Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Amburaya Resorts have announced an agreement whereby Starwood will manage the Sheraton Pattaya Resort in Thailand. This newly built 156-room Sheraton Pattaya Resort is scheduled to open in October 2004.

"With its cultural attractions, great cuisine, beautiful beaches and warm friendly people, Thailand is a top destination for business, leisure, conference and incentive delegates from around the world. Travelers can select from a range of fine Starwood properties in the capital city of Bangkok, northern resort city of Chiangmai, lush province of Krabi, resort haven of Phuket, and soon in Pattaya, one of Thailand's most popular beach destinations," said Miguel Ko, President, Asia- Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide Inc. "We are honored to partner with Amburaya Resorts Co. Ltd. to establish the Sheraton Pattaya Resort which will be a significant addition to our collection of resorts," added Ko.

Pattaya is located southeast of Bangkok, just ninety minutes drive from Bangkok International Airport. As one of Thailand's most popular beach destinations, Pattaya attracts families, leisure and corporate groups with its extensive sports facilities, daytrips, island tours, wildlife and amusement parks, offbeat museums, lush botanical gardens, and of course its vibrant nightlife, providing a variety of leisure attractions and entertainment for everyone.

Sheraton Pattaya Resort is located between Pattaya and Jomtien beach which is about 2 kilometres south of central Pattaya. It is famous for its great selection of restaurants offering Thai and other cuisines, and is also well known as Thailand's number one windsurfing spot. Other water sports activities are also popular here because of the location's long straight coastline and fewer boats being anchored in the area.

The resort will feature 156 rooms including 54 spacious Deluxe rooms and 2 elegantly appointed villas. Each deluxe room measures 65 square meters in size with a 12 square meters sala-style balcony. The resort facilities will also include three dining outlets, health club, kids club, extensive spa center with 8 treatment rooms, business center and retail center. The meeting and banquet rooms will encompass 425 square-meters, suitable for small and intimate meetings or group activities.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio in Thailand significantly over the last year with the addition of Rayavadee, a Luxury Collection resort in Krabi; The Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok and Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort.