Hooray for Hollywood! W Hotels
Worldwide, the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world, announced
today plans for a new W Hotel & Residences in the Hollywood district of
Los Angeles. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. , W’s parent
company, entered into an agreement with HEI Hospitality, a hotel
investment and operating company, and Gatehouse Capital, a Dallas-based
real estate investment firm, who will jointly develop the property, which
will be operated by Starwood. Located at one of the world’s most famous intersections at Hollywood and
Vine, the W Hollywood Hotel & Residences will neighbor the world-famous
Kodak theatre, home to the Oscars. The hotel will feature approximately
300 rooms and 150 W Residences, a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar,
branded 9200- square-foot spa and 25-yard lap pool.

“Hollywood has long been considered the heart of all that entertains us.
It’s only fitting that we chose to build a W there,” said Ross Klein,
President of W Hotels. “Our brand’s heightened sense of style, design and
‘Whatever/Whenever’ service will mix with Hollywood’s authentic buzz to
create the perfect L.A. escape.”

The fifth residential project announced by W Hotels, the W Hollywood will
feature 150 luxurious residences, including one, two and three bedroom
units with spectacular views of the “Hollywood Sign”. Residents will have
all the benefits of being attached to a W Hotel, including signature
amenities enjoyed by hotel guests and exclusive access to a private
rooftop pool and fitness center. Owners will have access to the hotel’s
facilities, including 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping and
concierge services.

“A project like this comes along once in a lifetime”, says Marty Collins,
President of Gatehouse Capital, “and we look forward to greatly enhancing
the social design and economic fabric of Hollywood which has
enthusiastically endorsed our efforts. We fully expect to produce
something entirely different than anything currently in the market.”

“We are excited to partner with Gatehouse and Starwood to undertake what
will be a very exciting mixed-use development,” said Gary Mendell,
Chairman and CEO of HEI. “We believe that the combination of the W Hotel,
W Residences, and highly branded retail will make this Hollywood location
highly appealing to hotel guests and homebuyers alike.”

The W Hollywood will offer W Hotel’s signature Living Room experience, a
place where guests, residents and L.A. insiders will sip and socialize on
the adjoining outdoor terrace and rooftop club. The hotel’s other
distinctive elements include substantial luxury retail space, 16,000
square feet of meeting, banquet and pre-function space and Wired, a
full-service business center open 24 hours. Guest rooms and suites
(including spa suites) will indulge guests with W’s signature beds with
feather-top mattress, 350 thread- count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose
down comforters.

The W Hollywood, scheduled to open in 2008, will be the second W property
in Los Angeles, the first being the W Los Angeles - Westwood. Since its
opening in April of 2000, the 258 all-suite hotel has become the most
sought- after venue for Hollywood premieres and after parties. It’s also
home to the newly-opened Nine Thirty restaurant and a spectacular
4,000-square-foot sundeck graced with colorful cabanas which has served as
the backdrop for countless movie scenes and celebrity photo shoots.
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