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Vermont's Iconic Resort Proudly Becomes The Equinox, A Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa

New York, NY – August 18, 2008 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the introduction of The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village to The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 69 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. Owned by HEI Hotels & Resorts, the iconic 195-room resort, which has served as one of the country’s most historically significant destinations since 1769, recently underwent a $20 million restoration that includes new luxury amenities, accommodations, restaurants and cocktail lounges. The sophisticated transformation is a blend of indigenous New England charm and contemporary luxury that will uphold the resort’s legacy as a classic American destination.

“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world's most enriching and desirable destinations, where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Phil McAveety, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its distinct American heritage, pristine natural surrounding and indigenous New England offerings, The Equinox adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection's glittering ensemble.”

Historically a meeting place for the fathers of the American Revolution, The Equinox has hosted American presidents including Taft, Grant, Harrison and Teddy Roosevelt among other innumerable noted historical figures. Renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield, hailed by Architectural Digest as the “Dean of American Design,” paid homage to the centuries-old history and natural beauty of the resort’s pristine surroundings when approaching the redesign of this legendary resort. Bradfield created a daring, graceful and opulent new look for The Equinox, inspired by the whimsical designs of 20^th century Swiss sculptor, Diego Giacometti, who is most recognized for his furnishings and fixtures work featured in the legendary Picasso Museum in Paris, France.

The restored accommodations at The Equinox feature classic high ceilings, a muted color palette of slate blue, chocolate brown and beige and are accented with custom-made, hand-carved wardrobes. One wall of each guest room features a large black and white photograph of The Equinox in the early 1900’s. Custom-made beds, marble vanities, dramatic floor length drapery and plush leather armchairs add the finishing touches in the resort’s new deluxe accommodations. Additional accommodations include the Orvis Inn, the elegantly restored former home of Orvis founder Charles Orvis, the recently acquired 1811 House, the former summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s granddaughter and the Townhouses, perfect for extended stay accommodations.

Designed to reflect a refined hunter’s lodge, Chop House further establishes the resort as a preeminent dining destination in Vermont. Chop House joins the resort’s current trio of restaurants including The Dormy Grill, The Marsh Tavern and the Colonnade. The new lobby, with roundabout-sofa seating and adjacent outdoor deck with fire pits, is the new social hub of the resort. The lobby’s Falcon Bar offers an extensive collection of single malt scotches and a comprehensive wine list, as well as a menu of locally-sourced chocolate from New England’s Knipschildt chocolatier and a selection of the finest Vermont cheeses. The Equinox also boasts over 18,000 square feet of flexible, state-of-the-art meeting and special event space. The landmark resort’s lush outdoor gardens are the ideal romantic setting for a New England destination wedding.

The Equinox offers guests a variety of distinguished adventure sport options in a picturesque setting, including programs sponsored by the British School of Falconry, Orvis Fly Fishing and The Land Rover Driving Experience School. The Golf Club at The Equinox, managed by Troon Golf, is widely recognized as one of America’s best golf courses. Originally built in 1927 by Walter Travis and restored in 1992 by Rees Jones, the 18-hole championship-quality course delivers a challenging game of golf in the shadows of the Green and Taconic Mountains.

Continuing to deliver unique and authentic experiences that capture the natural energy and healing atmosphere of the area, The Spa at The Equinox offers guests the chance to awaken the senses and reconnect with nature.  The Spa offers a variety of treatments that incorporate indigenous products to the surrounding Vermont region, including maple sugar, wildflowers and mineral clay. The 13,000 square foot full-service resort spa reflects the pristine beauty of Vermont in both its choice of treatments and in its nature-inspired interiors.

The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa Resort, Manchester Village is located at 3567 Main Street Route 7A in Manchester Village, VT, a four-hour drive of New York and Boston.  For more information on The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

About The Equinox, A Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village
Located in Manchester Village, Vermont, The Equinox has served as one of the country’s most historically significant and luxurious destinations since 1769. The 195-room resort, including the Orvis Inn and the 1811 House, is a luxurious year-round destination nestled on 1,300 acres of pristine countryside within a four-hour drive of New York and Boston. The British School of Falconry, Orvis Fly Fishing, off-road driving at The Land Rover Driving Experience School and Archery are among some of the unique activities available at the resort. The Golf Club at Equinox, an 18-hole championship-quality course designed by Walter Travis and Rees Jones, is widely recognized as one of America’s best golf courses. There are five elegant restaurants on property including the new Chop House and Falcon Bar. The Spa at The Equinox, a 13,000 square-foot full-service resort spa, encourages guests to awaken their spirit and reconnect with nature. In 2008, The Equinox underwent a $20 million renovation overseen by renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield. For more information please visit www.equinoxresort.com or call 1-800-362-4747.

About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 69 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world. Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.