Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel Continues the Brand's First-Mover Heritage as the First International Branded Hotel in the City

CHANGDE, CHINA – 1 September 2014 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel. Owned by Hunan Tianji Real Estate Co., Ltd, the opening marks the debut of the iconic Sheraton brand and the entry of the first international branded hotel in the historical and cultural city of Changde representing Starwood's aggressive growth strategy for the region. 

As the newest addition to the Sheraton brand's dynamic portfolio of over 60 properties in Greater China, the opening of Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel marks the iconic brand's growth as well as its expansion plans in China's key growth cities.

“We are very excited to partner with Hunan Tianji Real Estate Co., Ltd on Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel and to continue the Sheraton brand's heritage as the first international branded hotel in burgeoning urban locations,” said Qian Jin, President, Greater China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Local demand for the Sheraton brand is surging, driven by the region's robust economic growth and rapid infrastructure development, and our new hotel is well positioned to serve the increasingly refined hospitality needs in Hunan province.”

Described as the “land of idyllic beauty” by Jin Dynasty poet Tao Yuanming, Changde is located at the foot of the majestic Wuling Mountain in the northwest of the Hunan province in China and famed for its nearby scenic sights. With a long history of more than 2,200 years, the area's many attractions include the cultural relics of Chengtoushan, China's earliest and best preserved ancient city, Taohuayuan, Jiashan Temple, as well as the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wulingyuan Scenic Area where an award-winning motion picture was filmed.. Changde is also home to the Changde Poetry Wall – the world's longest poem-engraved wall with beautiful art and calligraphic inscriptions spanning more than three kilometers. Ideally located along the tranquil Baima Lake, the hotel is just 30 minutes away from Changde Taohuayuan Airport and five minutes away from a train and bus station.

“We firmly believe that with its strategic location and the strong Sheraton brand, Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel will become the gathering place not just in Changde, but also in the Hunan Province,” said Mr. Geoffrey Huang, General Manager of Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel.

Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel features 313 warm and inviting guest rooms and suites with panoramic views of Baima Lake and Changde City, all equipped with the brand's signature amenities and services including the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, designed to meet AAA's Five Diamond Award® criteria, a spacious work area with an ergonomic chair and High-Speed Internet Access. Set to open on September 30th, 2014, the Sheraton Club Lounge will  provide complimentary continental breakfast, evening Happy Hour, two hours' use of a meeting room and all-day snacks and drinks for guests who stay in Club rooms and suites. 

Sheraton Changde Wuling also offers three distinctive dining venues serving a range of world class cuisine. Feast, Sheraton's signature all-day dining concept indulges guests with both fresh and tasty buffet and a-la-carte options, YUE Chinese Restaurant offers traditional Chinese favorites with authentic Cantonese food, Hunan cuisine and local specialties, while Someplace Else serves a modern interpretation of classical pub favorites and American comfort food. Additionally, the comfortable Lobby Lounge provides refreshing cocktails, premium spirits and freshly brewed coffee.

At the heart of the lobby is the Link@SheratonTM experienced with Microsoft® – a relaxed space with complimentary wireless broadband where guests can socialize and connect with friends, both old and new, while enjoying a cup of coffee at Link@SheratonTM café. Additional facilities include a well-equipped gym offering the brand's revolutionary health and fitness program, Sheraton® Fitness, an indoor swimming pool, and a signature Shine Spa™.

With twelve meeting rooms totaling 2,500 square meters, Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel is the ideal venue for a memorable gathering. The 8.5m high ceiling and 990 square meters Grand Ballroom with a high-definition LED screen can host any type of meeting or event - from a pivotal sales conference to a spectacular wedding celebration beside the romantic Baima Lake for a once in a lifetime experience.

Special Opening Offer

Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel offers a special opening package starting from RMB 666 net for one night stay in a Deluxe Room, including buffet breakfast  for two and complimentary High-Speed Internet Access. SPG members will receive double Starpoints® as part of the package. In addition, SPG members will enjoy a 20% discount on food and beverage consumption at Feast, Someplace Else and Lobby Lounge.

For more information on Sheraton Changde Wuling Hotel, please visit sheraton.com/changdewuling

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About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Sheraton helps guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in nearly 70 countries around the world. The brand recently completed a $6 billion global revitalization and is now in the midst of an $8 billion global expansion over the next three years. Sheraton is owned by and is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with nearly 1,200 properties in 100 countries and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties.  Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands:  St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®.  The Company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates.  Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands.  For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Daryl Pan

SPECIALIST, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

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Punnee Bunma

MANAGER, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

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Alethea Lam

DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

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