Aloft Orlando Downtown Opens as Adaptive Re-use Project by Developer GDC Properties

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. October 29, 2013

Stamford, CT / Orlando, FL - October 29, 2013 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts today announced its sizzling Aloft brand has made its debut in Orlando, Florida with the opening of its third adaptive re-use hotel. Aloft Orlando Downtown, the former OUC building, sits adjacent to Orlando City Hall. Owned by GDC Properties and operated by Yedla Management Company, Aloft Orlando Downtown offers a prime location in the downtown business district, providing 118 spacious, loft-like rooms, 7,000 square feet of meeting space, re:fuel grab-and-go area, re:charge fitness facility, w xyz bar with a buzzing, social atmosphere, splash outdoor pool and valet parking.

"We're excited to introduce our stylish Aloft brand to Orlando, Florida's entertainment hub visited by a record 57 million tourists last year," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "For the Gen Y-minded Aloft guest, who brings a real appreciation of what's next in design and tech, a downtown Orlando location makes an ideal home base for exploring this bustling city."

The opening of Aloft Orlando Downtown follows two other adaptive re-use projects including Aloft Tulsa Downtown and the award-winning Aloft Dallas Downtown, which transformed a historic railroad depot into an Aloft hotel. Aloft will complete two more adaptive re-use projects in 2014 - Aloft Detroit Downtown and Aloft Tampa Downtown.

The Aloft Orlando Downtown's exterior illuminates at night with its vibrant L.E.D. lighting. Some of the original building's features have been preserved in the lobby such as the terrazzo flooring, marble walls and teak wood paneling. An L.E.D. backlit staircase leads from the lobby to the lower level where the meeting space is located and there are seven boardrooms located on floors 2 to 8. The spacious loft-like room's feature 10ft. ceilings with floor to ceiling windows that offer fabulous views of Downtown Orlando.

Aloft Orlando Downtown is located at 500 South Orange Avenue, across the street from the new Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, within walking distance to restaurants, a movie theater, shopping, jogging trails and minutes from the Amway Center, home of the Orlando Magic. The hotel is 13 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), 12 miles from the Orange County Convention Center and convenient to Orlando's top attractions including Walt Disney World Orlando, Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and Kennedy Space Center.

"The Aloft Orlando Downtown not only preserves the historic fabric of Orlando, but also adds an exciting destination for visitors and residents alike," said William Ingraham, President of GDC Properties.

"I am absolutely thrilled to return to Downtown Orlando and introduce a new standard of hospitality to the Downtown market. The stylish Aloft brand is a perfect fit for the excitement and energy surrounding Downtown Orlando,'' said Stuart Newmark, Executive Vice President for Yedla Management Company.

Pioneering initiatives in music, design, and technology have positioned Aloft as a must-have brand for the next generation of travelers. Aloft has reported consistently high guest satisfaction scores since launch, reflecting the success of its modern vibrant design and social guest experience.

About Aloft Hotels

With more than 75 hotels in 14 countries around the world, Starwood's Aloft brand delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the 'always on' next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com. Aloft, like all brands within Starwood's portfolio is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, the industry's richest loyalty program. To learn more, please visit www.spg.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,162 properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood 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 Meridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About GDC Properties

GDC Properties, LLC is an award-winning real estate investment and development company based in Hawthorne, New York. Founded in 1964 by Samuel Ginsburg, the company has a diverse property portfolio in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Colorado, Georgia and Florida. GDC takes a design-oriented approach to its development projects and is experienced with adaptive re-use projects in urban locations. www.gdcproperties.com.

About Yedla Management Company

Yedla Management Company is an established leader in the hospitality industry spanning three decades in both the full service and select service sectors. Yedla developed and operates the 252 room award-winning Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North in Lake Mary, Florida as well as numerous branded properties in the Northern, Alabama market.