UAE, Abu Dhabi 3 Feb 07 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced a 30-year management agreement with Alfardan Group for the management of a new luxury 346-room St. Regis hotel in Doha, Qatar which is expected to open on 1 May, 2010.

The St. Regis Doha Hotel will be located on the beachfront in the West Bay area of Doha, which is the emerging commercial heart of the city and contains the majority of the new commercial development. The hotel will be comprised of two reflecting towers and 18 bungalows.  The two "reflecting" towers, each consisting of 14 floors, will offer 328 ocean front guest rooms including 246 rooms and 82 suites.

"We are very excited about this opportunity to expand the St.Regis brand and particularly in the Middle East where the bespoke service is an integral part of the culture of hospitality. The signing of the St.Regis Doha is another sign of Starwood's commitment to develop all its brands in a fabulous destination like the Middle East - said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Europe, Africa and Middle East - We are delighted to be working with the Alfardan Group on this new project and we hope this development is the beginning of a long term partnership with them. I am sure this new hotel in our portfolio will quickly establish itself as the leading luxury hotel in Doha".

"Alfardan has undergone a thorough operator screening process to match its unrivaled level of quality and service, and we proudly announce the development of the St. Regis Doha." - said Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Group. "This is a very exciting development for all those who value luxury. The St. Regis Doha underscores Alfardan's strategy towards relentless pursuit in redefining the luxury sector. In addition to being a host city for renowned sporting, intellectual, and cultural events, Doha is a growing destination spurred by sustainable economic development. As a full service ultra premium hotel, the St. Regis Doha will be well positioned to provide first class hospitality and amenities in this rapidly developing commercial hub. We look forward to a profitable and durable relationship with Starwood for this and all future developments."

Guests of the St.Regis Doha will delight in the signature services for which the St. Regis is renowned worldwide, including its renowned St. Regis Butler Service, world-class concierge, exquisite design, and a world-class Spa.

The St. Regis Doha will also offer 4,100 square meters of meeting and conference space, business center, shops, parking area, 4 restaurants - all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant,  outdoor restaurant, lounge bar and a cigar bar; and for the ultimate in relaxation and recreation, a 1,200 square meters Spa is in plan, offering 8 to 10 treatment rooms. In addition to a lavish fitness center spreading across 1,200 square meters of state-of-the-art equipment.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts includes the most celebrated properties in the world.  Founded by John Jacob Astor with the landmark St. Regis Hotel, New York over a century ago, the company will unveil highly anticipated St. Regis properties in Anguilla (2007), Mexico City (2007), Singapore (2007), Atlanta (2008), Bal Harbour, FL (2008) and Deer Valley, UT (2008) that will further enhance the brand's legacy.  Personalized service and amenities, enviable locations and luxuriously localized design are recognized worldwide as hallmarks of the St. Regis experience. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com.

-Ends-

About Starwood
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W, Le Mridien and the recently announced aloftSM and ELEMENTSM Hotels. 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/pressclub 

About Alfardan Group
Alfardan Group is one of the largest conglomerates in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC), with subsidiary businesses in Jewelry, Real Estate, Automotive, Resort Development, Hospitality, Financial Services, Marine, and Construction. Alfardan targets the premium niche market, with an exclusive brand portfolio including Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Maserati, BMW, Range Rover, Frank Muller, Harry Winston, Chopard, and many more similar elite brand names. Alfardan Group is headquarted in Doha, Qatar with further regional presence in Saudi Arabia and Oman. For more information, please visit www.alfardan.com.qa

For More information, please contact:
Mouna ouni  
Public Relations Manager
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort

© Press Release 2007