Tianjin, China (February 11, 2010) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — The Westin Tianjin announced to officially open its doors on 6 February 2010. With a gala event hosting more than 300 celebrities, dignitaries, society guests and members of the media, The Westin Tianjin celebrated their grand opening with a ceremony of memorable experiences at the beginning of their journey to renewal.

"Westin is all about personal renewal and preserving wellness in travel," said Sunny Heng, the General Manager of The Westin Tianjin. "With innovative services and distinctive Westin culture, we are confident The Westin Tianjin will set a new standard of hospitality in Tianjin and our guests will leave feeling rested, energized, enriched and renewed."

Rising above the historic and business districts of the city, The Westin Tianjin is part of a new landmark building in the heart of Tianjin. The hotel's spacious and contemporary rooms, sophisticated function facilities and elegant restaurants and bars provide an unparalleled urban sanctuary in one of China's fastest growing cities. In the centre of Tianjin's business district, The Westin Tianjin is on the doorstep of international business offices and nestled amongst the city's historic concession precincts, renowned for their unique architecture and picturesque tree lined streets.

Endless Possibilities: All of The Westin Tianjin's 275 guest rooms provide a luxurious place to retreat from the bustle of the city. Spacious, light filled accommodation with sophisticated furnishings from Herman Millar and the Westin's signature Heavenly Beds are complemented by plush bathrooms featuring decadent rainforest showers.

Since its introduction in 1999, The Heavenly Bed has earned glowing reviews and loyal fans. Comfortable and stylish, the all-white Heavenly Bed includes a custom designed pillow-top mattress set, a cosy down blanket, three crisp sheets, a comforter, duvet and five plush pillows, guaranteeing a blissful night's sleep. Guest rooms also boast the very latest in technology. High speed wireless internet, giant LCD TV screens and iPod docking stations helps guests stay connected.

While all accommodation provides the room to relax, The Westin Tianjin also offer a selection of Westin Executive Club rooms, Renewal Suites and Presidential Suites ranging from 80sqm up to 220sqm in size.

Elevate Your Appetite: The Westin Tianjin promises to become the city's new destination for wining and dining, with a variety of restaurants and bars offering unparalleled ways for patrons to enjoy world cuisine in elegant surroundings.

From traditional Chinese fare with a contemporary edge and classic Italian dishes to a Latin inspired hot spot, where the sizzling music matches the menu and cocktails, The Westin Tianjin will set the city alight.

Seasonal Tastes offers an innovative combination of Asian and international cuisine-select from the contemporary buffet, chat to the chefs in the open kitchens while they prepare dishes to order or dine from the a la carte menu. Traditional Chinese cuisine is given a contemporary edge at Zen5es. Mouthwatering dishes inspired by Sichuan, Hunan and Huaiyang traditions are served with flair and emphasis on sights, sounds and aroma as well as taste. Lively, fun and passionate, Prego is The Westin Tianjin's modern Italian restaurant serving classic, home style fare. Qba promises to become one of Tianjin's hot spots. Latin inspired décor sets the mood for an evening of shared tapas style food or specialty items from the char grill. After dinner, get set for sizzling sounds from live Cuban music and mojito style creations at the bar. Exchange is the ideal place to unwind or connect with friends over coffee, signature teas, a glass of wine or specially created cocktails while specialty cakes, pastries, pies, delectable hand-made chocolates and sandwiches are all on offer at Daily Treats – a smart mini bakery in the heart of the hotel. The perfect way to complement a visit to the Heavenly Spa or gymnasium is a visit to Splash – the poolside bar where menus are designed with health and wellbeing in mind.

Urban Retreat: Developed exclusively for Westin Hotels & Resorts, the Heavenly Spa by WestinTM is a retreat for guests to renew, relax and be pampered. The Heavenly Spa will offer the chance to discover moments of beauty, serenity and peace with unique experiences and products exclusive to The Westin Tianjin.

The Heavenly Spa fuses modern spa therapy with ancient Chinese traditions. Calming natural colours, tranquil lounges and 6 well-being private rooms, luscious scents, restful lighting matched with attentive therapists and sumptuous treatments will ensure the hotel's new spa becomes the place to renew and recharge in bustling Tianjin. "We've created a day spa that's not only about great design but focused on elevating the five senses," says The Westin Tianjin's General Manager, Sunny Heng.

Westin Hotels & Resorts have developed the travel industry's most extensive wellness initiative to help guests continue their fitness and wellbeing regimes while travelling. The Westin Tianjin provides a state of the art Westin WORKOUT gymnasium with complimentary 24 hour access to hotel guests and features the latest advanced cardio and strength equipment by Technogym and work out regimens designed with travelers in mind.

Services of a "Running Concierge" are also offered at The Westin Tianjin. Guests can be partnered with a "running buddy" from the hotel's staff to jog through routes that also take in the city's attractions.

Inspire Your Event: Promising to set a new benchmark for meeting facilities in Tianjin, The Westin's elegant function rooms combine modern décor and state of the art technology with innovative menus and intuitive service.

The Westin Tianjin's dedicated floor of 7 exceptional meeting and event facilities caters for a range of functions – from an intimate board room meeting to a grand reception for over 600 guests.

The highlight of the banquet facilities is The Grand Ballroom – a vast, light filled room with flexible configurations to suit up to 600 guests. Boasting stunning chandeliers and stylish colour scheme, The Grand Ballroom will no doubt become a sought after venue for elaborate banquets, formal dinners, cocktail parties and weddings. The Grand Ballroom is accompanied by the stylish pre function area set against the backdrop of The Westin Tianjin's dramatic lobby.

An outdoor terrace area also provides another unique option for event and meeting planners along with the VIP Room – a private and exclusive lounge perfect for pre meeting discussions, smaller meetings and receptions or wedding rooms to host the bridal party.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 169 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with over 980 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 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 Aloft, 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.

(Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks and uncertainties are presented in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results and events will not materially differ. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Media Contact:
  tungsten zhang
  director of marketing and communications
  tel: 86-22-2339-0670
  fax:86-22-2334-3309
  mail:tungsten.zhang@westin.com