WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Feb 3, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has been named a 2003 AARP Privileges program participant, positioning Starwood`s family of six hotel brands as a pre-eminent lodging source to AARP`s 35 million members.

Beginning immediately, AARP members will have access to discounts of up to 50% off rack rates through their AARP membership at participating Starwood properties around the world. Additionally, Starwood will extend AARP members benefits through Starwood Preferred Guest(R), Starwood`s award winning loyalty program.

“We recognize the breadth of the 50 + adult market as the fastest growing demographic in the U.S.,” said Bob Moore, senior vice president of global sales for Starwood. “As an AARP Privileges provider, Starwood is positioned as the only travel partner for AARP members seeking mid-scale, full service accommodations of the Four Points by Sheraton brand to the upscale and most sought after luxury experiences from our Sheraton, Westin, W, St. Regis and Luxury Collection hotels. A large number of AARP members already participate in Starwood Preferred Guest, and we are thrilled to offer even greater value to this most important segment.”

“We are delighted that all six of the worldwide Starwood hotel brands have joined the AARP Privileges program,” said Dawn Sweeney, president of AARP Services, Inc. “We`re sure the amenities and features of their world class hotels, in conjunction with the program`s attractive benefits, will entice many 50+ travelers to their exceptional hotels and resorts.”

AARP members are eligible for savings up to 50% off regular rates on stays that include a Thursday, Friday or Saturday arrival and are purchased at least 21 days in advance. Additional AARP discounts include 15-25% off rack rates. Through this relationship, AARP members will also receive complimentary access to the Preferred Plus(R) tier of Starwood Preferred Guest. This unpublished level provides members with such benefits as complimentary Preferred Room upgrades upon arrival and 4 p.m. late checkout, based on availability. During each stay, AARP Preferred Plus members will earn Starpoints on all eligible hotel charges that can be used for free hotel stays, free flights and more. The specially designed partnership also provides AARP members with a $50 savings certificate to enjoy on a future stay, following the completion of their first five stays. For more information, reservations and to join, AARP members can access a dedicated toll-free number (877)-778-2277 or visit www.starwood.com/aarp. To access both rate programs, please refer to Promotion Code AAR. Members must show their AARP membership card at check-in.

Starwood Preferred Guest was voted the number one hotel loyalty program in the world three years in a row by frequent travelers via Insideflyer magazine. The program made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates or capacity controls, meaning members can redeem free nights anytime, anywhere. Starwood Preferred Guest also offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program. With more than 750 participating hotels and resorts around the world, the program is the industry`s most global and offers a structure focused on simplicity, flexibility in redemption options and inclusion of all Starwood`s brands.

“Starwood Hotels & Resorts is pleased to offer incredible opportunities for savings for AARP members,” said Chris Austin, vice president global leisure sales for Starwood. “Seventy-five percent of AARP members are grandparents and these members can now enjoy vacationing with their grandchildren at more than 100 resorts or enjoy a city break in major cities around the globe.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over. It provides information and resources; is an advocate on legislative, consumer, and legal issues; assists members to serve their communities; and offers a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for its members. These benefits include AARP Webplace at www.aarp.org, AARP: The Magazine, the monthly AARP Bulletin, and a Spanish language newspaper, Segunda Juventud. Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.

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 franchisor 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.

To become a member, simply access the Starwood website, at www.starwood.com. Once you reach the home page, simply click on “Company News”, enter your e-mail address, and click “Subscribe”.

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