Aloft Debuts in Leawood, KS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and its stylish new lifestyle brand, Aloft(R) Hotels today announce the grand opening of Aloft Leawood, the very first hotel to open in the city of Leawood, Kansas. Today's celebrations will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local city officials, chambers of commerce, and company executives. Former Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Guard, Will Shields will also make remarks to commemorate the occasion.
Owned and managed by Presidian Development and Hotel Management Company, the six-story property is the newest addition to Park Place - Leawood's chic, new downtown lifestyle development. Aloft Leawood introduces jet-setting style at a steal with 156 spacious, loft-like rooms, accessible technology and a hip, social atmosphere.
"The urban design aesthetic and lively social atmosphere of Aloft Leawood will make it a perfect match for the dynamic Kansas City metro area," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "From wake-up call to last call, Aloft appeals to savvy travelers and area professionals with its electric and eclectic experience and lively w xyzSM bar."
The area surrounding Aloft Leawood is buzzing with chic shopping and delectable dining, plus parks and gardens all a short stroll from the front door. Extra entertainment options abound nearby at the upscale, open-air Town Center Plaza shopping center. And business visitors have easy access to Sprint Nextel World Headquarters and the Overland Park Convention Center. For a change of scenery, guests can dash into downtown Kansas City, Missouri in just a half hour. It's called the "Paris of the Plains" for its beautiful boulevards-but still offers all-American institutions like hot barbecue and cool jazz.
A Vision of W Hotels, Aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. Guest rooms feature the brand's signature nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows and the ultra-comfortable bed, as well as roomy walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss(R) Spa. Each Aloft room is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center equipped with complimentary wireless internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry all linked to a 42" flat-panel, HDTV-ready television.
Aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mixSM communal lobby area and w xyzSM bar. The re:chargeSM fitness center and splash pool give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize, while Re:fuel by AloftSM offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
