Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of Element Basalt– Aspen. Located in Basalt, Colorado, the newly constructed Element hotel is close to two of the nation's most prestigious ski and mountain towns: Aspen and Snowmass Village and adjacent to two Gold Medal fly fishing rivers. Owned by Silverwest Hotels, LLC, Element Basalt – Aspenfeatures 113 light-filled rooms and an atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move.

"We are thrilled to introduce Element to the scenic Basalt – Aspen area, in close proximity to world-class skiing and outdoor recreation," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "On track to more than double its global portfolio in the next three years, Element offers travelers a bright, energizing environment, great design and everything they need for smart, sustainable living."

Element Basalt – Aspen is conveniently located within the new Willits Town Center, a sustainable mixed-use community in Roaring Fork Valley, less than 30 minutes to both Aspen and Snowmass Village. The new Element is a short stroll to the community's shops, restaurants, residences, offices and Whole Foods Marketand close to White River National Forest and several premium golf courses. The LEED-certified hotel is also close to the Rio Grande Trail, a 42-mile continuous multi-use trail completely protected from vehicular traffic, which runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, making it perfect for cyclists.

As the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue sustainable certifications, Element is recognized as an industry leader in the eco-space and offers travelers a fresh, reimagined interpretation of the traditional hotel experience with natural light, modern design, healthy options and eco-minded sensibilities. This reimagined experience is perfect for the traveler who is visiting for a few days or a few weeks. Guests can fuel their day with the healthy Rise breakfast and wind down with the Relax evening wine reception – both complimentary. Spacious studios and one-bedroom suites at Element Basalt –Aspen feature a fluid design of modular furniture, flat-screen LED televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Rooms also include fully equipped kitchens and the signature Heavenly® Bed, and spa-inspired bathrooms feature an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Staying on the move is easy with complimentary bikes to borrow, a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center, a saline pool and outdoor hot tub. The hotel also offers fast and free high-speed internet and a 626-square-foot meeting room with modular furnishings, a flexible layout and cutting-edge technology that can be customized to meet any business or social need.

"Starwood's popular Element brand is a great choice for this new development in Roaring Fork Valley, and we expect the new hotel to become a leading choice among travelers to the area," said Ed Mace, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silverwest Hotels. "Element Basalt – Aspen offers everything guests need for short or longer stays, as well as proximity to the Historic Town of Basalt and the area's ski resorts, cycling and hiking trails and fly fishing."

Element continues to experience incredible growth momentum. On the heels of opening its first hotel outside ofNorth America in Frankfurt, Germany, Element opened its first hotel in China this year to be followed by new hotels in London, Amsterdam, Boston and Philadelphia, signifying the global appeal of the brand.

About Silverwest Hotels

Silverwest Hotels, LLC, is a Denver-based investment and management company formed in 2013 by experienced hotel and resort executives Edward Mace and Charles Peck. Silverwest currently owns and manages a growing portfolio of hotels and developments in multiple Colorado destinations, the Big Island of Hawaii, San Antonio, Texas, and West Des Moines, Iowa. The company is a joint venture that brings Silverwest together with the institutional fund management platforms and expertise of Mariner Real Estate Management, LLC, and an affiliate of Global Endowment Management. Mariner, based in Kansas City, is a real estate private equity firm focused on opportunistic investments in the commercial real estate market. Global Endowment, based in Charlotte, N.C., is an independent investment manager offering an endowment-style investment program to institutional investors, family offices, individuals and other sophisticated investors. For more information, visit www.silverwesthotels.com

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels &

Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 1,300 properties in some 100 countries and approximately 188,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences under the renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®,Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®, along with an expanded partnership withDesign Hotels™. The company also boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®). Visit www.starwoodhotels.com for more information and stay connected @starwoodbuzz on Twitterand Instagram and facebook.com/Starwood.