Starwood Selects LodgeNet TV Services
TORONTO, OT, December 9, 2005.Starwood will use LodgeNet Entertainment as their sole preferred provider for interactive television services for its Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Westin brands
Those located in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will use their services. This portfolio of hotels currently includes 380 properties having approximately 134,000 rooms of which LodgeNet currently serves approximately 78,000 rooms.
The agreement embodies Starwood's desire to transition the four brands to a high-definition, interactive television platform that delivers a uniform content service offering, with each brand having its own unique look and feel.
LodgeNet will install its industry-leading sigNETure HDTV system, which will deliver high-definition broadcast, satellite and video-on-demand programming -- including high-definition video-on-demand entertainment and still-in-theaters movies -- along with extensive on-demand and linear content sourced or produced by Starwood.
"We chose LodgeNet because they have the most powerful and flexible platform in the industry, they truly understand our vision of creating an emotional connection with our guests, and most importantly, they can help us execute on that vision today," said Tom Conophy, Chief Technology Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
"Our brands are uniquely positioned to take advantage of all the exciting current and upcoming developments that are happening in the realm of digital entertainment. Additionally, our digital content delivery system extends Starwood's commitment to leveraging technology to best meet the needs of our increasingly sophisticated customers. Our research has shown that approximately 95 percent of our guests access TV when spending time in their room and more than half of them spend between 40 minutes to two hours watching TV."
"This decision reflects the bold vision and strategic thinking that has brought Starwood to its current industry leading position. We are extremely proud to extend and expand upon our very productive relationship with Starwood, giving its hotels a clear competitive advantage," said Scott C. Petersen, president and CEO of LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation.
"We are introducing tools that make the ultimate guest experience possible, delivering the broadest array of high-definition programming and expanding on our 'Make It Your Own' promise to our hotel clientele by giving Starwood unprecedented ability to interact with their guests through the television."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
