WHITE PLAINS, NY – November 1, 2007 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) is rapidly expanding its presence in South America,
announcing plans to open three new properties in Peru. In a franchise agreement
with Inmobiliaria Inversiones Nacionales de Turismo S.A., Starwood will open
its first Westin hotel in South America in Lima, Peru as well as two Luxury
Collection properties – one in Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire,
and the other in the sacred valley of Urubamba, near the Inca trail to Machu
Picchu.
“Teeming with archaeological treasures and natural wonders, Peru is one
of the world’s most intriguing tourist destinations and an ideal location for
the expansion of Starwood’s renowned Westin and Luxury Collection
brands,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Latin America. “As the first Westin Hotel in South America, The Westin
Libertador Lima Hotel will refresh and renew visitors to this eclectic, capital
city. Meanwhile, the new Luxury Collection hotels in Cusco and Urubamba will
provide guests with a magical setting enhanced by exceptional service and
indigenous design touches, as well as proximity to Machu Picchu, one of the
seven wonders of the world.”
New Luxury Collection Hotels in Cusco and Urubamba
The Luxury Collection is opening two unique properties in Peru, both within
close proximity of world-famous Inca ruins. Both spectacular properties will
seamlessly integrate local customs, culture and natural influences into the
guest experience, while fulfilling every guest need with an extraordinarily
high level of service.
Palacio del Inca Libertador Luxury Collection Hotel will open in Cusco, the
mythical capital of the sun-worshipping Inca Empire where past and present come
together. The magnificent property will undergo significant renovations prior
to its scheduled opening in 2009. Palacio del Inca Libertador Luxury Collection
Hotel will feature 192 rooms, including 14 suites, as well as two restaurants,
a spa and more than 1,900 square feet of meeting space. Today, Cusco is Peru’s
main tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are
eager to explore its world-famous Inca ruins and embark on adventure tours in
the most sacred body of water in the Inca Empire, Lake Titicaca.
The second Luxury Collection hotel will open in early 2010 in Urubamba, Peru, a
picturesque, small town located just one hour outside of Cusco. Valle Sagrado
Libertador Luxury Collection Hotel will be the first internationally branded
hotel to be built in the Sacred Valley of Urubamba, Peru. Surrounded by
dramatic landscapes, this unique hotel will offer 128 guestrooms and more than
4,200 square feet of meeting space. Urubamba is frequented by tourists on
their way to Machu Picchu, the most well-known symbol of the Inca Empire. Often
referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu was designated as a
World Heritage Site in 1983 when it was described as "an absolute
masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca
civilization.”
“We define The Luxury Collection by our guests and the experiences and services
they demand and expect. Nothing less than an exceptional level of
service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Ross
Klein, President of Starwood’s Luxury Brands Group. “We are thrilled to open
these two magnificent properties in Peru, a destination heralded for its
inspiring natural beauty, rich biodiversity and stunning archaeological sites.
This magical destination creates the perfect setting for our latest additions
to The Luxury Collection.”
Westin Libertador Lima Hotel
Westin Hotels & Resorts is making its debut in South America by opening its
first property in Lima, the capital city of Peru located on the country’s
western coast. The new-build hotel will be strategically located in San Isidro,
a high-end neighborhood at the heart of the city’s financial district.
Scheduled to open in early 2010, the new Westin will feature 311 guestrooms,
more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space, a lobby bar, two restaurants and
the Westin brand’s signature amenities and services including The Westin
Heavenly Bed.
“Westin is proud to make its debut in South America with this new property in
Lima, Peru, a city recognized for its spectacular colonial architecture,
high-quality museums, innovative cuisine and variety of entertainment,” said
Sue Brush, Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “By creating a
tranquil, sensory-rich environment for its guests, Westin offers an
incomparable retreat from the rigors of travel, while facilitating relaxation
and restoration of mind, body and spirit.”
Westin Libertador Lima Hotel will be Starwood’s second hotel in Lima, following
the renowned Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center. With these new
additions, Starwood will have more than 70 hotels in the region, including
several projects under development.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) is one of the leading
hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in
more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed
properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and
franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned
brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by
Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM and
ElementSM Hotels. 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.