STAMFORD, Conn.--Jul. 30, 2012-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of its first dual-branded ski resort complex in Changbaishan, China. Owned by Dalian Wanda Group, Sheraton Changbaishan Resort and The Westin Changbaishan Resort are adjacent to the slopes of the Changbai Mountains, one of China’s leading ski areas and famed resort destinations. The highly anticipated opening marks Starwood’s first ski resorts in Asia Pacific, and further lengthens the company’s footprint as the largest international luxury and upper upscale hotel operator in China where the company recently celebrated 103 hotels in operation, with another 100 hotels in the pipeline.

“We are proud to introduce the Sheraton and Westin brand to the Changbai Mountains with this spectacular, new year-round ski resort complex where guests will enjoy world-class amenities set against the backdrop of one of China’s most visually stunning mountain ranges,” said Stephen Ho, President, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The Sheraton and Westin resort complex is close to Yingfu Expressway and just six miles to Changbaishan Airport (NBS). Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the Changbai mountain range extends through several countries and is home to 200 animal and bird species. Guests will enjoy downhill skiing on trails surrounded by unspoiled pine forests, as well as ice skating and ice fishing.

The world-famous Changbai Mountains are known as one of the most beautiful areas in China. Endowed with rich natural resources and amazing scenery, the more than 494,000 acre nature reserve has been established to protect the Changbai Mountains’ natural environment and eco-system.

The resort complex offers more than 37,000 square feet of state-of-the-art function and meeting space, including a 13,362 square-foot ballroom, nine smaller meeting rooms, and a spacious pre-function area. Six innovative food and beverage venues, along with a professional catering and meeting team, are capable of organizing functions for all types of occasions.

Sheraton Changbaishan Resort
Sheraton Changbaishan Resort offers297 guest rooms and suites with mountain or ski views, as well as a Sheraton Club lounge and Sheraton Club rooms with upgraded amenities. The heart of the lobby features the Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft®– a social hub where connections seamlessly take place. All guest rooms are equipped with an oversized work desk, custom-designed ergonomic chair, high speed Internet, LCD flat panel television, iPhone/iPad docking station, and the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® bed, designed to meet AAA’s Five Diamond Award® criteria. Additional amenities include full service restaurants and lounge, and fully equipped fitness facilities featuring the brand’s revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance™.

With a burst of freshness, color and variety, the Sheraton brand’s signature restaurant Feast® provides an irresistible visual and culinary spread. The open kitchens serve up the freshest a la carte food, while the buffet displays encourage an interactive dining experience for the whole family to enjoy. A third restaurant, Yue®, offers traditional Chinese favorites, with an emphasis on Cantonese cuisine. Additionally, 13 private dining rooms are available for guests.

The Westin Changbaishan Resort
The Westin Changbaishan Resort inspires well being with expansive mountain views, world class dining, a Westin Kids Club, the signature Heavenly® Spa, and an indoor swimming pool. All 262 guestrooms are equipped with the world renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed, featuring lush sheets, down cushioning, and a patented pillow-top mattress, for a truly restorative sleep. Another industry first, the Heavenly® Bath creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe, and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high speed Internet and an ergonomic work space offers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting. Ski-in/ski-out access also allows guests to ski straight into the hotel lobby.

With an interactive cooking show on display, Seasonal Tastes is the hotel’s signature restaurant. Its international fare is inspired by color, freshness, and flair. Maru, the first Korean restaurant in Starwood branded hotels, spices things up with hearty, tantalizing cuisine.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,112 properties in 100 countries and territories with 154,000 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, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. 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 http://www.starwoodhotels.com.