St. Regis to Debut in Doha Qatar
WHITE PLAINS, NY, January 8, 2007. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(R) (NYSE:HOT) and Alfardan Group Holdings today announced a 30-year agreement with Starwood(R) to manage a new St. Regis(R) hotel in Doha, Qatar, the first step in Starwood's ambitious plans to expand the ultra-luxury brand's presence in the Gulf region. St. Regis Doha, scheduled to open in early 2010, will be a spectacular addition to the luxury hotel market in the thriving, cosmopolitan city of Doha, located on the renowned Persian Gulf coast.
"The St. Regis brand seeks to bring the most luxurious properties to the most exclusive locations in the world. When St. Regis Doha opens, it will offer guests unparalled bespoke service and as only the St. Regis brand can," said Sharon Slade, vice president marketing, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.
With its dazzling blue waters, sweeping desert backdrop and thriving business and commercial regions, Doha is a preferred destination for discerning visitors to the Middle East. This capital city of Qatar offers an eclectic mix of diversions for both leisure and business travelers alike, including elegant restaurants, exclusive boutiques, a wealth of historical treasures and a unique blend of oriental, Arabic and contemporary architecture.
"The announcement of St. Regis in Doha is another sign of Starwood's commitment to developing its brands in fabulous destinations like the Middle East, where customized service is an integral part of the culture of hospitality," said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Europe, Africa and Middle East. "We are delighted to be working with the Al Fardan Group Holdings on this new project and we hope this project is just the beginning of a long term partnership."
Guests of St. Regis Doha will delight in the signature services for which the St. Regis brand is known, including its renowned St. Regis Butler Service, world-class concierge, exquisite design and world-class spa.
Close to Doha's diplomatic area, the 322-room St. Regis Doha will be located on the beachfront in the West Bay area, the heart of the city's business and commercial district. The hotel will be comprised of two adjoining "reflecting" towers, each consisting of fourteen floors, including 246 rooms and 82 suites. Eighteen water-front bungalows -- 8 one-bedroom and ten two-bedroom units -- will offer an uncompromising view and experience for guests.
Surrounded by the magnificent waters of the Arabian Gulf, Doha is the economic center of Qatar. Shopping and recreation is also a main attraction in Doha, boasting a wide array of water sports including scuba diving, jet skiing and kayaking. Adventurous travelers will appreciate the dramatic tours offered by Doha's desert safari operators. Additional activities in Doha include lively restaurants, nightclubs and cafes.
St. Regis Doha will offer a business center, approximately 44,000 square feet of meeting and conference space. The hotel's three restaurants will include a casual restaurant serving meals throughout the day, a gourmet specialty restaurant and an outdoor restaurant, lounge and cigar bar. Guests can rejuvenate at the St. Regis signature spa, featuring personal treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
"This is a very exciting development for anyone who values true luxury. St. Regis Doha underscores Alfardan's strategy toward the relentless pursuit in redefining the luxury sector," said Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Group. "As a full service ultra premium hotel, St. Regis Doha will be well positioned to provide first class hospitality and amenities in this rapidly developing commercial hub."
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts includes the most celebrated properties in the world. Founded by John Jacob Astor with the landmark St. Regis Hotel, New York over a century ago, the company will unveil highly anticipated St. Regis properties in Anguilla (2007), Mexico City (2007), Singapore (2007), Atlanta (2008), Bal Harbour, FL (2008) and Deer Valley, UT (2008) that will further enhance the brand's legacy. Personalized service and amenities, enviable locations and luxuriously localized design are recognized worldwide as hallmarks of the St. Regis experience. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com.
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 
