Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Who We Are: History

As a relatively new company, Starwood may not yet be a household name. But chances are you have heard of our brands: Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels. We have been fortunate enough to inherit a rich history from our brands, and it is that history that sets us apart.

Starwood is able to combine the nimbleness and innovation of a new company and the tradition of time-tested brands. Because of this, in just a few short years, Starwood has grown into one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world!

Our History
1991
Barry Sternlicht forms Starwood Capital Partners in Chicago backed by high net worth families specializing in real estate acquisitions.

1993
Starwood Capital buys its first hotels, and by 1994 it owns interests in more than 30 properties.

1995
Starwood Capital acquires the debt of a distressed NYSE listed company called Hotel Investors Trust, "a paired share" REIT in which Barry saw potential. Starwood Capital took control of Hotel Investors and renamed it Starwood Lodging. Starwood stock rises 72.46% on the year!

1997
In September, Starwood Lodging announces an agreement to purchase Westin Hotels & Resorts for $1.8 billion. In October, Starwood Lodging announces an agreement to purchase ITT Sheraton Corporation for $14.3 billion, acting as a white knight against a hostile bid from Hilton. Starwood is set to become a global enterprise. Starwood stock ends the year up by 57.48%.

1998
In January, Starwood Lodging completes the acquisition of Westin Hotels & Resorts. With the completion of the purchase, Starwood Lodging is renamed Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In February, Starwood completes the acquisition of ITT Sheraton Corporation. Starwood's portfolio now includes more than 650 hotels and resorts in more than 70 countries worldwide. 

The first W Hotel opens in December in New York City. The W brand is designed to offer the personality and individuality of an independent, one-of-a-kind hotel, while guaranteeing the reliability and superior level of amenities and services that business travelers require. W features casually elegant guestrooms and a hip, urban style.

1999
Starwood acquires Vistana, Inc., a vacation ownership company, to establish an immediate presence in the growing vacation ownership market. It later becomes Starwood Vacation Ownership, one of the most profitable segments of the company.

Starwood launches Starwood Preferred Guest® to aggressively reward and recognize frequent travelers. The program makes headlines with its policy of no blackout dates and no capacity controls -- both industry firsts!

Westin introduces the Heavenly Bed®, featuring a pillow-top mattress, down comforter and luxurious, all white bed linens. It is an immediate success. 

The St. Regis brand, grows from one hotel in New York City to six hotels all named to Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold" list for 1999! 

Four Points by Sheraton opens its 100th hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton Santa Monica in California.

2001
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is named the World's Leading Hotel Group at the Eighth Annual World Travel Awards!

Starwood Preferred Guest is voted Program of the Year for the second consecutive year during the 13th Annual Freddie Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the travel industry.

Westin introduces the Heavenly Bath® in North American hotels, offering guests a temptation to leave the Heavenly Bed in the morning. Starwood introduces the Westin Heavenly Crib® and the Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Crib in North America.

2003
Starwood announces that its Sheraton, Westin, and W hotels will welcome dogs in the U.S. and Canada. As part of the Starwood LTD (Love That Dog) program, four-legged guests will receive luxurious dog beds and amenities like plush robes, doggie toys, and canine massages.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts introduces the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, featuring an 11.5 inch thick high coil count Sealy Posturepedic Plush Top mattress, down and allergy sensitive pillows, and crisp cotton sheets. This is the latest in a series of enhancements designed to elevate the brand to the top of the upscale hotel segment.

2004
Steve Heyer is named Chief Executive Officer of Starwood, to succeed company founder Barry Sternlicht, who assumes the role of Executive Chairman. Heyer brings a wealth of experience from his positions in advertising, media, communications, entertainment and consumer packaged goods.

2005
For the sixth year in a row, Starwood Preferred Guest is voted Program of the Year in both America and internationally during the 17th Annual Freddie Awards. Starwood Preferred Guest continues its success as one of the most well-respected programs in the industry.

Starwood announces its much-anticipated new brand in the select-service hotel category: aloft. Conceived by the team that created W Hotels, aloft will raise the bar in the select-service category, offering urban-inspired, loft-like guest rooms, enhanced technology services, landscaped outdoor spaces for socializing day and night, and an energetic lounge scene. Starwood anticipates the first hotels to break ground in early 2006 and open in early 2007, with 500 properties worldwide expected by 2012.

Today
Will you be a part of the next chapter of Starwood's history? To find out how your future might align with Starwood's, search for current job openings.