Starwood Hotels To Open Its First Dual-Branded Ski Resort Complex in China

　　Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. 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.