Starwood to manage new hotel in Shenzhen

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is continuing to expand its portfolio of hotels in China with the Sheraton Shenzhen Hotel, a newly built 320-room property, which is scheduled to open July 2005.

"With its spectacular scenery, cultural attractions, architectural wonders, diverse cuisine, and high standards of hospitality products and services, China 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 Beijing, bustling metropolis of Shanghai, resort haven of Hainan, cultural and business destinations in Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Wuxi, Tianjin, Nanjing, Dongguan, Suzhou and soon in Shenzhen, also known as China's boomtown," said Miguel Ko, President, Asia- Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide Inc. "We are honored to partner with Great China International Enterprises (Shenzhen) Company Limited to establish the Sheraton Shenzhen Hotel which will be a significant addition to the Sheraton brand," added Ko.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts expanded its portfolio in China significantly over the last year with the opening of Sheraton hotels in Sanya on Hainan Island, and in Dongguan in the Guangdong province.

Shenzhen is situated in the southern coastal area of Guangdong province, 160 kilometers away from Guangzhou and 35 kilometers from Hong Kong. Shenzhen, as one of the first special economic zones in China and the southern gateway to mainland China, attracts visitors with its unique theme parks (such as Splendid China, China Folk Cultural Villages, Window of the World and Happy Valley, each with its own unique features) and varied carnivals and activities. In 2003 alone, more than half the international travelers to mainland China entered or departed through Shenzhen. Besides its appeal as a leisure destination, Shenzhen is also a major industrial and export base for China. As China's key international trading port, it is accessible by ocean freighters and houses eight commercial port areas.

Sheraton Shenzhen Hotel is located in Shenzhen International Exchange Square in Futien District. Futien District lies in the center of Shenzhen with excellent location and convenient transportation. The central district is targeted to become the new Central Business District (CBD) of Shenzhen. Finance, trade, information technology, management and service industries will all be established in this area of about 60 hectares in the Futien Central District in the next two years. Besides the hotel, the square also houses the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, offices and retail centers. The square is directly connected to the Shenzhen Exhibition and Convention Center and all major subway lines.

The hotel will feature 320 rooms and 50 serviced apartments. The hotel facilities will also include four dining outlets, sports and recreational facilities, a health club and spa, an indoor swimming pool and retail center. The hotel will also offer 2,000 square meters of meeting and function space, suitable for small to medium sized meetings or group activities.