Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) yesterday announced the grand opening of The Westin Austin at The Domain – the first Westin hotel to open in Austin, Texas.

The opening festivities featured a performance by local music talent, Ryan Harkrider, highlighting Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Owned by White Lodging and Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, The Westin Austin at The Domain offers 340 guestrooms and suites and the full suite of the Westin brand’s signature amenities and services.

The newly constructed hotel has a prime location within The Domain, Austin’s prestigious, upscale lifestyle center, just steps from a variety of upscale shops, restaurants and entertainment. Less than 15 minutes from downtown Austin, The Westin Austin at The Domain is convenient to the live music venues on Sixth Street, the lounges of the Warehouse District and top-rated University of Texas sporting events. Also nearby are the Arboretum mall, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, a choice of premium golf courses and numerous corporations including Dell Computer, IBM and Apple.

“We are delighted to extend the Westin brand into the dynamic city of Austin, known for its thriving high-tech businesses and world-renowned live music scene,” said Nancy London, Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “The Westin Austin at The Domain delivers our signature blend of sophistication and rejuvenation, designed to send guests home feeling even better than when they arrived.”

The soothing Westin Sensory Welcome creates a memorable first impression as guests enter the hotel, with its blend of signature white tea scent, music, botanicals and mood lighting. In their rooms, hotel guests will awaken their senses with the Westin Heavenly Bath experience and restore in the Heavenly Bed, a 10-layer ensemble of luxurious comfort featuring a pillow-top mattress set, a cozy down blanket, three crisp sheets, a comforter, duvet and five plush pillows. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.

An ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, The Westin Austin at The Domain offers nearly 17,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, catering and event planning services, and the latest in meeting technology. Additional facilities include Urban restaurant and lounge, a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT Gym, business center and heated outdoor pool.