Lady Vista, LLC and Starwood to Develop Aloft Columbia Downtown, Columbia, SC

Open in early 2016

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. October 20, 2014

STAMFORD, CT - October 20, 2014 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) today announced its rapidly expanding Aloft brand will soon debut in Columbia, South Carolina. Aloft Columbia Downtown is scheduled to open in January 2016 in The Vista, the city's recently revitalized epicenter for the arts, entertainment, shopping and dining. Owned by Lady Vista, LLC, and managed by Lexington Hospitality, the new Aloft hotel will feature 108 spacious, loft-like rooms, forward-thinking technology and a lively, social atmosphere.

"Aloft will energize the lodging market in Columbia, South Carolina and cater to the next generation of travelers with its emphasis on design and live music offerings at the W XYZ Bar," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "The popular Aloft brand is growing at a phenomenal pace and expects to reach the 100th hotel milestone next year."

Located at the corner of Lady and Lincoln Streets, Aloft Columbia Downtown will be part of a new mixed-use development in The Vista that will include 4,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Once a bustling cotton warehouse district and commercial railroad terminal, The Vista has been redeveloped into the city's premier arts and entertainment district, with more than 60 restaurants and bars, live entertainment including jazz and blues, numerous art galleries and specialty shops. Walking distance from the University of South Carolina, the new Aloft will also be close to Colonial Center Arena, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Publix Market and Columbia Museum of Art.

Hotel amenities at Aloft Columbia Downtown will include an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center and 800 square feet of flexible meeting space, ideal for both business meetings and social gatherings. Guests and area residents will also enjoy live music performances featuring emerging local artists at the hotel's W XYZ bar.

"Introducing Starwood's stylish Aloft brand to Columbia, South Carolina is a win-win situation for everyone involved. This market is long overdue for a sleek, modern hotel, and we expect the signature W XYZ Bar to emerge as a leading destination in The Vista," said Ajay Champaneri, VP, Lady Vista, LLC.

"Aloft is the perfect choice for Columbia, South Carolina's revitalized downtown arts and entertainment district," said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "The design-led Aloft brand has acquired an enthusiastic fan base and is rapidly gaining momentum in markets across North America."

The Aloft brand's innovative and exclusive initiatives set it apart. Aloft Hotels, the tech-forward, innovation hub for millennial-minded travelers, recently announced the appointment of A.L.O. as the hotel brand's first Botlr (robotic butler) at its Cupertino property. This forward thinking innovation makes Aloft the first major hotel brand to hire a robot for both front and back of house duties. Additionally, every Aloft Hotel around the world offers live, free access to local emerging artists as well as some of the hottest bands with Live at Aloft Hotels programming at the W XYZ® bars.

About Aloft Hotels

With 100 hotels open now and coming soon in 14 countries around the world, Starwood's Aloft brand delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the 'always on' next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com. Aloft, like all brands within Starwood's portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program, the industry's richest loyalty program. To learn more, please visit spg.com

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with nearly 1,200 properties in 100 countries, and 181,400 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood 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 Meridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. 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 also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About Lady Vista, LLC

Investment and development partners of Lady Vista, LLC based out of South Carolina have developed, manage and own several properties in Columbia, Lexington and Orangeburg, South Carolina. The principal officers in Lady Vista, LLC have selected a small team with extensive hospitality service, sales and technical experience, all of which will be invaluable to this venture. The company has a combined total of 25 plus years of hotel industry experience. Lady Vista, LLC has members that have experienced several projects from the design and construction phase to the operations of various franchised hotels. The mission of Lady Vista, LLC is to be committed in providing the premier lodging facilities with highest standards of accommodations, exceptional customer service and be the first choice of travelers in the Downtown Vista - Columbia, South Carolina Market. Lady Vista, LLC is dedicated in creating meaningful, enduring partnerships with its guest and franchisors based on performance, premier guest services, guest loyalty programs and trust. Lady Vista, LLC wants to be recognized as the leading hotel in the Greater Columbia Area.