Starwood Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Ajman with the Luxury Collection Brand

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces its

debut in Ajman with the opening of Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this opening, Starwood expands its footprint in the UAE where it now operates 23 hotels and resorts, including three under The Luxury Collection brand.

"We are proud to celebrate the milestone opening of Ajman Saray, which marks Starwood's entry

into Ajman in the UAE," said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "As Ajman is emerging quickly as a luxury destination for business and leisure travellers, we are thrilled to introduce The Luxury Collection brand to the Emirate."

"Ajman Saray also marks the first of 10 Luxury Collection hotels opening around the world in the

next 12 months," continued Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis and W Hotels Worldwide. "As our portfolio grows and the nature of our guests becomes more global, it is exciting to offer our guests access to exceptional and indigenous experiences in both established markets likeDubai and emerging destinations like Ajman."

Idyllically situated along a natural stretch of pristine beach a short distance from Dubai and Sharjah

international airports, Ajman Saray features 205 guestrooms and suites with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. The exquisite Royal Suite, for instance,boasts an expansive private terrace with lofty sea views. Spanning 193 square metres, this presidential suite offers a luxurious living room with Arabian-inspired patterns, a separate bedroom, dining room, private study and a spa treatment room. Throughout the hotel, the refined palatial Arabian architecture and interior design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Emirate brought to life through Mashrabiya motifs and intricate Zellij tiles as well as lush courtyards, tranquil oases and cooling fountains.

Ajman Saray features five restaurants and lounges, each offering a distinct epicurean experience.

This includes Mejhana, a specialty restaurant focused on authentic Middle Eastern delicacies and Safi Restaurant & Bar, a contemporary seafood restaurant with views of the pool and gardens. Located at the heart of the resort, Al Shorfa provides an ideal space to mix and meet for breakfast while Escape, an equestrian-inspired lounge, is perfect for just that. Vista, the resort's all-day dining venue, serves Mediterranean cuisine with live cooking stations, while Bab Al Bahar beach bar and grill offers a relaxed ambiance with a DJ playing in the evenings.

An ideal destination for business travellers and families alike, Ajman Saray offers a range of leisure

and meeting facilities. The UAE's firstGOCO Spa provides the ultimate destination for relaxation and rejuvenation and features 17 treatment rooms across 1,250 square metres. Other leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and private white sandy beach, as well as a range of water sport activities, a fully-equipped fitness centre and a dedicated children's club. Spanning nearly 1,000 square metres, the meeting and event space includes six meeting rooms and an opulent ballroom, ideal for corporate events and opulent weddings.

Starwood in the Middle East
Starwood currently operates four Luxury

Collection properties in the Middle East, including Ajman Saray, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa,Grosvenor House in Dubai and Sheraton Kuwait. Starwood has a portfolio of nearly 50 hotels and resorts in the Middle East and has plans to further expand its footprint in the region with a pipeline of over 35 hotels due to open by 2017.

For more information on Ajman Saray, please visit .

About The Luxury Collection
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