Starwood reveals Westin Napa project

24 August 2006

Starwood and Intrawest have announced plans to
build the Westin Verasa Napa, a 160-unit luxury condominium-hotel located
in America’s premier wine region, Napa Valley, California.With
construction beginning in late 2006 and a planned opening date of 2008, the
highly anticipated Westin Verasa Napa will be the first full-service
property to come to Napa in nearly five years.
Napa is an idyllic getaway in which to enjoy the best aspects of fine
living. The hotel is located approximately two blocks east of downtown Napa
and within walking distance to COPIA, The American Center for Wine, Food &
the Arts, and a short drive from San Francisco. The Napa Valley is the
foremost wine producing location in North America, well known for its
culinary attractions, spas and a casual, inviting atmosphere making it a
perfect location for a Westin Hotel.
“This Napa location is the embodiment of Westin’s vision of being a
serene, relaxing haven for those with discerning tastes,” said Sue Brush,
senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. “The inspired
architectural design, the integration with Napa’s natural beauty and the
Westin brand signature services and amenities provide the opportunity to
own a truly unparalleled piece of the Napa valley. Everything Napa is just
beyond your doorstep at the Westin Verasa Napa.”
According to Kate King, president and CEO of the Napa Chamber of
Commerce, “The addition of a Westin property in downtown Napa speaks to
this area’s rich heritage of delivering the world’s best wines, shops and
lodging to visitors. Napa is known worldwide as the heart of the American
wine country and we welcome companies such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts and
Intrawest as they look to become an integral part of Napa’s local economy
and stewards of the wine country experience for Napa’s four-million
visitors each year.”
The Westin Verasa Napa Residences is a whole ownership condo-hotel—
the newest trend in real estate. The property will add 160 hotel rooms and
5320 square feet of conference space to the Napa Valley. The hotel will be
managed by Intrawest’s Hospitality Management division.
The design of the hotel is based on historic regional precedents,
recalling the many influences evident in Napa and Bay area architecture,
including window bays, timbered elements, as well as wood, stone and
concrete accents. The building embraces the Napa River with an expansive
pool courtyard and south wing opening up to the river. Guests will also
benefit from the signature services and amenities Westin is renowned for
including the Westin Heavenly Bed and Westin Heavenly Bath.
Additional amenities will include a pool, hot tub, conference space,
fitness center, easy access to river walking paths, valet, concierge and
other signature Westin services.
The new Westin brand positioning is centered on renewal and offering
guests the services, products and amenities that will help them rejuvenate,
relax and restore their mind, body and spirit. In keeping with this brand
message, all Westin hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean are
smoke-free.
The Westin Verasa Napa is the newest addition to the Westin brand which
is in the midst of its most robust growth period in its 75-year history.
Having signed more than 40 deals last year, and with more than 50 new
hotels scheduled to open between now and 2009, Westin is the fastest
growing upper-upscale hotel brand in the world. Parent company Starwood is
aggressively growing its global footprint, having signed a record number of
new hotel deals last year, and continuing to win more new upper-upscale and
luxury projects than its competitors.
The Westin Verasa Napa will be the fifth Westin property managed by
Intrawest, following The Westin Resort and Spa at Tremblant, Quebec; The
Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; The Westin
Monache, Mammoth, which is currently under construction in Mammoth Lakes,
California, and the Westin Imagine Orlando Residences which is currently
under construction in Orlando, Florida.