The 1,195-room iconic hotel is located on Union Square in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The hotel features 45 luxury suites, 50,000 square feet of meeting space, 39,000 square feet of retail space with a significant presence on Union Square, a 4,600 square foot health club and spa, and four premium food and beverage outlets. Westin, an affiliate of Starwood, will continue to manage the property subsequent to the closing of the acquisition.

The company forecasts that the property will contribute between $19.0 million and $21.0 million of EBITDA in the last seven months of 2006 and between $32.0 million and $34.0 million in the first twelve months of ownership.

Laurence Geller, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, commented, "San Francisco has lagged the broader market recovery and is poised for significant and sustainable growth. The St. Francis enjoys the city's premier location as the only hotel facing Union Square, the center of San Francisco's finest retail outlets and tourism market. Significant value-added opportunities exist through the conversion and realignment of the retailing space, guestrooms and public areas to capitalize on the hotel's scale, location and existing facilities. This transaction represents a continuation of the strong relationship we have enjoyed with Blackstone over the past decade."

About the Company
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT), which owns and asset manages high-end hotels and resorts. The company has ownership interests in 18 properties with an aggregate of 8,480 rooms. 

This press release contains forward-looking statements about Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the "Company"). Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements subject to certain risks and uncertainties. 

Source: Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
http://www.strategichotels.com