Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), the world`s largest hotel and gaming company, announced today that it will manage the hotel and resort operations of the world class Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort in Galena, Illinois, one of the best golf resorts in America.
The 6,800 acre development, owned by Golf Trust of America, includes 63 championship holes of golf, the 80 room Eagle Ridge Inn, a rental pool of 350 resort homes and a world class equestrian center. Troon Golf, a leading high end golf development, marketing and management company, will oversee the golf operations.

``We are very pleased to once again partner with Golf Trust of America and Troon Golf on a premier, upscale resort property like Eagle Ridge,`` said Barry S. Sternlicht, chairman of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The Eagle Ridge property represents the third transaction Starwood has entered into with Golf Trust and Troon. Previous transactions include the Lost Oaks golf course and the Westin Innisbrook Resort, both properties located in Florida.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. through its ITT Sheraton, Westin and Caesars subsidiaries, is one of the leading hotel and gaming operating companies in the world. Starwood Hotels & Resorts is the largest real estate investment trust in the United States. Shares of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. are paired and traded together with shares of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. (NYSE: HOT).

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