STAMFORD, Conn-
April 4, 2012--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
(NYSE: HOT) today announced it will open its first dual-branded ski
resort complex in Changbaishan, China later this year. The Westin
Changbaishan and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort will open in August 2012,
adjacent to the slopes of Changbai Mountains, one of China’s leading
ski areas. The highly anticipated resort complex will lengthen
Starwood’s lead as the largest international luxury and upper upscale
hotel operator in China.
“We look forward to introducing both Westin and Sheraton to Changbai
Mountains with this spectacular, new 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,
Starwood’s Senior Vice President of Development for Asia Pacific.
“China is both our fastest growing global market and our richest source
of loyal travelers, and we expect that this dual-branded Starwood
resort development will resonate with Chinese travelers who stick with
the brands they know and love.”
The Westin and Sheraton 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 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 Westin Changbaishan Resort
Offering ski-in/ski-out access, The Westin Changbaishan Resort will
inspire well-being with breathtaking mountain views, world-class
dining, a Westin Kids Club, signature Heavenly® Spa and an indoor
swimming pool. All 257 guestrooms will be equipped with the
world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed featuring lush sheets, down
cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and
contours to the body for complete comfort. 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
access and an ergonomic work space will offer travelers convenience and
productivity in a tranquil setting.
Sheraton Changbaishan Resort
Sheraton Changbaishan Resort will offer 296 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 will feature
the Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft®– a social hub
where connections, whether face-to-face or webcam-to-webcam, take
place. All guest rooms will be equipped with an oversized work desk,
custom-designed ergonomic chair, high-speed Internet, LCD flat panel
television, MP3 docking station and the all-white Sheraton Sweet
Sleeper® bed, designed to meet AAA’s Five Diamond Award®
criteria. Additional amenities will include a full-service restaurant
and lounge, spa, indoor heated swimming pool, and fully equipped
fitness facility featuring the brand’s revolutionary new health and
fitness program, Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance™,
designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner Core
Performance.
Ideal for meetings of all sizes, as well as social functions and
weddings, the resort complex will offer more than 37,000 square feet of
state-of-the-art meeting space including a 13,362 square-foot ballroom
and a spacious pre-function space.
About Dalian Wanda Group
Dalian Wanda Group was founded in 1988 and operates in five major
industries including Commercial Properties, Luxury Hotels, Tourism
Investment, Cultural Industry, and Department Store Chain. The company
has assets of 31 billion dollars and an annual income of 17 billion
dollars, and pays 2.6 billion dollars in taxes. The company has already
opened 49 Wanda Plazas, 28 five-star hotels, 730 cinema screens, 40
department stores and 45 all inclusive karaoke centers throughout the
country. By 2015, the company aims to increase its assets to 48 billion
dollars and income to 32 billion dollars, and pays 4.8 billion dollars
in taxes, becoming a world-class enterprise.
About Starwood Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading
hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,090 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 Element
SM. 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
www.starwoodhotels.com.