Starwood continues its aggressive expansion momentum in China, announcing an agreement with Shanghai Forrester Development to manage Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning.The signing of this new hotel also signifies a milestone achievement in China for the group: Starwood now has 50 hotels in Greater China, 25 of which are in operation and 25 under construction.

The newly signed Four Points by Sheraton will also be the 9th Starwood hotel in Shanghai, and the 6th Four Points by Sheraton in Greater China.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio in China significantly in the last two years with the opening of Sheraton hotels in Haikou on Hainan Island and Dongguan, Le Méridien She Shan, Shanghai, and Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen.

In the past 24 months, the company also signed agreements to manage new hotels in Shenzhen, Xiamen, Beijing, Changsha, Guiyang, Hong Kong, Dameisha, Urumqi, Changshu, Shanghai, Zhongshan, Zhejiang, Guangzhou and Taiyuan. With the signing of Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning, Starwood now has 25 hotels and resorts under construction in China under its Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, Le Méridien and Four Points by Sheraton brands.

“We are thrilled with this landmark achievement in China! Just this week, China announced its gross domestic product ( GDP ) grew by more than 10% in the first quarter of 2006. Inbound travel to China is expected to grow by 8% in the next five years, and it is predicted that China will become the world’s biggest inbound tourism nation by 2019. Such strong growth is certainly a good sign for the travel industry, and for international hotel companies like Starwood. The signing of this new hotel in the metropolis of Shanghai will continue to strengthen our brands’ presence in China”, commented Miguel Ko, President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

“We are honored to partner with Shanghai Forrester (Zhabei) Development Ltd. to establish this new hotel, which will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in Shanghai and in China. Keeping with Four Points by Sheraton’s commitment to providing honest, uncomplicated comfort, this hotel will offer travelers a new kind of style and comfort combined with a spirited “can-do” service - all at an honest value. Four Points by Sheraton addresses a defined market segment, that of travelers who choose to lodge in upper-midscale hotels with an international brand and standards, and with a wide range of services at convenient rates and this clearly sets a difference from our competitors,” added Ko.

Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning will consist of 315 rooms, 11,840 square feet of meeting space, three food and beverage outlets, a health club, indoor swimming pool and a business center. The hotel will be part of the integrated “Daning - the Life Hub” which is an exciting, open-air, innovative and integrated urban lifestyle center which will soon debut in central Zhabei, north of Shanghai central business district. The Life Hub concept is the first of its kind in Shanghai, and is being constructed on a 592,000 square feet site with 15 high and low-rise buildings, 11 piazzas and courtyards, two kilometer pedestrian promenade, retail center, hotel, grade “A” offices, home offices and residential apartments.

The hotel will be located in Daning, which is situated in central Zhabei. Zhabei is one of the central districts of Shanghai with a long history and the most developed transportation. Geographically speaking, Zhabei is the important hub that connects Shanghai with the Yangtze Delta and other provinces of China. Zhabei is also within 10 minutes’ drive from the business and shopping districts of Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road of Shanghai. Zhabei is also known for its great infrastructure, cultural centers, universities and multimedia industry. Zhabei is home to the Shanghai Multimedia Valley that focuses on the multimedia technology research and development, test platform, enterprise incubation and software products design and sales.

With this addition, Starwood will be able to offer travelers a choice of nine upscale hotels in the exciting cosmopolitan hub of Shanghai:

* Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong ( opening mid 2006 )
* Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning ( opening mid 2008 )
* Sheraton Shanghai Hotel & Residences (opening 2008)
* W Shanghai - Pudong (opening 2008)
* Le Royal Meridien Shanghai ( opening 2006 )
* Le Meridien She Shan Shanghai
* The Westin Shanghai
* St. Regis Hotel, Shanghai
* Sheraton Grand Tai Ping Yang Hotel, Shanghai
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