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Westin Hotels Makes Debut in Austin, Texas

The newly constructed hotel has a prime location within The Domain, Austin's prestigious, upscale lifestyle center, just steps from a variety of upscale shops, restaurants and entertainment. Less than 15 minutes from downtown Austin, The Westin Austin at The Domain is convenient to the live music venues on Sixth Street, the lounges of the Warehouse District and top-rated University of Texas sporting events. Also nearby are the Arboretum mall, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a choice of premium golf courses and numerous corporations including Dell Computer, IBM and Apple.

"We are delighted to extend the Westin brand into the dynamic city of Austin, known for its thriving high-tech businesses and world-renowned live music scene," said Nancy London, Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. "The Westin Austin at The Domain delivers our signature blend of sophistication and rejuvenation, designed to send guests home feeling even better than when they arrived."

The soothing Westin Sensory Welcome creates a memorable first impression as guests enter the hotel, with its blend of signature white tea scent, music, botanicals and mood lighting. In their rooms, hotel guests will awaken their senses with the Westin Heavenly Bath experience and restore in the Heavenly Bed, a 10-layer ensemble of luxurious comfort featuring a pillow-top mattress set, a cozy down blanket, three crisp sheets, a comforter, duvet and five plush pillows. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.

An ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, The Westin Austin at The Domain offers nearly 17,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, catering and event planning services, and the latest in meeting technology. Additional facilities include Urban restaurant and lounge, a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT Gym, business center and heated outdoor pool.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 992 properties in nearly 100 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 Meridien, 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.

About White Lodging

Established in 1985 and headquartered in Merrillville, IN, White Lodging is a fully integrated developer, owner and manager of premium brand hotels--a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid-to large-scale hotels across the country. With over 20 years of expertise, White Lodging continues to break ground as one of the fastest growing independent hospitality companies in the country. Their managed portfolio of 150 hotels in seventeen states includes the following leading brands: Marriott; Hilton; Hyatt; Radisson Hotels; Intercontinental Hotel Group; and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. For more information about White Lodging, visit www.whitelodging.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Brad Minor, 914-640-3687
brad.minor@starwoodhotels.com