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Hawaii’s Iconic Hotel Proudly Re-Opens As The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

NEW YORK, NY – February 03, 2009 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the debut of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort to The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries. Owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP and recently renovated by hospitality designers WCIT Architecture in collaboration with interior design firm Philpotts and Associates, the 592-room resort features 35 suites including 18 oceanfront and six two-story exclusive suites, more than 66,000 square feet of beachfront space and world class signature restaurants and lounges, including the world famous Mai Tai bar and Waikiki’s only beachfront luau. 

“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations, offering guests unique, authentic and enriching experiences at spectacular destinations around the world,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its rich heritage, stunning design and spectacular location, The Royal Hawaiian adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection brand’s glittering portfolio.” 

"This is a very historic moment for The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort," said Ernest Nishizaki, executive vice president and chief operations officer for Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP, owners of the resort.  "The Royal Hawaiian closed only once before - in 1945 after WWII ended.    The legendary “Pink Palace of the Pacific” is a treasured part of our island’s both ancient and modern heritage.  We look forward to a new generation of guests falling in love with The Royal Hawaiian and Waikīkī.”

The redesigned accommodations at The Royal Hawaiian combine rich imported fabrics with indigenous materials and cultural artifacts to reflect the hotel’s rich heritage. Guests are welcomed into the resort with a traditional Hawaiian lei, chilled oshibori towel and fresh Hawaiian fruit cocktails along with other indigenous complementary refreshments.  The resort lobby has been enlivened by newly appointed Koa wood desks, classic Hawaiian artwork by Eugene Savage and brilliant tropical botanicals.  Boasting breathtaking panoramic ocean or Diamond Head views, guest rooms and suites are adorned with exquisite traditional Hawaiian furnishings and design elements and woven wicker with bamboo and rattan accents crafted by master artisans, creating a soothing yet luxurious setting for discerning global travelers. 

Dining at The Royal Hawaiian indulges the senses with a diverse menu of authentic and exceptional culinary options. The newly opened Azure Restaurant, an oceanfront, dinner-only space illuminated by candlelight and mother-of-pearl mosaics offers fresh fruits de mer, from ahi to onaga, including locally caught fish selected each morning at the famed Hawai‘i Fish Auction. Evoking memories of Hollywood’s timeless glamour, the Royal Hawaiian’s world-famous Mai Tai Bar has been completely restored to evoke memories of the innumerous iconic celebrities, jetsetters, and diplomats who have enjoyed the bar’s magnificent views of the ocean and Diamond Head.

For guests seeking an exclusive and romantic wedding destination, The Royal Hawaiian offers an exceptional wedding venue, unparalleled in setting and service. Guests can choose from a variety of ballrooms and suites totaling 12,000 square feet or more than 66,000 square feet of stunning outdoor event space set against the majestic Waikiki Beach backdrop.  The landmark Monarch Room offers an unforgettable wedding experience complete with an elevated stage for live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Diamond Head.

Offering unique and exceptional experiences, guests of the Royal Hawaiian enjoy private access to the resort’s private club, The Royal Beach Club. Staffed by the Royal Hawaiian’s signature Royal Ambassadors, the exclusive oasis features six, private beachfront cabanas complete with WiFi, refrigerators, individual sound systems and impeccable decor.  Developed in the early 20th Century, The Royal Hawaiian opened its doors as a luxury resort in 1927 and has played host to presidents, heads of states, aristocrats and celebrities.

The resort’s spectacular location, stunning ocean views, and unique design, together with the exceptional signature of The Luxury Collection services and discrete modern technology make The Royal Hawaiian a favorite destination in Waikiki for sophisticated global explorers. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific’s azure waters and Waikiki’s lush tropical landscape, the redesign merges the hotel’s distinctive Spanish Moorish design and signature coral pink palate with modern Hawaiian and Asian influences to create a contemporary luxury island paradise.  

The award-winning hotels and resorts that make up The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts are some of the world’s most iconic properties, including The Grande Bretagne, Athens; Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Elciego; Mystique, Santorni; Hotel Danieli, Venice; The U.S. Grant, San Diego, The Palace Hotel, San Francisco and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

For more information on The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, www.luxurycollection.com

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® 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 75 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.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 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^SM, 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.