Starwood CEO Steven J. Heyer has revealed his pleasure that the companies first quarter 2006 has exceeded all growth expectations.

Highlights from the Starwood results include:

- Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations increased 17.1% to $0.41   compared to $0.35 for the first quarter of 2005.  Including special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.34 compared to $0.36 in the first quarter of 2005.

- Worldwide system-wide REVPAR, excluding Le Méridien, increased 10.3%  compared to the first quarter of 2005.  System-wide REVPAR for Same-Store Hotels in North America increased 12.1% when compared to the first quarter of 2005. 
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