Element to Open First Hotel in Europe

Frankfurt, Germany - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) has signed an agreement with Bari Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG to open a new-build Element hotel at Gateway Gardens, Frankfurt`s new city district near the airport.

Scheduled to open in 2014, Element Frankfurt Airport marks the much-anticipated European debut of the trailblazing eco-wise brand. The hotel will be located in a newly developed business district at the doorstep of Europe's third busiest air travel hub, near the global headquarters of companies such as Lufthansa, Condor and DB Schenker.

Launched in 2008, Element has made history as the only major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for high-performance buildings. More than just a "green" hotel brand, however, Element is designed to provide the balance that business and leisure travelers need to thrive on the road.

"We are proud to partner with Bari Gruppe as we debut the first Element hotel in Europe," said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East.

"We see great opportunities to grow the Element brand in markets such as Germany, where there is a strong demand for affordable and innovative hotel brands. The signing of Element Frankfurt Airport underlines Starwood's continued commitment to expanding our portfolio globally and particularly in Europe."

Marco Bari, Bari Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG added, "This is the beginning of what we anticipate will be a long-term relationship with Starwood as we introduce Element Hotels to Europe and establish it as the continent's most eco- and guest-friendly extended-stay brand."

In keeping with the tenets of the Element brand, Element Frankfurt Airport's 133 light-filled studios and one-bedroom suites will be stylish, sustainable and designed for comfort.

Each will feature a fluid design of modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Bathrooms will be spa-inspired, with an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Rooms will also feature fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly� Bed.

Other brand signatures will include a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center - and a meeting room with modular furnishings, a flexible layout and state-of-the-art technology that can be customized to meet any business or social needs. In addition, Element Frankfurt Airport will offer a signature restaurant and espresso bar.

"In the years to come, we plan to expand Element throughout Europe with development partners, like Bari Gruppe, who are as committed as Starwood to innovation and sustainability in the hotel industry," said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operates 25 hotels and resorts throughout Germany under five of its nine distinct and compelling brands. Element Frankfurt Airport will be Starwood's fifth hotel in Frankfurt, joining Le M�ridien Parkhotel Frankfurt, The Westin Grand Frankfurt, Sheraton Frankfurt Congress Hotel and the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center.

Accessible, affordable and active, Element Hotels is made to order for guests in the know and on the go. Its bright, contemporary design defies convention, bathing guest rooms and public spaces in natural light. Stylish and sustainable throughout, Element offers comfort with a conscience and lots of signature amenities from complimentary healthy breakfast, RELAX evening reception and spacious fitness centers.

To date, there are Element hotels in 10 U.S. markets, with new domestic and international hotels in development.

Visit www.ElementHotels.com or connect on www.Facebook.com/ElementHotels