"We are thrilled to be working with Mid-America and to be managing The Westin Lombard, Yorktown Center," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "Lombard is located in a vibrant and energetic section of DuPage County, appealing to business, group and leisure travelers seeking Westin's distinctive renewal experience." 

"Westin is a progressive and innovative global brand that continually surpasses its guests' expectations," said Tom McGuigan, managing director of Mid-America Hotel Partners, LLC., the project's developer and asset manager. "The Westin brand is consistently rated as the finest in the upper-upscale segment of the industry serving as a perfect match with the Village of Lombard's vision for this property. This hotel will be a huge asset to the many corporate offices located in the Lombard area, such as Sara Lee and McDonald's Corporation, as well as a meetings destination." 

The L-shaped hotel tower will soar to 18 stories in height and offer private terraces for several suites. Westin's signature service and amenities will abound throughout the hotel, including the popular Heavenly Bed®, Heavenly Bath® in each guest room, the newly-introduced WestinWORKOUT® Powered by Reebok fitness center and WestinWORKOUT guest rooms. 

The Westin Lombard, Yorktown Center will cater to business and social clientele alike. Fully equipped with more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space and 15,000 square feet of pre-function space, this new facility will be capable of accommodating large conventions, exhibitions, corporate retreats, association social gatherings, weddings, exclusive celebrations, and private dining events. A distinctive element of the meeting space is a 20,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, the largest of its kind in the market. 

Harry Caray's Restaurant Group will operate a 10,000-square-foot Harry Caray's Restaurant, and its new restaurant concept, a 6,000-square-foot, Holy Mackerel! American Fish House in the Westin. Harry Caray's Restaurant, named for the late Hall of Fame baseball announcer, first opened in the heart of Chicago's River North in 1987 and is now one of the most nationally recognized restaurants in the Midwest. 

Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 121 hotels and resorts in 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
     Ellen Gallo
     914-640-8167