In its continued demand to select only world class destinations- the world's fastest growing luxury hotel brand will make its debut in the US capital with W Washington D.C. in 2009.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced plans to open its first W Hotel in Washington, D.C. Scheduled to debut in 2009, W Washington D.C. will open in what is currently the historic Hotel Washington, an Italian Renaissance revival building occupying the corner of the city's world-famous Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street.

Owned by Istithmar Hotels Washington, LLC, W Washington D.C. will be located directly across the street from the White House, offering 317 luxurious guest rooms, including 32 suites, a spectacular rooftop bar and terrace and a world-class signature restaurant.

"In our relentless pursuit of the unexpected and the extraordinary, W goes to Washington with W Washington D.C., offering an enticing blend of warmth, wit and whimsy in one of the world's most delightful destinations," said Ross Klein, President of Starwood's Luxury Brands Group. "From D.C. to Doha, Bangkok to Barcelona, W is going global as the influential and innovative lifestyle authority."

W Washington D.C. will feature rooftop bar and terrace with unprecedented views of Washington D.C. and the White House, and a world-class signature restaurant and spa. Guests can indulge in W's exclusive Whatever/Whenever service, the hotel's 24-hour concierge that provides whatever guests want – from a pair or running shoes to a private jet service – whenever they want it.

"We are delighted to sign W as operator for this hotel. We strongly believe in the W story and are confident we can create an asset for the whole DC community to embrace and enjoy," said Joe Sita, Chief Executive of Isithmar Hotels. "The Hotel Washington has played an important part in the history of the city and we wish to expand on the hotel's history and to acknowledge its role in the community. This now brings our W portfolio to four following the Bangkok and Koh Samui deals that were recently announced and the existing W Union Square in New York."

Originally built as a retail store and apartment building in 1888, the 11-story property was transformed into a hotel in 1917 by the same architects who designed the Senate and the House on Capitol Hill. Within walking distance of major landmarks including Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument, the hotel is also close to renowned museums such as the Smithsonian and the National Gallery as well as major corporate offices and government buildings.

A perfect setting for enjoying a cocktail with friends or colleagues, the hotel is also an ideal venue for meetings and functions, offering more than 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space including an 11th floor rooftop meeting level with direct views of the White House and the Washington Monument.

W Hotels recently announced new hotels in Bangkok, Macao, Milan and Verbier, as the leading luxury brand rapidly expands footprint in the world's most intriguing destinations.