The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Ukraine with Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Odessa

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announced that Hotel Bristol in Odessa, Ukraine will join The Luxury Collection® portfolio. Jointly owned by L.A.R.K. LLC (Vertex Hotel Group TM) and Bristol-Krasnaya LLC, Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Odessawill mark the brand's entry into Ukraine when it opens early next year. This addition to Starwood's Luxury Collection portfolio reinforces the brand's rapid global expansion as it remains on track to surpass 100 hotels in the next five years.

"The Luxury Collection brand offers a blend of indigenous travel experiences and unparalleled service that appeals to today's affluent travellers, and this addition to our luxury portfolio reinforces our commitment to growing in Eastern Europe with a strong focus on conversions"

"We are delighted to partner with L.A.R.K. and Bristol-Krasnaya as we introduce The Luxury Collection brand into an emerging destination such as Ukraine, further strengthening Starwood's position as the world's leader in luxury hospitality," commented Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. "The addition of Hotel Bristol to The Luxury Collection brand portfolio allows us to provide global explorers with authentic travel experiences and exceptional service in Odessa, a popular, charming and historic seaside destination."

"We are delighted to establish a long-term relationship with Starwood Hotels and Resorts with the signing of the management contract for Hotel Bristol and the hotel's inclusion in The Luxury Collection portfolio," commented Iryna Pshenna, General Director, L.A.R.K. LLC (Vertex Hotel Group TM). "We are sure that by cooperating with such a reliable and highly experienced partner, we will succeed in playing a leading role in Odessa and Ukrainian's luxury market segment. I believe that our management company Vertex Hotel Group and Starwood will accomplish our common objective to develop the travel industry in Ukraine."

Built in 1898 and designed by Alexander Bernardazzi and Adolf Minkus, the majestic 112-room Hotel Bristol is a masterful showcase of renaissance and baroque architectural styles, as well as the accommodation of choice for illustrious guests visiting the city by the Black Sea. A celebrated landmark and the only luxury hotel in the historic city centre, Hotel Bristol is situated on the famous sycamore-lined cobblestone Pushkinskaya Street, across from Odessa's Philharmonic Theatre. Following the renovation, Hotel Bristol will feature a signature restaurant and a destination bar, as well as almost 10.000 square feet of event and meeting space for special celebrations and business functions. The hotel will also offer leisure facilities, including an indoor pool, spa and fitness centre.

Odessa is the fifth largest city in Ukraine and is renowned for its seaport which handles the majority of the country's export trade. The city is also a popular summer destination, attracting approximately one million visitors a year who flock to its fine sandy beaches.

Starwood Strengthens Luxury Position

The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 85 of the finest hotels and resorts around the world, spanning 30 countries, offering the brand's signature concierge service, lavish amenities and indigenous cultural experiences. In the last five years, Starwood has doubled its luxury room count to meet growing global demand. With more than 160 hotels operating under the St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection and W® hotel brands, Starwood has the leading portfolio of luxury hotels in the industry.

"The Luxury Collection brand offers a blend of indigenous travel experiences and unparalleled service that appeals to today's affluent travellers, and this addition to our luxury portfolio reinforces our commitment to growing in Eastern Europe with a strong focus on conversions," says Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. "By joining The Luxury Collection, Hotel Bristol, Odessa will be able to continue delivering authentic experiences and an exceptional level of service to its guests while tapping into the power and breadth of the Starwood network."

Hotel Bristol, Odessa will be the second Starwood hotel in Ukraine after Four Points by Sheraton Zaporozhye, which opened in 2011, and will be followed by the debut of Sheraton Kiev Olympiysky Hotel in the capital later next year.

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection® is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent decor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 85 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel's distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com

About L.A.R.K. LLC (Vertex Hotel Group TM)
Vertex Hotel Group is a managing company with key assets including Business Hotel - President Hotel Kiev, Londonskaya Vintage Hotel Odessa, and the state-of-art Wellness-Spa Centre Formula Оdessa. Vertex Hotel Group provides entire lifestyle experience that is integrated into the brand's sensibility through spacious accommodation, contemporary restaurant concepts, stylish conference venues and signature spa. Vertex Hotel Group owns three hotels in the most vibrant cities in Ukraine with three years of success and remarkable experience in Ukraine's hospitality market.