Starwood started an aggressive expansion with twelve new hotel projects in  in Latin America; Mexico, Central America -and South America.

This growth aligns with Starwood's strategy to expand its global footprint in international markets and capture business in some of Latin America's most desirable emerging markets. Starwood is the largest and fastest growing hotel company in its segment in Latin America.

Notable projects in Latin America include the first W in South America and the first Westin in Mexico City. Westin is also opening its first hotel in Honduras, while St. Regis is adding three new hotels in the region, including one in Costa Rica. Le Meridien, Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton are also adding new properties in Latin America, further diversifying Starwood's rapidly growing portfolio in the region.

"Latin America is definitely a hot market right now due to its dynamic blend of world class resorts, pristine beaches and cultured metropolitan cities," said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America. "We are excited to be partnering with developers in Latin America that understand and appreciate our brand strategy, operational expertise and aggressive growth plans."

Mexico

Westin Santa Fe, Mexico City

Westin Hotels & Resorts is making its debut in Mexico City at the end of 2008, bringing renewal and rejuvenation to its guests in the country's economic and cultural center. The 260-room Westin Sante Fe, Mexico City will be part of Park Plaza, a new build, mixed-use development designed by Edmonds International. The development will also include more than 700,000 square feet of office space and a variety of high-end retail shops. The ten-floor hotel will offer nearly 15,000 square feet of meeting space, a lobby bar, two restaurants, and Westin's signature amenities and services, including The Westin Heavenly Bed.

St. Regis Hotel, Mexico City

When it debuts in 2008, the St. Regis Hotel, Mexico City will boast an unprecedented level of luxury for discerning travelers. The property, located at one of the city's most enviable addresses on the historic Reforma Avenue, will feature 189 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites and 100 stunning private residences. In addition to the hotel and residences, the building will include a luxurious Remede Spa and Fitness Center, haute cuisine restaurants, executive office space, meeting rooms and an upscale shopping venue. The hotel is owned by Ideurban Consultores and Grupo 1818, one of the largest real estate development companies in Mexico.

St. Regis Resort, Punta Mita

St. Regis Resort, Punta Mita is located 35 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean. Scheduled to open in 2008, the resort is being developed by Ideurban Consultores, one of Mexico's largest private development and construction companies, and DINE, master developer of Punta Mita. The hotel will feature 120 magnificently appointed guest rooms and suites, each with its own outside shower, and approximately 65 luxury villas for both fractional and whole ownership. St. Regis Resort, Punta Mita will offer the brand's renowned signature services, including its trademark butler service. The hotel will also feature a 10,000 square foot luxurious spa and fitness center and 7,000 square feet of meeting and function space.

Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa

Starwood's Le Meridien brand brings a fresh perspective and creative flair to the Cancun vacation experience with the opened Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico. Operating under a franchise agreement, the Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa is located on the shores of the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon. The hotel consists of 213 rooms, including 26 suites with stunning lagoon or ocean views. Amenities include a Mediterranean restaurant offering spectacular views of the Caribbean, a beautifully landscaped pool area, Le St Trop Poolside/Beach Bar and restaurant and the Spa Del Mar.

Central America

The Westin Resort & Spa Roatan, Honduras

Bolstering its presence in Central America, The Westin brand is unveiling a new hotel in Roatan, Honduras, which is known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and premium scuba-diving. Scheduled to open in 2008, the 164 guest room hotel - The Westin Resort & Spa Roatan - Honduras will be conveniently located just 20 minutes from the international airport and a two hour flight from Miami International Airport. The hotel will be part of a village-style mixed-used development, offering individual residences and villas.

The St. Regis Resort & Residences, Costa Rica

The St. Regis Resort & Residences, Costa Rica, opening in 2008, is a magnificent ocean-front property with 133 luxury guest rooms, each with a spacious outdoor terrace. Providing exceptional personalized butler service, The St. Regis Resort & Residences, Costa Rica will feature four suites equipped with private spa treatment areas. In addition, the cliff-side Presidential Suite boasts three large bedrooms, a private pool and spectacular views of both the jungle and the Pacific Ocean. The resort will also offer ample meeting and event space, 42 luxurious private villas and nine magnificent residences, all with their own private pools.

Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center, Panama

Located on Panama Bay across from the Atlapa Convention Center, the Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center will help guests feel a sense of belonging with its homey atmosphere and full range of signature Sheraton services and amenities. Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center will feature 345 rooms and 15 suites with views of Panama Bay. Amenities include the Club Nogui Fitness & Spa, a choice of restaurants featuring a variety of international cuisine, a lobby bar with live music, and ample facilities for events and conventions.

Four Points by Sheraton Colon, Panama

The Four Points by Sheraton Colon will be a welcome addition to this rapidly expanding city, located 50 miles from Panama City. The new hotel will be built in two stages with phase one opened in January 2007, including 138 guestrooms and all of the hotel's public areas. The remaining guestrooms will be completed in January 2009, bringing the total room count to 243. For corporate and business events, the Four Points by Sheraton Colon will offer a convention center with 8,000 square feet of meeting space and a fully equipped business center.


South America

W Santiago Hotel, Chile

W Hotels, the world's fastest growing luxury hotel brand, continues its expansion into key international markets with plans to build its first hotel in South America. Scheduled to open in 2008, the W Santiago Hotel, Chile is poised to become Santiago's ultimate flirty escape and a destination in itself. The 196-room property will be part of a larger mixed-use complex including high-end retail and premium office space. Guests at the W Santiago Hotel, Chile can avail themselves of all of W's celebrated comforts such as the signature Living Room experience and the Whatever/Whenever 24-hour concierge service. The hotel is expected to become one of the city's largest meeting facilities with more than 37,000 square feet of meeting space.

Sheraton Mendoza Hotel, Argentina

Guests to the Sheraton Mendoza Hotel, Argentina will appreciate the hotel's location in the heart of the wine producing region of Mendoza City, Argentina's fourth largest city and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Scheduled to open in July 2007, the Sheraton Mendoza Hotel features 180 rooms including 19 suites, an all day restaurant, a lobby bar, approximately 10,500 square feet of meeting space and a business center. Designed to help guests feel truly at home, the Sheraton Mendoza Hotel offers the full palette of Sheraton's comforting signature services as well as a health club, outdoor pool and Spa.

Sheraton Calafate Hotel, Argentina

Offering breathtaking water views, the 120 room Sheraton Calafate Hotel will open in 2008, directly on the shores of Argentino Lake. The Sheraton Calafate Hotel will offer 120 rooms, 11 suites and a Presidential suite. Other amenities will include a ballroom, two meeting rooms, a business center, two restaurants featuring local specialties, a lobby bar and a lounge on the executive floors.

Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Argentina will also welcome the first Four Points by Sheraton, known for offering uncomplicated comfort and good honest value. Scheduled to open in 2008, the Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Madryn will make its home in the Patagonian province of Chubut, close to Peninsula de Valdez. The Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Madryn will feature 80 guest rooms, including eight suites, a ballroom, meeting rooms, a restaurant and lobby bar, and an indoor swimming pool.