Five-star resort enjoys 73% occupancy in opening month

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 11, 2008 - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has proved to be THE place to be seen in Dubai, as the five-star hotel beat all forecast figures to record a 73% occupancy in its first month of operations.

The resort property, located on the fringes of the Arabian Sea on Dubai's prestigious Jumeirah coastline, opened on May 11, marking the brand's entry into the Middle East market. The hotel's prime location and strong marketing of the Westin brand have contributed to its success on opening.

"We have been delighted by the tremendous response we have received since opening. We have a beautiful property here that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers and it is great to see so many satisfied guests in our opening month," said Michael Scully, Complex General Manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

"Mina Seyahi as a complex has developed a strong position in the market, and that coupled with the Westin brand, has helped us to create something truly memorable here which we hope will see guests returning year after year," he added.

Since opening in May, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has enjoyed success with a number of international markets, with UK, German and European travellers flocking to its sandy white beaches and stylish interiors.

The hotel, which also boasts 15,000 square metres of function space, has proved a big hit with corporate travellers too, with companies already taking advantage of The Westin's dedicated Italian-designed conference centre with seven state-of-the-art venues.

For the summer, The Westin is offering special corporate rates for meeting space and rooms. Corporate guests can also benefit from the hotel's tie up with The Els Club at Dubai Sports City.

The five-star resort has been named as Official Corporate Partner and Official Hotel for the world-class golf club, designed by US Open and British Open winner Ernie Els.

The strategic agreement provides a host of benefits to keen golfers staying at The Westin as well as members, corporate golf attendees and daily fee players at The Els Club course.

Dubai residents have also been enjoying the flavour of the new Westin, with the hotel's dining portfolio proving a big hit.

The Westin's new concept dining includes a contemporary grill with open kitchen, international tapas with live entertainment, stylish wine bar and lobby outlets that are wicked in their indulgence.

"Already, Mina Seyahi has a name in the market for innovative dining concepts, so for The Westin we have really raised the bar and created an innovative repertoire of dining options, which are proving popular with our in-house guests and local residents alike," Scully said.

Embracing Westin's characteristics of personal, instinctive and renewal The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina offers the whole gamut of Westin signature services, including the Heavenly Bed®, Westin Workout®  and Westin Service Express®.

All rooms and suites at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina have Heavenly Beds®, luxurious bath amenities and hi-tech LCD TV screens, while the indulgent Spa and Westin Workout®  provide total relaxation and rejuvenation.

The property features 294 rooms, including 216 deluxe rooms, 52 Westin Executive rooms, and 24 suites, apart from a spa, a health club, and four bars and four themed restaurants. State-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities include an 8,999 square feet ballroom, an Italian designed conference centre with 7 meeting rooms, an outdoor beachside amphitheatre, and a variety of lawn locations accommodating up to 5,000 guests. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina is located on a stunning 1,200 metre private shoreline, and will feature a 238-berth marina, five swimming pools, a water sports centre, a sailing academy, and facilities for deep sea fishing and boat chartering. 

-Ends- 

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 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®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, 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.

For further information, please contact:
Nicki Page
Executive Director
Fusion Marketing Management LLC
Tel: +971.4.3912149
Fax: +971.4.3918402
Email: npage@fusion-mgt.com

Derryn French
Public Relations Manager
The Mina Seyahi Complex
Tel: +971.4. 3993333
Derryn.french@starwoordhotels.com

© Press Release 2008