internationally renowned for its beer brewing industry, including the production facilities of Tsingtao Brewery Company and international festivals such as the International Beer Festival and the International Sea Festival.

Accessed by the Northern Outer Main Road, Le Méridien Qingdao West Coast Resort is just 62 kilometres away from Liuting International Airport, or 1 hour 10 minutes by car. It is 16 kilometres from the city's main commercial and business district, meanwhile nestled in a community planned as Shandong's future entertainment and leisure destination.

The hotel also offers easy access to the area's top attractions, including the gorgeous Ling Shan Bay with its soft, golden sand; the majestic Mt. Lao Shan, a significant Taoist sight famed for its marvellous mountain scenery and coastal landscape; the 440-meter-long Zhan Qiao Pier, the symbol of Qingdao; and the scenic Badaguan (Eight Passes) area. Featuring eight streets named after the eight famous passes of the Great Wall of China, Badaguan houses more than 200 charming and historic homes, representing diverse styles that reflect Qingdao's unique mix of Eastern culture and European architecture.

Stylish, Contemporary Comforts

Le Méridien Qingdao West Coast Resort offers 218 stylish guestrooms and suites. Each room sports the signature Le Méridien bed, a balcony showcasing the gold sandy beaches and crystal blue water of the Yellow Sea. Additionally, the resort is equipped with a fitness centre, as well as an indoor swimming pool.

Le Méridien Qingdao West Coast Resort also features Le Méridien Hub, which reinterprets the traditional hotel lobby into a social gathering place and builds on the brand's award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture. Le Méridien Hub comprises signature elements from the Paris-born brand such as a 24-hour soundtrack curated by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague, a variety of delectable éclairs, exclusive illy coffee prepared by Master Baristas, and Sparkling cocktails inspired by Europe's aperitif hour by night.

For culinary experiences, guests can indulge in the resort's three distinctive venues, including Latest Recipe, an interactive all-day dining restaurant that offers an extensive selection of international cuisine and Le Méridien signature breakfast; Le Mei, an unique restaurant featuring authentic Chinese cuisine infused with a touch of contemporary flavours; and Latitude 35 transforming from day to night to offer fine coffee, fine wines from around the world, and imaginative cocktail creations.

The hotel also hosts stimulating meetings and timeless functions in its six versatile meeting rooms and nearly 2,900 square meters of contemporary function space, including an 880 square meter Grand Ballroom.

'Exclusive Moment' Opening Package

To celebrate the opening, the hotel is offering a special 'Exclusive Moment' opening package. Rates start from RMB 688 net for a nightly stay in Classic Room with breakfast for two persons, high-speed Internet access, and late check-out until 14:00hrs (subject to availability). SPG Members will also enjoy double Starpoints® upon booking this package.

For more information, please visit lemeridien.com/qingdaowestcoast.

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About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts

With more than 100 Hotels & Resorts worldwide and the strongest, most globally diverse portfolio in its history, the Paris-born Le Méridien brand connects the curious and creative-minded traveller to unexpected and engaging experiences within their destination. With its brand promise of “Destination Unlocked,” Le Méridien has transformed numerous guest touch points through global partnerships with creative minds such as illy, the LEGO® Group, Johnny Iuzzini, Gray Malin, and Nouvelle Vague. Plans call for dynamic portfolio expansion within the next five years in some of the world's most exciting destinations, concentrating on markets in Asia-Pacific and the Americas. For more information, please visit LeMéridien.com or follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.