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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Launches Its First Application for BlackBerry Smartphones

The SPG(R) App for BlackBerrySmartphonesAllows Guests to Book Stays, Access Their Accounts, Check Reservations, Get Directions and More
Thursday 2 September 2010
Starwood Hotels & Resorts

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and its award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program announce the launch of the SPG Appfor BlackBerry(R) smartphones. To celebrate the launch, SPG will give away 100,000 Starpoints(R) to two lucky members who download and log in to the new application by September 30, 2010. The SPG App is now available on BlackBerry App World(TM) (www.blackberry.com/appworld) or by visiting spg.com/BBapp.

The SPG App makes it easy for BlackBerry smartphone users to browse and make reservations at 1,000 Starwood properties across the globe. Members can also use the new application to manage current reservations, view their Starpoints balance, check on recent account activity, connect with customer service, get directions and maps to their hotel from their current location, and access TheLobby.com - the SPG blog featuring travel trends and tips.

"SPG members who use this application with their BlackBerry smartphone have an incredible tool at their fingertips. With its range of useful functions and user-friendly interface, the SPG App invites members to tap into and experience the power of the Starwood Preferred Guest network," said David Godsman, Vice President of Global Web Services for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Mobile access is increasingly important for the fast-paced lifestyles of our members and we are committed to providing solutions that enhance their experience while on the go."

Members who download and log in to the SPG App by September 30, 2010, will be entered for a chance to win 100,000 Starpoints which can be redeemed for Free Nights, Award Flights on over 350 airlines with SPG Flights, VIP access to some of the season's hottest concerts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through the SPG Moments online auction and much more. To become a Starwood Preferred Guest member visit SPG.com. Official rules can be found at spg.com/BBsweepsterms.

Global technology and consulting services provider, CSC, was chosen to develop the mobile application for Starwood's customers that use BlackBerry smartphones. CSC delivered a user friendly application that is also supported across multiple technology platforms.

About Starwood Preferred Guest(R)
The SPG(R) program's breakthrough policy of No Blackout Dates at the world's most sought after collection of hotels, reinvented the hospitality loyalty program when it launched in 1999. By creating a program centered on its members, SPG has developed the most passionate and knowledgeable membership base in the hotel loyalty space. Through its use of new technologies and innovative channels such as SPG.com, SPG.com/stayconnected, SPG.com/flights, thelobby.com and others, SPG continues to innovate and lead the industry. By offering No Blackouts on standard rooms at 940 participating properties, No Blackouts on hundreds of airlines, and once in a lifetime experiences available through SPG Moments at spg.com/moments, the program has proven to be a big draw for the world's most frequent travelers, and a significant competitive advantage for Starwood. For more information about Starwood Preferred Guest please visit SPG.com or call (877) - STARWOOD.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1000 properties in nearly 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

Contact Information

Jennifer Leemann
Phone: 914-640-8539
Email: Jennifer.Leemann@starwoodhotels.com

Company Details

Hospitality NetStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
www.starwoodhotels.com
One StarPoint
USA - Stamford, NY 06902
Phone: (203) 964-6000

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