Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced plans to introduce its Westin brand to San Jose, California.  Owned by SCH Partners, The Westin San Jose is slated to open in July 2013 directly across the street from the newly-expanded San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Built in 1926 and now a National Historic Landmark, the hotel was formerly known as the Sainte Claire. The hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation prior to flying the Westin flag and will feature the brand’s historic hotel design scheme.

The Westin San Jose will offer an ideal location at the center of downtown, close to the offices of many high-tech businesses including Apple, Google and eBay. Adjacent to the California Theater, the hotel is close to American Musical Theater of San Jose, San Jose Repertory Theater and San Jose Symphony & Civic Light Opera. Also nearby are HP Pavilion, Logitech Ice, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, and numerous shops and restaurants.

“The Westin San Jose will be a terrific addition to our growing portfolio, offering travelers a revitalizing urban retreat in the ‘Capital of Silicon Valley,’” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Here, guests will enjoy all of Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to inspire well-being and send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.”

Boasting 10,000 square feet of fully renovated, state-of-the-art meeting space, The Westin San Jose is an ideal choice for weddings, social galas and business functions. The hotel’s full-service restaurant, Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana is the perfect spot for a business lunch or an elegant dinner. The Westin Jose will also include the brand’s signature WestinWORKOUT(R) gym experience and a 24-hour business center.

“Westin continues to be a strong performer and is capturing a growing share of conversion opportunities in dynamic markets across North America,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “A long-time developer favorite, Westin has emerged as an international market leader and is on track to open its 200th hotel in the next 12 months.”

The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programs and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalizing experience with a better you in mind. Following renovations, all 171 guestrooms (including 16 suites) at The Westin San Jose will feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly(R) Bed - an oasis of lush sheets, down and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. The hotel will also feature the Westin brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX(R) menu which includes options to tempt every palate, and the industry-leading WestinWORKOUT(R) that gives guests plenty of choices for cardio, strength and stretching. Guests will revive in the Heavenly(R) Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly(R) Shower, Heavenly(R) Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space to help guests work well in a convenient and productive setting.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG(R) 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.