Starwood has announced the opening of its first Westin property in India, The Westin Sohna Resort. Close to both Delhi and Gurgaon, the new resort offers a restful, rejuvenating guest experience enhanced by superior recreational facilities, naturally-lit meeting space, an array of world-class cuisine and the full range of Westin’s renowned signature amenities.

Just 90 minutes from the New Delhi International Airport, The Westin Sohna Resort is ideally located for a weekend getaway and serves as a refreshing, innovative venue for meetings and conferences. Set amidst lush landscaped gardens and farm land, the resort offers 97 deluxe rooms and stand-alone suites, as well as state-of-the-art meeting facilities - all in a scenic, rural setting.

“As the first of several Westin hotels to open in India, The Westin Sohna Resort will introduce our renowned brand to this exciting, fast-growing market,” said Stephen Ford, Regional Vice President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. “We are confident that the luxurious accommodations and instinctive services provided by this new Westin resort will enable tourists and business travelers to enrich their mind, body and spirit.”

Starwood has been quick to respond to India’s increased need for lodging, driven by the country’s brisk economic growth. In the past year, Starwood has aggressively expanded its footprint in this fast-growing market, signing deals to open new hotels in markets throughout India across several of its brands including two new Sheratons, three new Westins and two new aloft hotels. Starwood now offers a total of 20 hotels in India, including properties already in operation as well as those under development.

The Westin Sohna Resort will elevate the guest experience with soothing touches, including a subtle earth tone decor, mood music, and ambient lighting. The full range of Westin signature services will be available to both hotel guests and residents, including The Westin Heavenly Bed(R), Heavenly Spa by Westin(sm), Westin WORKOUT(R) Powered by Reebok, Westin Kids Club(R), and The Westin sensory welcome. Guests seeking an opportunity to socialize will appreciate Unwind: a Westin Evening Ritual featuring the tastes, sights and sounds of India.

“The Westin Sohna Resort offers a restful retreat for travelers and an idyllic setting for business meetings, while establishing the Westin brand in one of the most dynamic regions of India,” said Sue Brush, Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “After a long journey, guests will welcome the sensory-rich Westin guest experience, enhanced by the hotel’s upscale ambience, superior service and the Westin brand’s full suite of refreshing signature amenities.”

“We are delighted to bring the Westin name to a resort destination like Sohna just outside of Delhi. With the innovative services and distinctive Westin culture, we are confident that The Westin Sohna Resort will set a new standard of hospitality in India,” said Mr. Bipan Kapur, General Manager, The Westin Sohna Resort.

The hotel is also proud to introduce India’s first Heavenly Spa by Westin, fusing modern hydrotherapy with ancient Ayurveda-inspired treatments. This sophisticated urban sanctuary offers a series of therapies and treatments designed to cast off fatigue, while encouraging balance, repose and wellness. The Heavenly Spa by Westin is expected to open in January 2008.

The fully equipped stand-alone suites offer a combination of one and two bedroom options. Each suite is outfitted with contemporary furnishings, state-of-the-art amenities, LCD flat screen televisions, high-speed Internet access and a private balcony with patio.

The four distinctive restaurants at The Westin Sohna Resort provide a rich array of international cuisine, including authentic Chinese food at Xiao Chi and all-day dining at The Living Room. Those in search of a more relaxed setting can visit Splash, the poolside restaurant, which offers a range of healthy food options including tasty sandwiches and refreshing drinks.

The resort offers more than 70,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space to suit every occasion and 6,500 square feet of covered space. For greater flexibility, the ballroom can be divided into three areas and an additional three meeting rooms are all equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities and WiFi technology.
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