White Plains, NY– May 7, 2009 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces that its rapidly expanding Four Points by Sheraton brand is in the final stages of a comprehensive, global rejuvenation campaign.  Taking a cue from sister brand, Sheraton, and its recent portfolio-wide revitalization, in the past fiveyears Starwood and its partners have invested more than $1 billion to reinvent Four Points by Sheraton resulting in a 70 percent turnover of the portfolio driven by major property renovations, conversions and new-build hotels.  This month, Four Points by Sheraton will also open its first prototype hotel in San Antonio, Texas, and launch its flagship vacation resort in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Boasting the largest pipeline in its history, Four Points by Sheraton is poised to open its 100^th hotel in North America while continuing to make a meaningful contribution to Starwood’s growth with plans to open more than 20 hotels in 2009.  The brand’s uncomplicated comfort positioning and “No Nickel and Diming” platform have proven to be highly successful in both established and emerging markets all over the world.   

“By actively reinventing the brand, we have dramatically improved quality and consistency, while continuing to serve as a major growth vehicle for Starwood both in North America and around the globe,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood.  “In today’s tough economic climate, our focus on doing the basics better is striking a chord with a growing number of travelers.  As we start to see travelers returning to the road, we’re ready to give them just what they want and need – a comfortable bed, a fresh, clean style and popular extras – all at a good, honest value.”

Four Points by Sheraton Launches New Prototype
Designed to facilitate the cost-effective and streamlined development of new Four Points by Sheraton hotels, the brand’s first prototype hotel opens in San Antonio, Texas this month.  The new prototype showcases the brand’s contemporary look, complemented by classic and comfortable interior design elements refreshed for today’s self-sufficient traveler.  Highlights include a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, an average of 1,100 square-feet of flexible meeting space, and premium food and beverage facilities, including a full breakfast and Seattle’s Best Coffee.  Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio will be the first of three prototype hotels to open in North America this year.

Four Points by Sheraton Debuts New Flagship Vacation Design
Also in May, Four Points by Sheraton will debut its flagship vacation resort property – Four Points by Sheraton Harbor Resort and Yacht Club in Punta Gorda, Florida.  The opening will mark the unveiling of the brand’s new Gateway Lifestyle design package.  Reminiscent of a lake house or breezy beach cottage, the new design features crisp white and honey-colored woods with blue and green accents and joins the brand’s existing City View and New Homestead interior design packages.

About Four Points by Sheraton
Four Points by Sheraton, with 135 properties in 22 countries, offers the self-sufficient traveler a new kind of style and comfort combined with a spirited "can-do" service – all at an honest value.  Four Points by Sheraton hotels are located in easy-to-reach areas – close to major airports, suburban centers, urban hot spots and resort and vacation destinations.  Four Points’ Simple Pleasures^SM program celebrates the little things in life that make a big difference in guests’ travel such as a great beer, a complimentary bottle of water, and a tasty treat at the end of a long day.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.  Starwood Hotels 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, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element ^SM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.