WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Feb. 1 / Grupo Plan and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. HOT have signed an agreement through which, effective today, Starwood will manage a group of hotels owned by Grupo Plan in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Pacific Coast of Mexico under Starwood's Luxury Collection brand.

This portfolio includes three historic Haciendas located in the area of Merida and Campeche that have been carefully restored and converted into luxurious, small hotels. The Haciendas have been featured recently in numerous publications, including Conde Nast Traveler. The wild, exotic landscapes of the northern Yucatan Peninsula lie in contrast to the sophistication and elegance of these charming, colonial hideaways. Additionally, the Haciendas offer the unique opportunity to experience the area's many natural wonders and Mayan sites in a rustic yet refined setting.

On the Pacific Coast between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo (commonly referred to as the "Gold Coast of Mexico" because of its breathtaking scenery), the portfolio includes two additional resorts, El Tamarindo and Careyes. Nestled among two thousand acres of lush, tropical jungle and facing the Pacific Ocean, El Tamarindo rises in harmony with its natural surroundings. Luxurious yet rustic, independent thatched-roof bungalows offer accommodations fit to please the most demanding guests. The resort also features a world-class eighteen-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and David Flemming. "Golf Odyssey" magazine recently rated this course a perfect twenty points (out of a possible twenty).

A luxurious, Mediterranean-style resort set on its own private bay, Careyes is a calm and tranquil resort that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from all of its rooms. A quiet cove, nestled between dramatic cliffs and tropical forest-covered hills, provides seclusion.

A capital program is currently underway to ensure that all of these hotels will provide the extraordinary quality and service that travelers all over the world have come to expect from The Luxury Collection.

The Luxury Collection is a branded sales and marketing organization that supports Starwood's luxury properties, including a selection of Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis and independent hotels. Since the Collection was launched in January of 1995, it has grown to become an elite group of 65 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in 25 countries. To sophisticated travelers worldwide, The Luxury Collection delivers the finest hotel experiences through their unparalleled attention to their guests' needs and preferences, their exceptional and distinctive properties and seamless integration of the customs, culture and environment of each property's locale.

"We are very excited about the addition of these unique hotels to Starwood's portfolio," said Osvaldo Librizzi, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Latin America Division. "These new properties coupled with the 11 Sheraton and Westin hotels currently operated in Mexico, allow us to offer our guests the broadest range of lodging options in Mexico – from urban business hotels to beach resorts and now to a boutique-style charm and luxury in destinations regarded as ecological and archeological wonderlands."

"One of our goals at Grupo Plan is to create options to bring back to Mexico the sophisticated traveler looking for a unique vacation experience," stated Luis Bosoms, Executive Director for Grupo Plan. "We are glad that we have joined forces with Starwood and The Luxury Collection in this venture to accomplish this task."

With this agreement, Grupo Plan and Starwood expand their alliance initiated during 2000 when they announced their venture to develop the W Mexico City, the first W Hotel in Latin America. W Mexico City, located in the heart of the Polanco area will open during 2002.

Details about the Haciendas:

"Hacienda San Jose" occupies what were once the quarters of a plantation house, now an exclusive full-service hotel strategically located close to the Yucatecan coast and the famous Chichen Itza archaeological site.

"Hacienda Temozon," a majestic residence located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, recreates the Belle Epoque of southeastern Mexico. The deluxe accommodations include elegant rooms within the main building, surrounded by spacious gardens, a spectacular swimming pool and a 17th century chapel.

"Hacienda Uayamon" shines like a colonial jewel and is a vivid reminder of the refinement and prosperity of past eras. Each of its luxurious rooms features a terrace and a private garden. The hotel generates an exclusive and tasteful ambience, complemented by its restaurant's regional and international specialties.

Grupo Plan:

Grupo Plan is a real estate development company with extensive experience in the Mexican tourism market. Grupo Plan's portfolio includes ownership interests in several hotels in Mexico, including a number of haciendas on the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as golf, resort and resort residential developments along Mexico's Pacific Coast. For more information, please visit Grupo Plan's website at .

Starwood:

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit us at www.starwoodhotels.com.

Starwood currently operates 33 hotels in 11 countries in Latin America, with 11 more under development, including 11 hotels operating and two under development in Mexico, and is present in practically every primary destination in the region.

Reservations may be made through the worldwide Luxury Collection Reservations offices, reachable toll-free in 34 countries (800-325-3589 in the U.S. or Canada). Corporate customers will have the benefit of The Luxury Collection's easily accessible global sales office; and travel agents may now book reservations using all of the latest technology, including direct connections to all global distribution systems. Reservations also may be made by visiting the worldwide web site www.luxurycollection.com.

Starwood is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.