First Westin property in Middle East to open in Dubai on May 1

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 13, 2008 - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina has set the date for bringing its signature 'Westin Difference' to Dubai.

The five-star resort property will open on May 1, marking the stylish brand's entry into the Middle East market.

"Westin Hotels & Resorts are about effortless style and gracious attitude, and that is exactly what we plan to bring to Dubai. Every Westin, and there are over 120 worldwide, offers a stunning tranquil setting to guests. This Westin will be a place for everyone to relax, revive and escape," said Michael Scully, Complex General Manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

"Westin properties are distinctive through their architecture, innovative interiors and exemplary services. As the region's flagship property, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina will inspire with its stylish interiors and satisfy through its anticipatory services," he added

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina joins sister property Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina to create a combined beachfront complex that will offer some of the best hotel and leisure facilities in Dubai.

"The two properties, along with the Dubai International Marine Club, represent a unique hospitality offering in the emirate," said Saeed Mohamed Ahmad Hareb, Managing Director of the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and owner's representative for Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

"Guests will benefit from our key beachfront location, extended landscaped gardens, and wide range of facilities, including our fleet of racing yachts and sailing vessels," Hareb added.

Embracing Westin's characteristics of personal, renewal and distinctive, Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina will offer Westin signature services, including the Heavenly Bed®, Westin Workout® and Westin Service Express®.

"Westin is famous for being a highly innovative brand. The launch of the iconic Heavenly Bed in 1999 revolutionised the sleep experience at our properties. In fact these beds are so comfortable and so popular with guests that many opt to, quite literally, take them home," Scully remarked, pointing out that Heavenly Bed products will be retailed at the resort.

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

The hotel will also offer a unique selection of bars and restaurants, from a contemporary grill with open kitchen at Hunters Room & Grill to the lively atmosphere of Senyar, serving an international array of tapas with live entertainment. Oeno wine bar is set to become the place to unwind after work, while Spice Emporium will serve up flavours of Asia. The Atrium in the Grand Lobby will serve afternoon tea while Sin provides a chocolate-fuelled feast. At the resort complex, the popular Italian restaurant Bussola which features its trademark double-decker layout. Downstairs, the restaurant sets the ambience for a more formal dining experience, while upstairs, the detached roof pizzeria provides a relaxed and casual family atmosphere with the added bonus of stunning views. Other options will include the Library, serving coffee and good books; all-day dining outlet Blue Orange, and a number of poolside bars.

For Events and Weddings, the resort's ample landscaped gardens and many terraces will provide a perfect al fresco venue for up to 5,000 guests, while the hotel's ballroom will cater to Events for up to 1,000 people.

Meanwhile, for groups looking for the ultimate in team building activities, the Westin's own Archambault 35 racing yacht offers a number of unique programmes for would-be captains and sailors.

The property will feature 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. 

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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 and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® 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 

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