Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has been named an AAA Show Your Card & Save national lodging partner, positioning Starwood`s family of six hotel brands as a preferred lodging source to AAA`s 46 million members in North America and affiliate member clubs in Europe, Mexico and Korea. Beginning immediately, AAA members will enjoy special advance purchase discounts of up to 50% off rack rates at participating Starwood properties around the world. Additionally, Starwood will extend AAA members benefits through Starwood Preferred Guest(R), Starwood`s award-winning loyalty program.
“We recognize the massive reach of the AAA organization, America`s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, and the power of the 46 million membership base in North America,” said Bob Moore, senior vice president of global sales for Starwood. “Starwood provides AAA members a wide range of lodging options ranging from the 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. Large numbers of AAA members already choose Starwood hotels and participate in Starwood Preferred Guest, and with our new preferred partner relationship, AAA members can select Starwood with even more confidence.”

“AAA is pleased to participate in bringing this valuable benefit to its members,” said Mark Brown, AAA executive vice president. “We believe Starwood can assist AAA in achieving one of its top goals - making AAA membership invaluable through positive, memorable travel experiences for members. With the anticipated upswing in summer travel, AAA members will benefit from the variety of options offered by the Starwood brands.”

In addition to receiving special member rates, AAA 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 This unpublished level provides members with such benefits as complimentary Preferred Room upgrades upon arrival and 4 p.m. late checkout, based on availability.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, AAA 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 AAA members with a bonus 1,000 Starpoints for the first three stays through June 1 2004. For more information, reservations and to join, AAA members can access a dedicated toll-free number (866)-782-7737 or visit www.starwood.com/aaa. Members must show their AAA Club membership card at check-in.

Starwood Preferred Guest was voted the number one hotel loyalty program in the world four 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 AAA members,” said Chris Austin, vice president global leisure sales for Starwood. “Starwood is excited to continue to embrace the AAA / CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) travel agency and auto travel counselor network and support these associates with 10% commission payable on all AAA rates. In addition, AAA/CAA travel agency and auto travel counselors will soon be able to learn more about Starwood Hotels & Resorts via a dedicated online training program.”

As North America`s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 46 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

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 105,000 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

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