Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center to Debut in 2014

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. January 11, 2013

September 11, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced the signing of Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center. Located in Greater Chicago directly adjacent to Oakbrook Center, one of the most prestigious shopping destinations in the United States, the 10-story building is set to undergo a $20 million transformation prior to its 2014 debut. Owned by RockBridge and managed by Wischermann Partners Inc., Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center will combine timeless, chic design with sophisticated offerings.

“We are excited to bring Le Meridien to Chicago as part of our plan to accelerate the expansion of this dynamic, global brand across North America,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center will mirror the style and sophistication of metropolitan Chicago and attract both business and leisure travelers who appreciate the brand's creative flair and upscale comfort.”

Located 18 miles west of the Chicago loop, along the Interstate 88 corridor, Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center will serve as a hub for both business and leisure. The hotel is just steps away from large corporate offices, luxury boutiques and highly sought after restaurants, making it a destination of choice for visitors to Oak Brook and other western Chicago suburbs.

“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our strong relationship with Starwood Hotels, with our second Le Meridien project,” said Jim Merkel, President and CEO of RockBridge. “The comprehensive renovation and rebranding of the hotel, coupled with the strength of the Starwood system, will position Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center as the premier hotel in the market.”

Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center will boast a spectacular new outer façade, a new arrival experience and completely re-imagined public spaces. The ninth floor will feature a proprietary new bar and restaurant concept with a variety of meeting spaces. In addition, Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center will offer a spacious fitness center outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and a roof-top terrace. The hotel's 172 rooms and suites, including a presidential suite and two spa suites, will be refurbished and feature the signature Le Meridien Bed.

“Le Meridien has undergone a significant brand transformation in recent years, and the opening of Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center will be another milestone in our accelerated global growth,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Meridien & Westin. “With the strongest portfolio ever in the brand's forty year history, we're thrilled to introduce Le Meridien to greater Chicago, offering a distinct and compelling experience for our guests.”

Le Meridien Chicago - Oakbrook Center will showcase the newly developed Le Meridien Hub™ experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place. Le Meridien Hub offers both guests and locals a creative atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets the environment. Le Meridien Hub further builds on the brand's award-winning arrival experience and coffee culture, curated by Le Meridien brand's Cultural Curator Jerome Sans. Le Meridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas to reset the mind and stimulate dialogue and curiosity; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Meridien signature scent, sound and use of light, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere; UNLOCK ART™ programme, featuring LM100 ™ artist designed key card collections that not only offer access to the guestroom but also to Le Meridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the city; and a 24-hour soundtrack curated by Sans.

“Our goal is to create memorable guest experiences by pairing exceptional product design and functionality with a service culture of excellence,” said Paul Wischermann, President of Wischermann Partners. “Oakbrook Center is the perfect location for us, and we very much look forward to engaging with our local retail neighbors, extending the lifestyle experience to Starwood's strong upper-upscale and luxury customer base.”