Hawaii's Most Renowned Hotel Re-opens as The Royal Hawaiian

A Luxury Collection Resort Re-designed by Architect Robert Iopa and Interior Design Firm Philpotts

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. February 05, 2009

HONOLULU, HI, February 4, 2009 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced the debut of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort to The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries. Owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP and recently renovated by hospitality designers WCIT Architecture in collaboration with interior design firm Philpotts and Associates, the 592-room resort features 35 suites including 18 oceanfront and six two-story exclusive suites, more than 66,000 square feet of beachfront space and world class signature restaurants and lounges, including the world famous Mai Tai bar and Waikiki's only beachfront luau.

'The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations, offering guests unique, authentic and enriching experiences at spectacular destinations around the world,' said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. 'Celebrated for its rich heritage, stunning design and spectacular location, The Royal Hawaiian adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection brand's glittering portfolio.'

"This is a very historic moment for The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort," said Ernest Nishizaki, executive vice president and chief operations officer for Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP, owners of the resort. "The Royal Hawaiian closed only once before - in 1945 after WWII ended. The legendary 'Pink Palace of the Pacific' is a treasured part of our island's both ancient and modern heritage. We look forward to a new generation of guests falling in love with The Royal Hawaiian and Waikī,kī,.'

The redesigned accommodations at The Royal Hawaiian combine rich imported fabrics with indigenous materials and cultural artifacts to reflect the hotel's rich heritage. Guests are welcomed into the resort with a traditional Hawaiian lei, chilled oshibori towel and fresh Hawaiian fruit cocktails along with other indigenous complementary refreshments. The resort lobby has been enlivened by newly appointed Koa wood desks, classic Hawaiian artwork by Eugene Savage and brilliant tropical botanicals. Boasting breathtaking panoramic ocean or Diamond Head views, guest rooms and suites are adorned with exquisite traditional Hawaiian furnishings and design elements and woven wicker with bamboo and rattan accents crafted by master artisans, creating a soothing yet luxurious setting for discerning global travelers.

Dining at The Royal Hawaiian indulges the senses with a diverse menu of authentic and exceptional culinary options. The newly opened Azure Restaurant, an oceanfront, dinner-only space illuminated by candlelight and mother-of-pearl mosaics offers fresh fruits de mer, from ahi to onaga, including locally caught fish selected each morning at the famed Hawai'i Fish Auction. Evoking memories of Hollywood's timeless glamour, the Royal Hawaiian's world-famous Mai Tai Bar has been completely restored to evoke memories of the innumerous iconic celebrities, jetsetters, and diplomats who have enjoyed the bar's magnificent views of the ocean and Diamond Head.

For guests seeking an exclusive and romantic wedding destination, The Royal Hawaiian offers an exceptional wedding venue, unparalleled in setting and service. Guests can choose from a variety of ballrooms and suites totaling 12,000 square feet or more than 66,000 square feet of stunning outdoor event space set against the majestic Waikiki Beach backdrop. The landmark Monarch Room offers an unforgettable wedding experience complete with an elevated stage for live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Diamond Head.

Offering unique and exceptional experiences, guests of the Royal Hawaiian enjoy private access to the resort's private club, The Royal Beach Club. Staffed by the Royal Hawaiian's signature Royal Ambassadors, the exclusive oasis features six, private beachfront cabanas complete with WiFi, refrigerators, individual sound systems and impeccable decor. Developed in the early 20th Century, The Royal Hawaiian opened its doors as a luxury resort in 1927 and has played host to presidents, heads of states, aristocrats and celebrities.

The resort's spectacular location, stunning ocean views, and unique design, together with the exceptional signature of The Luxury Collection services and discrete modern technology make The Royal Hawaiian a favorite destination in Waikiki for sophisticated global explorers. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific's azure waters and Waikiki's lush tropical landscape, the redesign merges the hotel's distinctive Spanish Moorish design and signature coral pink palate with modern Hawaiian and Asian influences to create a contemporary luxury island paradise.

The award-winning hotels and resorts that make up The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts are some of the world's most iconic properties, including The Grande Bretagne, Athens, Hotel Marqu'es de Riscal, Elciego, Mystique, Santorni, Hotel Danieli, Venice, The U.S. Grant, San Diego, The Palace Hotel, San Francisco and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.