MERRILLVILLE, Ind., April 13, 2011 -- White Lodging is pleased to announce that Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide recently named the company its Full Service Developer of the Year for North America. Deno Yiankes, White Lodging's President/CEO for Investment & Development, accepted the award at the Starwood Owner's Conference held recently in Dana Point, CA.

"This is a very prestigious recognition and directly related to the successful development and overall quality associated with our first Westin-brand development at The Domain in Austin, Texas," said Yiankes. "We are honored by this incredible recognition from Starwood and look forward to further expanding our relationship with the construction commencement of the 272 unit aloft Chicago City Center later this year." Additionally at this year's conference, the Westin was one of three nominees for Full Service New Build of the Year.

Highly regarded by the industry's leading brand organizations, the recent award marks the eighth time White Lodging has been recognized at Developer of the Year by leading hotel brands.  The company has also received the award from Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide.

"White Lodging has long been a valuable Starwood partner. They are a high quality and experienced hotel developer who embraces our vision and we look forward to working with them for many years to come," commented Paul Sacco, Senior Vice President, Development – North America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

"Our development and project management team prides itself in adding value for our owners, operators, guests and brand alike and this award is a direct result of their outstanding efforts, " Yiankes said. White Lodging also manages the Sheraton Bayfront in Erie, Pennsylvania, another Starwood Hotels & Resorts brand.

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development, and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to large-scale hotels across the country. Their current portfolio consists of over 155 hotels in 18 states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or call 219-472-2900.

SOURCE White Lodging Services Corporation