`Tis better to give than receive. This holiday season, Starwood Preferred Guest(R) is giving its members an array of fabulous holiday gift certificates from such upscale retailers as Bloomingdale`s, Tourneau and FAO Schwarz as a way of saying “thank you” for their continued loyalty.

Beginning today, gift packets adorned in festive holiday colors will be given to Starwood Preferred Guest members upon check-in at participating Westin, Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton hotels and resorts only.

The Starwood Preferred Guest holiday gift packet is available now through January 5, 2003 and includes eight certificates offering exclusive extraordinary savings for members (the certificates are in limited supply and are good while supplies last) including:

50% off regular rates on your next stay /// $100 off Starwood Golf Vacations(SM) /// 35% off and a Fifth Night Free when you stay at any participating Hawaiian resort /// 15% off certificate for Bloomingdale`s /// 15% off certificate for FAO Schwarz(R) /// 15% off certificate for 1-800-flowers.com(R) /// $100 off a purchase of $375 or more at Tourneau /// Rent Two Movies, Get One Full-Week Rental Free at participating BLOCKBUSTER(R) Stores

Recognized with the Freddie Awards` “Program of the Year” three years running, Starwood Preferred Guest opens the door to some of the world`s best hotels. Key business destinations around the globe are covered, and leisure opportunities are endless with more than 125 world-class resorts and over 2,700 holes of golf worldwide.

The program made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates and no capacity controls, meaning members can redeem free nights anytime, anywhere. Starwood Preferred Guest members have also cited the program`s hassle-free award redemption, outstanding customer service, and innovative promotions and benefits for elite members. The program boasts an unrivaled portfolio of hotels and resorts which includes some of the world`s most celebrated hotel brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Westin(R), Sheraton(R), W Hotels(R) and Four Points(R) by Sheraton.

To become a Starwood Preferred Guest, please visit www.spg.com or call (877) - STARWOOD. For complete holiday gifts terms and conditions, please visit www.spg.com/holidaygifts.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com

Please contact Starwood`s new, toll-free media hotline at: 866-4-STAR-PR (866-478-2777) for photography or additional information.
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