Thailand Welcomes Its First New International Deluxe Beach Resort of 2003 - Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort

Business Wire, Feb 3, 2003

Business Editors

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2003

Starwood's Sixth Property to Open in Thailand is Located on

Majestic Beachfront Property in Popular Resort Area of Krabi

Province

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announces the opening of the new Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort in the exotic province of Krabi, Thailand.

The 246-room five-star resort marks the newest landmark in the tranquil destination of Krabi.

"We are pleased to become a key component of this growing and beautiful destination of Krabi," stated Keith Bell, General Manager of Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort. "Sheraton has vast experience in operating some of the most successful resorts in the region. With the property's beachfront location that is surrounded by an incredible natural experience and superb facilities, Sheraton Krabi will be one of the most popular resorts in the region for families and leisure travelers seeking a relaxing getaway."

Krabi is a major province located just south of the world-famous Phang Nga Bay in southern Thailand. It is home to the incomparable Phi Phi Islands and offers some of the most spectacular scenery available anywhere in the world. In a region reputed for its world-class beaches, the beaches of Krabi stand second to none in terms of natural beauty. Krabi is famous for its beautiful cliff formation, a perfect getaway for rock climbing enthusiasts. The province is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, which showcases a picturesque tropical landscape, with palm-fringed beaches, lush forest, waterfalls and caves. Krabi can be reached by a 2-hour drive from Phuket Island four times per week with direct flights from Singapore or daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi International Airport.

Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort is located on a secluded 20-acre site of Khlong Moung Beach and enjoys a pristine white sand beach frontage that stretches approximately 1,640 feet. Khlong Moung is well known for its excellent year-round swimming conditions.

The resort features 246 guestrooms including 30 Club Floor rooms and six Executive Suites. The Superior and Deluxe rooms each measure approximately 516-square feet. The resort also features five dining outlets, a fitness center, an exclusive spa, tennis, non-motorized watersports, retail shop, kid's club and swimming pool. The Andaman Grande room looks out to the spectacular grounds and garden and is divisible into two smaller meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 people.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 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 resort. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com

For additional information, please contact: Lisa Halim Corporate Communications Manager, Asia Pacific Starwood Hotels & Resorts, 65-335-4803 (tel), Lisa.Halim@starwoodhotels.com

Editor's note: JOURNALISTS - PLEASE NOTE: JOIN STARWOOD'S PRESS RELEASE ALERT SERVICE TO RECEIVE STARWOOD COMPANY NEWS AND INFORMATION

To become a member, simply access the Starwood website, at www.starwood.com .

Once you reach the home page, simply click on "Company News", enter your e-mail address, and click "Subscribe."