International Growth and Conversion Opportunities Extend Starwood’s Luxury Leadership.
White Plains, NY – Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces today that its world-renowned The Luxury Collection brand has signed two new deals to open the brand’s first hotels in China. The Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is scheduled to open as a Luxury Collection Hotel in May 2010 after a $22 million renovation, and The Malus Sanya, a Luxury Collection Resort, a new-build resort set to open in late 2012. These new developments are illustrative of The Luxury Collection brand’s overall global growth that includes seven new deals and five hotel openings in 2009.
As evidenced by its two new deals in China, the brand’s growth is fueled by strength in Asia Pacific and a notable increase in conversion properties. In fact, of the seven deals for new Luxury Collection hotels, the majority are in Asia Pacific markets like China, India and Malaysia. And nearly half of the recently signed hotels are conversions.
“By working with the right partners on the right properties in the right places, The Luxury Collection has enjoyed steady and strategic international growth in key markets like China even amidst challenging times,” said Simon Turner, President, Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “In addition to new-build properties, Starwood is attracting a growing number of owners and developers who seek to rebrand existing properties as Luxury Collection hotels. By doing so, they maintain their independence while tapping into the power and breadth of the Starwood network, including our Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which drives business for owners and provides guests unprecedented access to the world’s finest luxury hotels.”
The Luxury Collection marked an important milestone in October of 2009 with the opening of ITC Royal Gardenia, a Luxury Collection hotel in Bengaluru, India, which is Starwood’s 150th hotel in Asia Pacific. Building on that success in Asia, The Luxury collection continues to grow in the region including the December 2009 re-branding of the iconic The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia, and in addition to the two recently signed Chinese hotels, The Luxury Collection will debut the Vana Belle Samui, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa on a secluded cove on the tropical Island of Koh Samui, Thailand.
“The Luxury Collection stands out in its category for delivering authentic, indigenous experiences and an exceptional level of service to its guests – a compelling combination for discerning global travelers,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “We are proud to serve as a portal to even more of the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations as we continue our global expedition.”
Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 70 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries across the globe including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Grand Bretagne, Athens; Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain; The Laguna Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills; Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.
The Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tianjin
Scheduled to debut in May 2010, following a $22 million (RMB 150 million) renovation, The Astor Hotel Tianjin features 152 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, approximately 1,000 square metres of meeting space, five world class restaurants and bars, an indoor swimming pool, and state-of-the-art fitness and business centres.
With a heritage extending more than 140 years, The Astor Hotel first opened in 1863 and is one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Classified as a National Important Historical Relics Protection Unit by the Chinese Government, The Astor Hotel is renowned as the preferred destination for foreign expatriates and local dignitaries. Since its opening, the hotel has gone through several restorations and expansion programs including the building of its second tower which was completed in the late 20th century. The Astor Hotel has played host to VIPS, Heads-of-State and International Diplomats including Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Madam Song Qingling, former United States President Herbert Hoover, the last Emperor Puyi and Empress Wan Rong.
The Astor Hotel is located in the central business district (CBD) of Tianjin at Tai’erzhuang Road, Heping District, facing the Haihe River and Green River and at the back of Victoria Park. It is also a 35 minute drive from the Tianjin International Airport. For more information please visit, www.luxurycollection.com/astor
The Malus, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya
Opening in the autumn of 2012, The Malus Sanya is part of the integrated Haitang Bay Beach Resort district spreading over a site area of 150 square kilometers with 40 kilometres of beachfront. Offering lush landscapes and breathtaking sea views, the resort will offer The Luxury Collection global explorers 160 luxury guest rooms and villas, approximately 300 square meters of meeting space; two signature restaurant and bars; a 24-hour business center; state-of-the-art health club and fitness center; signature spa; outdoor swimming pool; tennis courts; specialty shopping, and will share a recreational centre with the newly opened Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort.
With its tropical climate, crystalline water and endless azure skies, Hainan is celebrated as the “Hawaii of China,” offering guests the ideal destination for leisure and business retreats. The Malus, Sanya is situated on the southern part of Hainan and Haitang Bay, and is ideally located on the Island’s eastern coastal area.
Due to the growing influx of leisure travelers to Hainan, the region is currently constructing its third International Airport only 127 km from Haitang Bay in Boao, Qionghai City.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 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, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel’s distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest.
Picture: Carstino Delmonte/ Touristikpresse.net
