Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. HOT and Amburaya Resorts Co. Ltd. announced an agreement appointing Starwood to manage the Sheraton Pattaya Resort in Thailand. Currently under construction, the 156-room resort is scheduled to open in October 2004 and is located in one of the country's most attractive beach areas. Starwood expanded its portfolio in Thailand significantly over the last year with the addition of Rayavadee, a Luxury Collection resort in Krabi; The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok and Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort.

"With its cultural attractions, great cuisine, beautiful beaches and warm, friendly people, Thailand is a top destination for business, leisure, conference and incentive delegates from around the world," said Miguel Ko, President, Asia-Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide, Inc. "Travelers can select from a range of fine Starwood properties in the capital city of Bangkok, northern resort city of Chiangmai, lush province of Krabi, resort haven of Phuket, and soon in Pattaya, one of Thailand's most popular beach destinations. We are honored to partner with Amburaya Resorts Co. Ltd. in establishing the Sheraton Pattaya Resort as a significant addition to our collection of resorts," added Ko.

Pattaya is located southeast of Bangkok, just ninety minutes drive from Bangkok International Airport. As Thailand's largest and one of its most popular beach destinations, Pattaya attracts families, leisure and corporate groups with its extensive sports facilities, daytrips, island tours, wildlife and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens, providing a variety of leisure attractions and entertainment.

The Sheraton Pattaya Resort is located strategically between Pattaya and Jomtien Beach, approximately 1.2 miles south of central Pattaya. The area reflects the tranquility of Pattaya with an easy access to the bustle of downtown. It is famous for its great selection of restaurants offering Thai and other cuisines, and is also well known as Thailand's number one windsurfing spot. Other water sports activities are also popular here because of the location's long and straight coastline with fewer boats anchored in the area.

The resort will feature 156 rooms including 54 spacious deluxe rooms and two elegantly appointed villas. Each deluxe room measures 700 square feet in size with a 129 square foot balcony. The resort facilities will also include three dining outlets, health club, kids club, extensive spa center with eighty treatment rooms, business center and retail center. The meeting and banquet rooms will encompass 4,575 square feet, suitable for small and intimate meetings or group activities.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 740 properties in more than 80 countries and 105,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor 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 www.starwood.com.

Mark Ricci
914/640-8496
Starwood