Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces the debut of its renowned The Luxury Collection brand in Russia, with the joining of Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Following the first phase of a significant renovation to the hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces, the iconic Moscow hotel has joined The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 70 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts. Built in 1903 by famed Russian architect Alexander Ivanov, Hotel National has been a historic landmark for more than a century, in a magnificent location overlooking the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square in the very heart of Moscow’s historical, cultural and business center. The award winning hotels that make up The Luxury Collection include Hotel Danieli, Venice; Grande Bretagne, Athens; Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain; The Laguna Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills; and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations, where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its distinct Russian heritage, classic architecture and Art Nouveau design, Hotel National adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection’s glittering ensemble.”

“With the opening of Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, we proudly introduce The Luxury Collection brand to Moscow. This hotel is a true expression of its destination, making it a perfect addition to The Luxury Collection’s portfolio of spectacular hotels and resorts,” says Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The property’s long-standing history of welcoming prominent people from around the world, combined with its striking location, impeccable service and renovated interior ensure it will provide a unique and enriching experience to our guests.”

The historical grandeur and understated elegance of the property, together with the exceptional signature The Luxury Collection services and discrete modern technology, makes Hotel National a favorite destination in Moscow for sophisticated global explorers. Hotel National has undergone an extensive renovation of all guest rooms, suites and public areas, restoring the hotel to its original splendour creating a contemporary luxury that will uphold the hotel’s legacy as a landmark destination. Each of the 206 luxuriously appointed guest rooms feature genuine and exclusive furniture inspired by the hotel’s nineteenth century décor, spacious bathing and dressing areas, as well as state-of-the-art technologies including plasma TVs and DVD players. In addition, the hotel’s 56 historical suites are adorned with authentic and rare Russian antiquities, including vases, lamps, mirrors, statues and paintings. Many of the hotel’s guest rooms boast exceptional city views including panoramas of the Kremlin.

The second renovation phase is scheduled to commence in 2010 and will bring about an underground parking, new spa and fitness facilities as well as two magnificent Presidential suites. Future renovation plans will also include the addition of an exclusive courtyard restaurant as well as a redesign of Hotel National’s renowned Alexandrovsky bar and Moskovski restaurant with a new haute cuisine culinary concept. Combining historical ambience in the best possible location with innovative elegance and a legacy of unparalleled service Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel is the epitome of Russian hospitality and has played host to kings, heads of state, aristocrats and dignitaries from around the world. The restoration of Hotel National will be completed by the end of 2012.