Starwood's Element Brand Promotes Balanced Lifestyle

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. August 31, 2009

WHITE PLAINS, NY, August 31, 2009 - Chlorine-free pool? Check. Bikes to borrow? Ready to ride. Organic on-site pantry? Fully stocked. Affordable? Starting rates under $150. Element Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.'s (NYSE:HOT) new eco-chic hotel brand, offers all this and more to help travelers maintain a healthy and active lifestyle on the road. Conceived with the eco- and health-conscious traveler in mind, Element promotes a well-balanced lifestyle through a number of programs.

"Every aspect of Element is designed to help guests be whole, healthy and active whether they are staying with us for a few days or a few weeks," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty-Select Brands for Starwood. "Time away from home shouldn't mean time away from life and by offering a variety of on-site fitness options, healthy food choices and an eco-chic, renewing environment, we're helping our guests feel their best."

Element Hotel's Smart, Urban-Inspired Design Built Green from the Ground Up

Inspired by Westin and influenced by outdoor living, Element Hotels' design reflects the philosophy behind "whole living" - clean, simple and balanced. From improved indoor air quality and the minimization of pollutants and chemicals to ample access to natural light, Element is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its hotels pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. This results in a cleaner, healthier place for both guests and associates and a more sustainable environment for the earth. Some of the key green features incorporated in to the deign, while providing a no-compromise guest experience, include low-flow fixtures and toilets; high-efficiency Energy Star kitchen appliances; compact fluorescent light bulbs; and artwork backings made from recycled tires.

Staying Active While on the Road

Element hotels offer a variety of complimentary, on-site fitness programs including Motion, a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center. With a wall of windows, Motion brings the outdoors in, and features Life Fitness cardio machines, strength training equipment and space for stretching. For those who prefer an invigorating morning swim, Element hotels feature natural saline pools which provide a healthier, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorinated pools. Guests are also encouraged to exercise outdoors with the use of complimentary bikes.

Smart, Healthy Food Options

Out with cheese danishes and donuts and in with low-fat breakfast wraps and fruit smoothies. Element hotels offer a complimentary daily Rise breakfast buffet to help guests maintain a wholesome, balanced lifestyle. A variety of nutritious options include the Element signature hot breakfast wraps and sandwiches, freshly baked breads, pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, yogurts, smoothies and cereals.

Move over mini-bar, hello pantry. Each Element hotel features Restore, an on-site organic pantry stocked with convenient pick-me-ups and healthy meals such as Amy's California Veggie Burgers, Rising Moon Organic Pasta Sauce and whole wheat organic spaghetti. Properties also offer complimentary shuttle service to local farmer's markets when possible. With fully equipped kitchens in all Element guestrooms and a communal outdoor grilling area, guests can prepare healthy meals rather than ordering calorie-laden, expensive take-out food.

About Element Hotels

Launched by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in 2008, Element delivers a no-compromise, eco-chic experience enhanced by comfortable and inspiring public spaces, modern touches and smart design. Element Hotels is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue the US Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

The Element brand's green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly, so guests never compromise on style and comfort. Eco-friendly materials are used whenever possible and natural light is maximized throughout the hotels. To reduce waste, guest room bathrooms are equipped with amenity dispensers, kitchens are supplied with silverware and glassware instead of plastic utensils and paper cups, and filtered drinking water is available rather than plastic water bottles. Recycling bins are available in guest rooms and public areas. Element hotels conserve water and energy with low-flow faucets and fixtures, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and energy-efficient appliances. Even the ubiquitous "Do Not Disturb" sign has been replaced with an environmentally-friendly magnet. For more information, please visit www.elementhotels.com.