February 08, 2016 – STAMFORD, Conn. – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced it will introduce its booming Four Points brand in Ethiopia with a new-build property developed by Alemgenet Trade & Industries PLC, an Ethiopian private liability company. Slated to open at the beginning of 2019, Four Points by Sheraton Addis Ababa, Meskel Square marks Starwood’s first new hotel in Ethiopia since the opening of the renowned Sheraton Addis Ababa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in 1998. Strategically located on the main arterial avenue leading to Bole International Airport, the hotel is a short walk from popular city landmark, Meskel Square, and a quick drive to the United Nations and African Union Headquarters.

“The entry of Four Points to Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, is a significant addition to our rapidly expanding portfolio in the region,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “As home to Africa’s largest airline, Addis Ababa is a key hotel market and an ideal city for a brand that serves the modern, everyday traveler.”

Mr. Alem Fitsum, Managing Director Alemgenet Trade & Industries PLC said, “We are very pleased to have reached this milestone, and we look forward to working with Starwood to provide our guests the comfort and authentic service they have come to expect from the Four Points brand."

Four Points Addis Ababa, Meskel Square will feature 450 stylish and contemporary guest rooms, including 44 suites and a Presidential Suite equipped with thoughtful touches that contribute to an unencumbered, comfortable stay. The hotel will also offer several food and beverage options including an all-day dining restaurant, a roof top specialty restaurant, a pool bar, and a lobby bar and lounge featuring the brand’s signature Best Brews™ program. Other hotel facilities will include a fitness center, an outdoor pool, an extensive Spa facility and over 2000 square meters of meeting and ballroom space. The hotel will feature all of the brand’s defining elements including Four Comfort Bed™, free bottled water in all rooms and suites, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and an energizing breakfast with fresh coffee that helps guests start and end the day right.

“The Four Points brand has the largest global pipeline in Starwood and accounted for almost 45 percent of all deals signed in the region last year,” said Neil George, Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa & Middle East. “With two Four Points Hotels currently operating in Africa and five more in the pipeline, the brand is enjoying great interest and traction with developers across the continent.”

Four Points has proven to be a global hit with its distinctive identity and ability to meet the increasing demands of the modern, everyday traveler. The brand recently announced it has crossed the 200th hotel milestone.